VR and MR Headset Market Poised for Growth Led by Affordability and New applications
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The global market for virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) headsets is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the increasing adoption of affordable devices and a shift toward productivity applications. According to a recent report from TrendForce, shipments of VR and MR headsets are projected to reach 9.6 million units in 2024, representing an 8.8% year-on-year increase. This growth is fueled by three key trends: the rise of budget-friendly devices, the expansion of VR and MR beyond entertainment into productivity realms, and the emergence of OLEDoS as the preferred display technology for high-end devices.
Meta continues to dominate the market with a 73% share in 2024, largely due to the success of its affordable Quest 3S headset. Priced at just US$299, the Quest 3S has seen strong sales, contributing to an 11% year-on-year increase in Meta’s shipments. Recognizing the importance of affordability in driving consumer adoption, Meta has prioritized the release of the Quest 3S while pausing plans for its high-end Quest Pro 2.
Sony’s PS VR2 secured the second-largest market share at 9% in 2024. Despite efforts to integrate the PS VR2 with PC platforms, limitations in functionality and submission support have hampered its performance, resulting in a 25% year-on-year decline in shipments.
Apple’s entry into the VR/MR market with the Vision Pro, priced at a premium, captured a 5% market share. However, sales figures fell short of expectations due to the high price and limited application availability.
“The entry of Apple’s Vision Pro, coupled with Meta’s focus on affordable devices, highlights the importance of price sensitivity in the VR/MR market,” notes TrendForce. This emphasis on affordability has solidified LCD technology as the dominant display choice, accounting for over 80% of the market.
Vision Pro Sets New Standard for User Expectations
The launch of the Apple Vision Pro has marked a significant shift in the perception of VR and MR devices, moving them beyond entertainment and into the realm of multi-functional productivity tools. The Vision Pro is redefining the capabilities and applications of VR/MR, enabling tasks such as document editing, virtual meetings, and advanced applications in healthcare and education.This broadened scope is expected to encourage other brands to enhance the functionality of their VR/MR devices, expanding their reach into both consumer and enterprise markets.
Although high-priced devices are facing challenges, the Vision Pro has successfully set a new benchmark for user expectations. It is the first device to feature OLEDoS display technology, establishing a new standard for visual quality and product specifications in the VR/MR market. Apple’s expertise in hardware design and its established presence in the consumer electronics landscape position the company as a key driver in shaping the future of VR and MR.
looking ahead, Apple plans to launch its next generation of VR/MR devices in 2026, offering two distinct models targeting both the high-end and mainstream segments.The high-end model will likely continue using OLEDoS display technology with a resolution exceeding 3,000 PPI, delivering exceptional visual experiences.
For its mainstream model, Apple is expected to prioritize affordability and cost-efficiency. Potential display options include glass-based OLED displays and LCDs with LTPO backplane technology, both of which strike a balance between performance and cost, allowing apple to target a broader range of consumers.
By deploying a dual-track strategy, Apple aims to solidify its position in the global VR and MR market, catering to both premium and mainstream segments.
## Archyde Exclusive: The Future is Affordable – An Interview about the booming VR/MR Headset Market
Welcome back to Archyde, everyone. Today we’re diving deep into the exciting world of virtual and mixed reality, a market experiencing a major surge thanks to some key trends. To dissect this growth, I’m joined by [Alex Reed Name], a leading expert in [Alex Reed Expertise].
[Alex Reed Name], thanks for joining us.
**[Alex Reed name]:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Archyde:** The VR/MR landscape is changing rapidly. According to a recent report by TrendForce, we’re looking at 9.6 million VR/MR headsets shipped in 2024, an 8.8% increase year-on-year. What are the driving forces behind this growth?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** Certainly, there are some fascinating trends at play. One key factor is the increasing accessibility of these devices. Budget-friendly options like Meta’s Quest 3S, priced at a very attractive US$299 [[1](https://arc.dev/company/samsung)],are drawing in new users who may have previously found VR/MR prohibitive. This accessibility is crucial for expanding the market.
**Archyde:** You mentioned Meta. They’re still dominating the market, aren’t they?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** Absolutely. Meta holds a commanding 73% market share in 2024, largely thanks to the success of the Quest 3S. Its affordability has clearly resonated with consumers, contributing to an 11% year-on-year increase in Meta’s shipments.
**archyde:** It’s not just about gaming anymore, right? VR/MR is finding new applications.
**[Alex Reed Name]:** Exactly. We’re seeing a shift beyond entertainment, with VR and MR being adopted for productivity purposes. Industries like education, training, healthcare, and even architecture are discovering the immense potential of these technologies.
**Archyde:** What’s your outlook on the future of this market?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** I’m incredibly optimistic. The combination of affordability, expanding applications, and advancements in display technology, like the emergence of OLEDoS for high-end devices, sets the stage for continued growth.It’s an exciting time to be part of this evolution.
**Archyde:** Thank you so much for sharing your insights, [Alex Reed Name]. It’s clear that the VR/MR market is on the cusp of something truly remarkable, driven by accessibility and innovation.
## archyde Interview: The Future of VR and AR After Apple’s Vision Pro
**Archyde News Editor:** Welcome to Archyde. Today, we’re discussing the burgeoning market for virtual reality and mixed reality headsets with [Alex Reed Name], a leading expert in consumer technology.
[Alex Reed Name], thanks for joining us. let’s dive into the recent TrendForce report on the VR/MR market.
**[Alex Reed Name]:** My pleasure. It’s an exciting time for VR and AR, and this report highlights some crucial trends shaping the industry.
**Archyde News Editor:** Indeed. The report paints a picture of growth, projecting a significant increase in headset shipments in 2024. What are the key driving forces behind this growth?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** There are several factors at play. First and foremost,
* **Affordability is key**: Devices like Meta’s Quest 3S are making VR much more accessible to mainstream consumers, driving a surge in adoption.
* **Beyond entertainment**: We’re seeing VR/MR evolve beyond gaming and entertainment. Applications for productivity, education, and healthcare are emerging, expanding the appeal to a wider audience.
**Archyde News Editor:** Speaking of Meta, their Quest headsets continue to dominate the market.Though, they’ve paused plans for a high-end Quest Pro 2, focusing rather on affordable options. What does this strategy tell us about the current market priorities?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** It emphasizes the importance of affordability. Meta is recognizing that widespread adoption depends on making VR accessible to a broader audience, and they’re prioritizing that over catering to a niche high-end market.
**Archyde News Editor:** let’s talk about Apple’s entry into the market with the Vision Pro. While it’s garnered significant attention,
the report suggests sales have fallen short of expectations. Why do you think that is?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** the high price point is undoubtedly a barrier for many consumers.
Though, the Vision Pro has set a new standard for visual quality and user experience.
Apple’s focus on premium hardware and seamless integration with its ecosystem will likely pave the way for future iterations that may be more appealing to mainstream users.
**Archyde News Editor:** Looking forward to 2026, Apple is expected to release a second generation of devices. What can we expect to see then?
**[Alex Reed Name]:**
Apple is highly likely to continue its dual-strategy approach with both high-end and more budget-friendly models. They’ll likely leverage advancements in display technology like OLED and LTPO to balance performance and affordability.
the Vision Pro has set a new benchmark for user expectations, and we can expect other brands to follow suit, enhancing the functionality and versatility of their own devices.
**Archyde News Editor:**
The landscape is definitely shifting. Thank you for sharing your insights today, [Alex Reed Name].
[ **Alex Reed Name]** :
My pleasure. The future of VR/MR is certainly shining, and it will be fascinating to see how these trends unfold in the coming years.
