VR's future is uncertain, with even major players like Apple and Samsung facing challenges.
It's been almost ten years since my first encounter with VR. And now, in the era of mixed reality headsets, things are starting to look grim.
Reports suggest Apple intends to redesign the Vision Pro as a more affordable and lightweight augmented reality device. This raises the question of why the initial product did not meet expectations, considering it was meant to be a groundbreaking innovation.
Despite being a mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro suffers from typical VR limitations. The author recalls being impressed but also doubtful about VR's potential in 2016. After waiting for the technology to improve, it's now clear that certain limitations are insurmountable, suggesting VR's fundamental flaws could not be overcome even by Apple's enhancements.
Comfort is a significant issue. Early VR headsets like the HTC Vive, weighing 470 grams, caused fatigue. The Vision Pro is heavier, between 600 and 650 grams, plus a 350-gram tethered battery. Motion sickness and eye strain are also problems. The separation from reality is a major drawback, which Apple tried to address with the Vision Pro's pass-through feature, but it wasn't sufficient.
VR creates a barrier between users and the real world, hindering natural interaction. Price is also a factor. The Vision Pro costs $3,500, and even the $799 HTC Vive struggles with sales. These high prices hinder VR adoption, but usability issues are more significant.
Omdia reports that consumer VR headset sales decreased by 10% in 2024, from 7.7 million to 6.9 million units. Headset usage has also declined, indicating that many users abandon the devices after trying them.
Developer skepticism is also present. A recent study revealed that only 13% of developers outside the VR field anticipate shifting their focus to VR within the next five years. The VR gaming market, which has been VR's primary focus for a decade, is also slowing down, with 56% of game developers believing it is declining or stagnant.
The VR software scene lacks groundbreaking applications that cannot be replicated on traditional screens. Niche applications exist for engineers, architects, and mechanics, but these are far from achieving mass adoption.
Leaks of the Samsung Galaxy XR headset reveal Samsung's vision for a mainstream headset, but it may not offer significant improvements over the Vision Pro, despite running on Android XR.
The Galaxy XR is still heavy (545 grams) and includes an external battery. It is unlikely to have revolutionary applications. Even at a lower price, it may face the same fate as the Vision Pro.
While the distinction between VR and AR is sometimes unclear, AR avoids many VR's disadvantages and offers valuable features. Lightweight AR glasses connected to a phone allow users to interact with and enhance their environment.
Applications include navigation, real-time translation, and contextual information. Even early AR prototypes have proven more useful than VR headsets.
The author questions whether VR is failing and whether AR has a better chance.
The author's new book "Iconic Phones: Revolution at Your Fingertips" will be released this fall. It explores the technological revolution of the 21st century.
The author's new book "Iconic Phones: Revolution at Your Fingertips" will be released this fall. It explores the technological revolution of the 21st century.
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