Thomas Alsop
Research expert covering the global hardware industry
Extended reality (XR) - statistics & facts
As a collective term for all immersive technologies, the extended reality (XR) market includes augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), their convergence in mixed reality (MR), as well as those that are yet to be created. XR technologies extend the reality we experience by either merging the virtual and real worlds or by creating a fully immersive experience. With the XR market expected to grow in the coming years, a range of industries from gaming and entertainment to healthcare and manufacturing could benefit from the adoption of XR.
More companies are entering the XR space
AR makes use of the existing environment by overlaying new information on top of it, whereas VR creates an artificial environment. In both AR and VR, the information or imagery can be made available to the user using a headset or glasses. XR headset vendors include Meta, Pico, and Sony who offer devices that are primarily targeted toward VR, while Microsoft, Xreal, and Viture offer AR glasses and headsets. As these companies continue to research, develop, and release new products to the market, they are also being joined by new players, including Apple. The company released its first mixed reality device, Vision Pro, in early 2024, a headset that signals a wider trend of allowing users to move from virtual to augmented experiences more seamlessly.XR applications continue to grow and develop
Experts suggest that improvements to XR hardware, such as the introduction of smaller and more comfortable devices, coupled with developments in software applications and connectivity, will support the growing adoption of XR across a range of sectors. Healthcare, manufacturing, and the automotive industry are expected to be among those most disrupted by XR technologies. As technology improves further, XR use cases will widen and strengthen, with the economic benefits of XR expected to be felt worldwide.A market that is yet to fully deliver
As the XR market continues to evolve, it is clear that the future has the potential to be far more immersive. With tech giants like Apple, Meta, and Sony, a range of XR specialists, as well as countless startups pushing the boundaries of the technology, the potential applications are broadening. Whether it be exciting immersive experiences in gaming or in entertainment, or for streamlining operations across a range of sectors, the full potential of XR is yet to be realized.
