As we approach 2024, the era of augmented reality (AR) glasses/headsets, enriched with advanced AI technology, is unfolding. These headsets are transforming from novel gadgets to indispensable tools in our daily lives, offering not just digital overlays but real-time responsive enhancements to our environment. This marks a pivotal year where AR glasses/headsets become the most exciting intelligent companions, enhancing daily experiences from movie watching to efficient home control, world exploration through maps, and more. The fusion of AR and AI is creating a new era of digital experiences, redefining our interaction with the world and elevating the efficiency of our everyday tasks.
IDC Figures
According to IDC's latest report, 2024 is set to be a landmark year for AR headsets/glasses, with projected shipment growth of 46.4%. This increase is expected to kickstart a period of rapid expansion, leading to an estimated 6.8 million units shipped by 2027, equivalent to a 96.5% CAGR from 2023. This significant growth, spurred by breakthroughs in AI-generated content, marks the beginning of an “augmented mentality” era. In this new era, AR technology will seamlessly blend into our lives, enhancing our daily interactions and experiences.
Tech Giants: Leading the AR Revolution
Meta is reportedly set to unveil its first genuine AR glasses, codenamed Orion, in 2024.
Samsung, Google and Qualcomm are reportedly geared up to bring 30,000 units of their mixed reality headsets to the market in late 2024
The Apple Vision Pro, unveiled at WWDC 2023, is scheduled for early 2024 release in the U.S., starting at US$3,499. Initial shipment estimates range from 500,000 to 1 million units.
AR EcoSystem
Apple's visionOS, introduced at WWDC 2023, is a new operating system for the Vision Pro, optimized for spatial computing and reminiscent of iOS.
Google and Samsung are partnering to create an immersive XR platform based on Android, maybe launching alongside Samsung's mixed reality headset.
iPhone VS Vision Pro
Data source: statista
The iPhone's launch in 2007 marked a significant technological milestone, selling 1.39 million units and experiencing a 736.69% surge in sales the following year.
The global smartphone market initially saw rapid growth, later stabilizing and reaching saturation by 2018.
Just as the iPhone redefined communication after its launch in 2007, sparking a period of explosive growth in the smartphone industry, we stand at a similar juncture with augmented reality (AR) glasses/headsets. But It’s crucial to consider the differences that may shape their trajectory. The original iPhone, introduced at $499, was a leap in accessibility compared to the Vision Pro’s starting price of $3,499. This stark contrast in pricing could influence the adoption rate of AR glasses/headsets. Various factors, including technology maturity, market readiness, and cost, will also play pivotal roles in determining whether AR glasses will experience their own explosive growth period soon.
Can we expect AR glasses/headsets to mimic the smooth sales climb of smartphones?
Reference
Why 2024 will be the year of ‘augmented mentality’
AR/VR Headset Market Forecast to Decline 8.3% in 2023 But Remains on Track to Rebound in 2024, According to IDC
The Immersive Future: AIGC's Impact on VR and AR Interactivity and Education
Number of smartphones sold to end users worldwide from 2007 to 2022