According to the latest figures from IDC, the virtual reality (VR)/augmented reality (AR) market declined by 54.4% in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year, in response to economic conditions at half mast and therefore less demand for this kind of non-essential electronic products.
Virtual reality headset, Meta leader ahead of Sony
The virtual reality sector represents 96.2% of VR/AR products distributed this first quarter, and Meta remains the leader with 47.8% market share, followed by Sony and its PSVR 2 headset at 35.9% while it was launched in February.
The word to Jitesh Ubrani, research director at IDC
“Despite the recent decline, it is an exciting time for the AR/VR market as new players and the next generation of headsets are expected in the weeks and months to come,” said Jitesh Ubrani, Director research at IDC. He adds: After Sony's strong comeback as Meta's major competitor, all eyes are on Apple (Editor's note: Apple unveiled its Vision Pro headphones two days ago, Monday evening). Apple's sizable install base in terms of existing products and services will certainly help differentiate the company's headset from other AR/VR vendors, although Apple's share of the market will remain limited in the near term due to the presumed consumer/professional approach and the high price associated with the helmet".
