2024: The Rise of AR Smart Glasses and Mixed Reality Headsets – A Shift in XR Trends

2024 may be the start of an XR shift, with a focus on AR smart glasses and mixed reality headsets following the VR headset adoption trend. The Meta Quest 2 and Meta Ray Ban Smart Glasses, as well as the Apple Vision Pro spatial/MR computing headset, are leading the charge in this new wave of XR technology.

ResearchAndMarkets recently released a report forecasting significant growth in the smart glasses market, with global shipments expected to reach 13 million units by 2030. The US and China are projected to be key markets for smart glasses, with a substantial increase in shipments expected in both regions.

Evolve Business Intelligence also predicts a bright future for the AR/VR market, estimating a market size of $374 billion by 2033. The report emphasizes the importance of both hardware and software in driving growth in the XR market, with software development playing a crucial role in creating engaging experiences for consumers and enterprises alike.

However, IDC reported a decline in global AR/VR headset shipments in the first quarter of 2024, with a significant drop in VR headset sales. This decline is attributed to the rise of MR/AR devices, with consumers showing a preference for these more advanced technologies.

Despite the decrease in headset sales, the overall forecast for the XR market remains positive, with IDC anticipating a 43.9% CAGR in headset shipment volume from 2024 to 2028. The shift towards AR/MR devices is expected to continue as prices decrease and new mass-market products enter the market.

Overall, the XR market is evolving rapidly, with a focus on AR smart glasses and mixed reality headsets driving the next wave of innovation in immersive technology. As hardware becomes more sophisticated and software development continues to advance, the future of XR looks promising for both consumers and enterprises.