Virtual Reality Headsets See Explosive Growth
Virtual reality headsets grew more than 50% in the first quarter of
2021 compared with the same period last year, according to a new
report. Facebook, which has owned Oculus since 2014, was one of the
key driving factors.
According to information released by market research firm IDC,
shipments of VR headsets grew 52.4% in Q1 2021. For the year, IDC is
forecasting somewhat lower growth as a result of component shortages
impacting all areas of technology. For the year, IDC predicted
headset shipments of about 7.15 million, with compound annual growth
through 2025 anticipated at 41.4%. Headset shipments are expected to
hit 28.6 million units in 2025.
"Oculus has single-handedly driven growth in the market as the
company managed to capture almost two thirds share of global VR
headset shipments during the quarter," said Jitesh Ubrani,
research manager for IDC's Mobile and Consumer Device Trackers, in a
prepared statement. "While the company currently dominates the
consumer segment it faces competition in the commercial segment and
its lack of presence in China leaves an opportunity for local brands
as well as brands that can cater to businesses."
According to IDC’s Worldwide
Quarterly Augmented and Virtual Reality Headset Tracker:
“Standalone headsets, which feature an all-encompassing design such
as the Oculus Quest 2 or the HTC Vive Focus, accounted for the vast
majority of shipments, capturing 82.7% share during the quarter, up
from 50.5% in the first quarter of 2020. The growing popularity of
gaming, as well as fitness, has helped spread consumer awareness of
VR, while companies like Facebook have made the tech more
accessible.”
Tom Mainelli, group vice president, Device & Consumer Research at
IDC, said VR is playing an increasingly important role in “driving
next-generation collaboration, training, and digital events."
Further details can be found on IDC’s Worldwide
Quarterly Augmented and Virtual Reality Headset Tracker.