The debut of the Apple Vision Pro has ignited a new wave of enthusiasm and development within the AR/VR headset market, even as its premium pricing places it out of reach for many consumers. This resurgence of interest has been largely attributed to Apple's strategic emphasis on Mixed Reality (MR), a hybrid approach that blends Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), which was previously underexplored in the industry.
According to IDC, a leading market research firm, Apple's foray into MR with the Vision Pro has cast a spotlight on the potential of MR technologies, encouraging other companies to explore this avenue. "Apple has shone a bright light on MR with the Vision Pro," remarked Ramon T. Llamas, IDC's research director. Jitesh Ubrani, IDC's research manager, added that many firms, including Meta, are now transitioning from VR-focused offerings to MR, setting the stage for advanced AR experiences in the future.
Despite a 23.5% decline in global AR and VR headset shipments in 2023, IDC is optimistic about the market's prospects. The firm projects a robust 44.2% growth in shipments by the end of 2024, reaching 9.8 million units, driven in part by the introduction of new headsets. By 2028, IDC predicts VR headset shipments will climb to 24.7 million units, with AR headsets reaching 10.9 million units.
This anticipated growth is not solely due to the increased interest in MR and AR technologies. IDC highlights a significant shift towards using headsets for content creation, rather than purely for consumption. Furthermore, the firm expects AI to play a crucial role in the development of innovative content for these devices, potentially transforming how users interact with digital environments.
While Apple's Vision Pro is currently seen as a luxury item, its impact on the AR/VR market is undeniable. Bloomberg suggests that the Vision Pro could eventually represent a substantial segment of Apple's business, akin to the iPad market. However, a more accessible version of the Vision Pro is not expected until mid-2025 at the earliest, indicating that Apple's influence on the AR/VR landscape is only just beginning.
