Global shipments of extended reality (XR) devices grew 44.4% in 2025, marking a strong rebound for a sector increasingly shifting away from bulky virtual reality (VR) headsets toward lighter, more practical smart glasses, according to market research firm IDC.
IDC said the growth reflects changing consumer preferences, with demand moving beyond gaming-focused VR toward wearable devices that offer everyday use cases such as communication, productivity, and content consumption.
Smart glasses emerged as the key growth driver, benefiting from improvements in design, artificial intelligence integration, and expanding use cases. Industry players have begun introducing lighter and more socially acceptable form factors, positioning the devices for broader adoption among mainstream users.
The shift comes as traditional VR headsets continue to face headwinds due to higher costs and limited appeal outside niche applications. In contrast, smart glasses are increasingly being positioned as general-purpose devices that can blend digital functions into daily life.
IDC has previously noted that the category is rapidly evolving, with vendors adding features such as displays and AI capabilities to unlock new applications, although consumer awareness remains relatively low for now.
Looking ahead, the research firm expects continued momentum for XR devices, particularly as more companies enter the smart glasses segment and expand distribution channels.
The broader market is also seen benefiting from advances in AI, improved hardware, and lower price points, which could further accelerate adoption in both consumer and enterprise settings.
