Ahead of Apple’s $3k headset, only 4% of teens who own a VR device actually use it

A brand new examine launched by Piper Sandler reveals how teens really feel about digital actuality. The information is fascinating as we’re shifting nearer to Apple unveiling its first mixed-reality headset with a premium value. While Apple is predicted to intention its first headset at builders and professionals, the dearth of curiosity from the teenager demographic – who have already got a VR device – might foreshadow a problem for adoption.

Reported by CNBC, the brand new AR survey by Piper Sandler bought suggestions from 5,600 teens. 29% of the teens recognized as already proudly owning VR {hardware} however simply 4% of them mentioned they use it day by day. And only 14% of them mentioned they use their VR device weekly.

Another piece of information from the examine, teens usually are not enthusiastic about future AR/VR gadgets. Looking ahead, only 7% of them “said they planned to purchase a headset, versus 52% of teens polled who were unsure or uninterested.” That suggests these who already own VR {hardware} aren’t impressed and plenty of who haven’t tried it don’t actually care to.

With AR/VR failing to captivate the younger customers, Apple, Meta, and extra might face a lot of work to determine compelling use circumstances to drive widespread adoption.

The state of AR/VR

Notably, final month, Meta lower the value of its Quest 2 and Pro VR headsets after a powerful 2022 that noticed its Reality Labs division lose a large $13.7 billion {dollars}.

Meanwhile, Apple is engaged on its first blended actuality headset that might be unveiled as quickly as WWDC 2023 in June.

While Meta’s Quest 2 now goes for below $500, Apple’s Reality Pro headset is predicted to be priced far into the premium territory ~$3,000. But in contrast to Meta, Apple is predicted to go after builders and professionals with its first headset. That might assist it construct engaging use circumstances, however as Piper Sandler factors out in its examine, we’re nonetheless within the “early days” of AR/VR.

Ahead of WWDC after we might see Apple announce the Reality Pro headset, take a look at our in-depth protection:

• Apple ‘Reality Pro’ headset will toggle between AR/VR, function Mac show, 2-hour exterior battery packs, extra
• Apple was unsuitable on AR, says Tim Cook; Steve taught him to confess it
• ‘realityOS’ platform referenced in open supply code from Apple forward of Reality Pro blended actuality headset
• Here’s why Apple delaying the launch of its blended actuality headset is a good factor