Big Tech companies are betting big on virtual and mixed reality, but it's unclear whether they've finally cracked the code on making these technologies mainstream. In reality, however, only a niche group of enthusiasts and businesses are buying into VR and XR headsets.
While some might assume that with three new headsets launching or being announced in the last month - including Apple’s M5 Vision Pro, Samsung's Galaxy XR, and Valve's Steam Frame - tech giant Big Tech must finally have mass-market appeal on its side. The truth is, however, that this isn't the next iPhone just yet.
According to analysts, everyone who wants a VR headset already has one, with companies like Gartner estimating that only 5-6 percent of total VR shipments in 2025 will be premium headsets priced over $1,000. Instead, most users are content with cheaper options available - and these consumers are the ones driving demand.
The real question is who's buying headsets? And why are they so compelling to tech giants? The answer lies not in mass-market appeal but rather in niche markets where companies can justify expensive investments.
For one, many of the people buying headsets aren't your average consumer. Instead, they're developers and businesses looking to create new experiences or streamline processes. Take Apple's Vision Pro headsets for example - only 400,000 were shipped last year, mostly going to developers and enterprises rather than individual consumers.
It turns out these users are drawn to the potential of headsets like the Vision Pro. They use them at their offices, replacing multiple monitors in operating rooms or making jobs easier by providing a large workspace. But comfort, fit, price, and lack of flexibility remain major pain points for many.
And while some companies invest heavily in VR technology - including Meta and Google - they're also mindful that these markets are far from stable. As one developer notes, "The biggest challenge right now is that it's still very much a niche market."
So what does the future hold? For some enthusiasts like Ruby Voigt, owning a piece of tech history is enough - she keeps her Vision Pro on a shelf as a memento. But for others, getting a taste of the future and investing in cutting-edge technology remains a worthwhile venture - even if it means tolerating price tags over $1,000.
Ultimately, Big Tech's bets on VR and XR headsets are about more than just mass-market appeal - they're about pioneering new markets and solving real-world problems. Whether these technologies eventually become mainstream or forever remain niche, one thing is certain: only time will tell if the promised future of virtual reality is truly here to stay.
While some might assume that with three new headsets launching or being announced in the last month - including Apple’s M5 Vision Pro, Samsung's Galaxy XR, and Valve's Steam Frame - tech giant Big Tech must finally have mass-market appeal on its side. The truth is, however, that this isn't the next iPhone just yet.
According to analysts, everyone who wants a VR headset already has one, with companies like Gartner estimating that only 5-6 percent of total VR shipments in 2025 will be premium headsets priced over $1,000. Instead, most users are content with cheaper options available - and these consumers are the ones driving demand.
The real question is who's buying headsets? And why are they so compelling to tech giants? The answer lies not in mass-market appeal but rather in niche markets where companies can justify expensive investments.
For one, many of the people buying headsets aren't your average consumer. Instead, they're developers and businesses looking to create new experiences or streamline processes. Take Apple's Vision Pro headsets for example - only 400,000 were shipped last year, mostly going to developers and enterprises rather than individual consumers.
It turns out these users are drawn to the potential of headsets like the Vision Pro. They use them at their offices, replacing multiple monitors in operating rooms or making jobs easier by providing a large workspace. But comfort, fit, price, and lack of flexibility remain major pain points for many.
And while some companies invest heavily in VR technology - including Meta and Google - they're also mindful that these markets are far from stable. As one developer notes, "The biggest challenge right now is that it's still very much a niche market."
So what does the future hold? For some enthusiasts like Ruby Voigt, owning a piece of tech history is enough - she keeps her Vision Pro on a shelf as a memento. But for others, getting a taste of the future and investing in cutting-edge technology remains a worthwhile venture - even if it means tolerating price tags over $1,000.
Ultimately, Big Tech's bets on VR and XR headsets are about more than just mass-market appeal - they're about pioneering new markets and solving real-world problems. Whether these technologies eventually become mainstream or forever remain niche, one thing is certain: only time will tell if the promised future of virtual reality is truly here to stay.
. People think they're just going to magically become super popular overnight? Nope, it's all about the niche markets for now 
. I mean, who needs a $1,000 headset when you can get a decent one for half that price? 
And don't even get me started on the comfort and fit issues 
. I'd love to see some innovative designs in there, but so far, it's all just a bunch of fancy tech talk 
.
What about the businesses and developers who are actually driving demand? They're the ones who need these headsets to create new experiences and streamline processes. That's where the real value lies, not in some mass-market appeal 
.
Will it be when they become more affordable and user-friendly? Or will we have to wait for the tech giants to figure out how to make them more accessible to the general public? 
Either way, I'm keeping an eye on this space, but I'm not holding my breath 
.
... it's still super expensive and not as cool as just playing video games on my console 
! But seriously, I don't get why companies are so hyped about VR - I mean, have you ever tried using a headset in public? You look like a total noob 
!
. But hey, if it solves real-world problems or makes jobs easier, I'm all for it 
.
... but who knows? Maybe one day it'll become mainstream and I can finally try out that sweet virtual reality stuff 
! Until then, I'll stick to my console gaming 
5-6% of total VR shipments in 2025 will be premium headsets priced over $1,000 
. They might see the potential of headsets like Apple's Vision Pro, but comfort, fit, and price are still major pain points 
.
. But hey, if it's worth it for them, who cares? 
The future of VR is looking uncertain, but one thing's for sure - only time will tell if these technologies become a staple in our daily lives 
.
But seriously, these tech giants are betting big on this niche market because they see potential for growth in industries like healthcare and education.
or design studios 
. But comfort, fit, and price still major pain points... maybe they'll get better with time?
. Even if VR becomes mainstream, it's cool to see these companies pushing the boundaries of what's possible 
. And who knows, maybe one day we'll have more affordable options that make it accessible to everyone 
.