Augmented reality (AR) adds digital elements to a live view often by using the camera on a smartphone.
Virtual Reality (VR) is the use of computer technology to create a simulated environment.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) continue to gain momentum in the mainstream tech media. According to recent forecast data from the International Data Corporation, (IDC) dedicated AR and VR headsets collectively are expected to grow at a very strong pace from just under 10 million units in 2016 to just shy of 100 million units in 2021, with a 5-year CAGR of 57.7%.
| Worldwide AR and VR Headset Shipments, Segment Share, and CAGR, 2016 – 2021 | ||||||
| Product Category | Segment Group | 2016 Units | 2016 Share | 2021 Units | 2021 Share | CAGR (2016-2021) |
| Augmented Reality | Commercial | 110,512 | 68.0% | 20,454,138 | 83.3% | 184.1% |
| Augmented Reality | Consumer | 51,946 | 32.0% | 4,114,598 | 16.7% | 139.7% |
| Total AR Headsets | 162,458 | 100.0% | 24,568,736 | 100.0% | 172.9% | |
| Source: IDC Worldwide AR/VR Headset Tracker, June 19, 2017 | ||||||
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