Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Headsets Poised for Significant Growth, According to IDC

Worldwide shipments of augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) headsets are forecast to reach 8.9 million units in 2019, up 54.1% from the prior year according to the International Data Corporation ( IDC ) Worldwide Quarterly Augmented and Virtual Reality Headset Tracker. Strong growth is expected to continue as global shipments climb to 68.6 million in 2023 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 66.7% over the 2019-2023 forecast period.IDC forecasts shipments for virtual reality headsets to reach 36.7 million units in 2023 with a five-year CAGR of 46.7%. Among the various products and form factors, Standalone headsets will account for 59% of all VR headsets shipped in 2023, followed by Tethered Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs) with 37.4% share of shipments and Screenless Viewers accounting for the remainder. In the AR headset market, total shipments are expected to reach 31.9 million units in 2023 with a 140.9% CAGR. Once again, Standalone headsets will lead the market with 17.6 million units shipped and 55.3% share in 2023 followed by Tethered HMDs with 44.3% share and Screenless Viewers capturing less than 1%.