58 Augmented Reality Statistics to Unveil AR’s Growth

Augmented reality (AR) has rapidly transitioned from a nascent technology into a groundbreaking instrument. It is present in our daily lives and continues to redefine the ways we interact with technology. 

AR technology blends the physical and digital worlds -be it gaming or consumer goods, AR and virtual reality (VR) helps businesses provide a better experience to their customers. Many companies use AR visualization software to project computer-generated objects in the real world.

Let's explore the world of AR through a lens of compelling statistics that help paint a realistic portrait of where AR stands today and how it will trend in the future. 

Whether you're a tech enthusiast, an innovator, an investor, or a curious reader, these statistics will measure the length and breadth of AR's potential, impact, and current prospects. 

Top augmented reality statistics

Augmented reality overlays digitally-created content onto the real world, providing an enhanced or "augmented" experience. It bridges virtual and physical realms, offering an interactive and visually engaging experience.

• 70% of tech leaders foresee AR revenue exceeding that of VR.
• A tiny fraction (1%) of retailers have incorporated AR in their operations. 
• The level of engagement with AR products is double, making them 200% more captivating than their non-AR counterparts.
• Conversion rates are found to be 40% higher with AR.
• The leading reason for using AR is immersion.
• The first AR advertisement debuted in 2008 for BMW's MINI campaign.
• Seven out of ten consumers believe AR has the potential to aid skill development.
• About 94% of business leaders believe that the principal motivation behind AR usage is enjoyment.
• More than half (52%) of retailers need more time to be ready to integrate AR into their retail systems.

AR applications are accessible on various devices such as smartphones, tablets, wearable devices like smart glasses, and AR headsets. These devices use sensors, cameras, and software to identify images and physical objects in the real world and overlay relevant digital content.

Augmented reality growth statistics

The growth of AR has been remarkable and shows no signs of slowing down. Rapid technological advancements, increasing acceptance, and adoption in various sectors drive its rise.

• Projected AR device users will reach 1.4 billion by the completion of 2023.
• The AR market is projected to hit a value of $50 billion by 2024.
• In 2022 retail accounts for 5% of AR use.
• Global expenditure on AR/VR stood at $18.8 billion in 2020.
• Two-thirds (67%) of advertising agencies are increasing their AR usage.
• Only 16% of retailers use AR during the sales phase.
• The combined AR and VR market is currently valued at $31.12 billion.
• By 2023, mobile AR revenue is forecasted to grow from $12.45 billion in 2021 to $21.03 billion.
• In 2020, 83.1 million US citizens used AR monthly.
• The AR market is estimated to skyrocket to over $50 billion by 2024.
• The world invested $12 billion in AR/VR gaming in 2020.

• In 2022, AR/VR displays generated revenues totaling $942 million. Despite the challenging year, the industry is predicted to grow remarkably, with revenues expected to rise by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of  50.7% by 2027.
• AR device users will grow steadily, reaching approximately 1.4 billion by the end of 2023 and 1.73 billion by 2024.
• Deskless workers, who comprise about 80% of the global workforce, might spearhead the adoption of AR technologies.
• As of 2023, the US is home to 1,027 AR startups, reflecting a significant increase in recent years.
• 26% of all smartphones support AR.

According to the industry estimates above, the global AR market will reach a fantastic value in the coming years. The primary factors contributing to this growth include the proliferation of smartphones and other intelligent devices and advancements in AR technology.

Augmented reality consumer statistics

Given the vast array of applications of this technology, AR consumers form a diverse group. AR's appeal spans multiple demographics and industries, from gamers to shoppers, students to professionals.

Educators and students utilize AR in educational settings to enhance learning experiences. Teachers use AR to bring to life abstract concepts, making them more accessible and engaging. Students use AR applications to interact with 3D models, conduct virtual experiments, and explore places they wouldn't otherwise be able to visit.

There is also an increase in AR adoption in the healthcare industry. Professionals use it for various purposes, such as visualizing complex medical conditions, planning surgeries, and training medical students. Patients, in turn, use AR applications for rehabilitation and to better understand their health conditions. 

Let's look at some statistics to understand the state of AR consumers and users.

• 61% of consumers prefer retailers offering AR experiences.
• 71% of shoppers would frequent stores more if they implemented AR.
• Most Japanese consumers (66%) desire offline stores to provide AR experiences.
• Two-fifths of consumers (40%) are willing to pay more for products customizable in AR.
• 32% of consumers incorporate AR in their shopping routine.
• A total of 100 million consumers shopped with AR in 2020.
• An estimated 83.1 million US consumers utilized AR monthly in 2020.
• 70% of consumers aged 16 to 44 are aware of AR.
• Nearly two-fifths (39%) of AR retailers use AR during the consideration phase.
• Among people aged 16 to 44, between 70% and 75% are familiar with AR, whereas this number drops for older demographics.

• More than half (55%) of consumers find shopping with AR more entertaining.
• A recent study found 32% of AR users use it simply because they like it.
• 91.75% of Gen Z shows a strong interest in AR-based shopping.
• AR shopping interest is higher among younger generations, with 94% of Gen Z interested in AR furniture placement.
• 70% of shoppers believe AR apps would influence their shopping frequency.
• 70% of consumers view AR as a valuable tool for skill acquisition.
• According to 72% of US consumers, improved collaboration ranks among the top four advantages of using AR in the workplace.
• 57% of users are inclined to patronize brands that offer AR experiences. 
• 64% of customers feel AR usage boosts their brand loyalty.
• Over two-thirds of US residents foresee AR becoming a routine part of life in the coming years. 82% expressed their intent to use AR and VR more frequently.

Engineers, retail customers, tourists, and fitness enthusiasts use AR differently for their unique purposes. 

AR in gaming statistics

AR is revolutionizing the gaming industry, adding a new dimension to how games are developed, played, and experienced. AR brings gaming into the real world, blending the virtual and the physical. 

Unlike traditional video games that confine the player to a screen, AR games encourage interaction with the surrounding environment. This heightened immersion and interactivity offers gamers a more engaging and exciting play experience.

Most AR games can be played on smartphones and tablets, making the technology accessible to a broad user base. Developers are increasingly focusing on creating AR games users can enjoy without needing specialized hardware. Let's look at the gaming statistics below to see the actual state of AR in gaming. 

• Gaming is the most favored application of AR.
• Approximately one-third (32%) of Americans are interested in playing AR video games.
• 38% of users expressed the need for advancements in AR to make gameplay more engaging.
• 2.5 billion gamers worldwide spent $152.1 billion on games in the early 2020s.
• 35% of non-gamers express interest in AR. This is quite considerable, as 23% of consumers are non-gamers.

• 60% of AR gamers cite immersive experience as a critical driver for playing AR games. 
• One out of three AR gamers claims that holding a mobile device is insufficient for AR gaming. 
• 43% of gamers are interested in AR sports.
• 25% of consumers claim to use AR for exercise in the next five years. 
• 40% of AR gamers agree that AR gaming will be more enjoyable with more immersive games and access to lower-cost AR glasses.

Looking forward, the future of AR in gaming seems bright. The advent of AR glasses and wearables could also transform the way you play games, offering even more immersive and hands-free gaming experiences. 

Beyond AR statistics

AR statistics paint a promising picture for the future of this technology, particularly in gaming. The rapid growth and widespread consumer interest underline AR's massive potential. With billions of gamers worldwide, the proliferation of AR-capable smartphones, and the keen interest in immersive gaming experiences, AR is poised to significantly influence the interactive entertainment landscape. 

As technology advances, we can anticipate a surge in more sophisticated usage of AR to blend the virtual and the real world even further. AR's future is exciting and promising to reshape gaming and other aspects of our everyday lives.

Learn more about augmented reality and discover how it can grow your business.