Thomas Alsop
Research expert covering the global hardware industry
AR glasses and headsets - statistics & facts
Augmented reality (AR) headsets and glasses, a categorization that can also include smart glasses, are devices that enable user participation in AR – the combination of the real-world and computer-generated content, live and in real-time. On a consumer level, the AR glasses and headset market was valued at 6.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, with projections suggesting it could rise to over 8.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2025. This rise is being aided by the growing number of AR glasses users, with consumer adoption coming in alongside greater use among enterprises.
A technology that is slowly being accepted
The growth in AR glasses revenue corresponds with a rise in AR headworn device adoption. In 2024, AR headworn device unit sales were expected to reach 1.49 million, with an installed base of 2.22 million units. This upward trend is set to continue, with forecasts hinting that by 2028, AR headworn device sales will surpass two million units annually, contributing to an installed base of 5.8 million. The increasing prevalence of these devices indicates a growing market acceptance and integration of AR technology into daily life and business operations.AR devices are beginning to evolve more rapidly
Microsoft, Magic Leap, and Xreal sit as some of the most recognizable AR glasses vendors, developing devices that are helping to support the increased adoption of AR across a range of use cases. Major investment from the leading tech companies will also further support the AR market, notably that of Apple and Meta. In the case of Apple, its release of Vision Pro, a mixed reality device that enables users to move from a virtual to augmented experience, is an example of how interest in AR can be accelerated when big tech looks to get involved.Becoming an everyday reality
As the AR glasses market continues to mature, its scope is expanding beyond gaming, entertainment, and retail. Firms are now more often deploying AR solutions across healthcare, manufacturing, and other industrial environments. Greater investment and the introduction of more-varied device types, including low-immersion devices like Ray-Ban Meta, will help to secure further market growth. As a result, the future of the AR glasses market is promising, with the potential to revolutionize industries and everyday life.
