Increased Interest in VR Device Use Grows Among US-Based Teens, Survey Says

Joseph Henry, Tech Times 11 April 2024, 09:04 am

In a recent survey conducted by Piper Sandler, an uptick in the usage of virtual reality (VR) devices among teenagers in the United States has been unveiled.

Does this suggest that there are evolving trends in technology adoption and consumer preferences among young users?

Rising Adoption of VR Devices

Increased Interest in VR Device Use Grows Among US-Based Teens, Survey Says — ***(Photo : Maxim Hopman from Unsplash)***

***More teens in the US are becoming interested in the use of VR headsets and other related devices, a Gen Z survey*** report says.

The survey indicates a notable increase in the weekly usage of VR devices, rising from 10% to 13% compared to the fall of 2023. While this figure may still be considered modest, it signifies a growing interest and engagement with VR technologies among adolescents.

Furthermore, the study highlights that 33% of teenagers in the US now possess a VR device, marking a slight uptick from the previous year's ownership rate of 31%. This steady growth in ownership signifies a shift towards embracing immersive experiences offered by VR platforms.

Impact of Apple Vision Pro

The surge in VR device usage coincides with the introduction of the Apple Vision Pro, which entered the market earlier this year. Despite its premium price tag of $3,500, the newest Apple VR headset has succeeded in piquing curiosity and driving interest in AR/VR headsets among consumers.

While affordability remains a barrier to widespread adoption, Apple's attempt into the VR space has catalyzed interest and awareness, spurring competition and innovation within the industry.

According to 9to5Mac's report, analysts predict that the Cupertino giant could ship up to 250,000 units of the Apple Vision Pro in the US by the year's end, indicating a promising market trajectory.

Implications for the Industry

The momentum generated by the Apple Vision Pro extends beyond its own product line, benefiting competitors offering more accessible VR solutions at lower price points.

As interest in VR technology grows, companies are poised to capitalize on this burgeoning market, driving accessibility and affordability to meet consumer demand.

Insights from the Survey

In addition to VR trends, Piper Sandler's survey provides valuable insights into teenagers' interactions with technology:

Instagram emerges as the second-favorite app among US teens, experiencing significant growth in popularity.
TikTok retains its position as the top-ranked app, while Snapchat slips to third place.
Teenagers allocate 29% of their daily video consumption to Netflix and 27% to YouTube, showcasing shifting viewing habits.
Phone remains the preferred method for customer service interactions, with Text/SMS witnessing notable growth trends.

The increasing trend in the usage of VR headsets among teens could mean that these young users are exploring the latest gadgets to date. There's no harm in trying them, but some limitations should be imposed on them.

In other news, a YouTube content creator known for his DIY products has created a cost-effective version of the high-end Apple Vision Pro. Basically Homeless, the man behind this project made this replica VR headset using cheap materials.