The future of VR looks increasingly promising for enterprise users. Not so long ago, most people viewed virtual reality as a novelty – targeted mainly at consumers and gamers. Now, companies in every industry, from manufacturing to healthcare, are beginning to rely on VR tech.
Right now, the virtual reality market is growing at a CAGR of 28.7% – expected to reach a value of $123.06 billion by 2032. One of the major factors influencing this rapid growth, is ongoing enterprise adoption. Companies are embracing virtual reality to enhance training outcomes, transform hybrid collaboration, streamline product development, and support customers.
- Need to know more about the impact that virtual reality could have on your organization? Check out our guide to VR benefits in the workplace here. Alternatively, explore our reviews and comparison guides for insights into how you can choose the right headsets and tools for your business.
However, we’ll still just scratching the surface of what’s possible in virtual reality. If you’re keen to stay on the cutting edge of the industry, here’s what you can expect in the years ahead.
The Future of VR in the Workplace: X Predictions
Based on our discussions with some of the world’s leading XR vendors, and market thought leaders, we’ve identified a few key predictions for the future of VR in business. Here are some of the top workplace VR trends we’re looking forward to in the next five years.
1. VR Hardware Advancements
For years now, major VR vendors have been fine-tuning and improving their headsets, focusing on making VR innovations for enterprises. Apple introduced a new world of opportunities to the VR space with it’s cutting-edge Vision Pro headset – delivering incredible tracking capabilities, and almost unmatched visual fidelity. Other vendors like Pimax are taking a similar approach, producing retina-level displays that go far beyond anything we’ve experienced before.
With innovations in processing chips from companies like Qualcomm, we’re also seeing headsets that deliver more computing power and better performance, even as standalone devices. Plus, there’s a growing focus on comfort and ergonomics in the VR headset market. For instance, companies like BigScreen Beyond and MeganeX are producing headsets a fraction of the size of their predecessors. These headsets aim to tackle the issue of VR fatigue, and enable long-term use of wearable devices.
2. Growth in Software Ecosystems
As the future of VR continues to focus more heavily on the “enterprise” market, demand for robust software ecosystems is growing. Apple demonstrated how problematic a limited app market could be when it initially launched the Vision Pro, and other vendors are now taking steps to avoid the same problem. Meta has expanded its Horizon ecosystem to make it more accessible to developers.
Other organizations, like Google, are working on entirely new software solutions. The new Android XR ecosystem, for instance, promises developers immediate access to software kits, AI assistants, and innovative open-source tools to enable rapid development. Beyond that, many companies are even producing dedicated software solutions for enterprise device management, such as Pico with its new Pico Business Device Manager system.
3. Expansion in MR and AR Capabilities
Virtual reality is an incredible tool for companies looking to transform training, collaboration, and product development strategies. However, full immersion isn’t ideal for every use case. To make their devices more versatile, many vendors are beginning to implement flexible options for mixed reality and augmented reality into VR headsets.
Most of the top VR devices today feature some type of pass-through capability, whether you’re investing in an affordable solution like the Meta Quest 3S, or the premium Apple Vision Pro. Going forward, many experts sharing VR market predictions believe these features will become more advanced and intuitive. They may even include more spatial computing capabilities, enabling more natural interactions with emerging VR technologies.
4. More Advanced Accessories
VR accessories are nothing new. Companies have long offered buyers access to simple solutions like adjustable head bands, prescription lenses, and light shields. However, innovation in the accessories space is increasing. The future of VR could be marked by an evolution in haptic devices, such as gloves, body suits, and even armbands that boost immersion.
Companies are also experimenting with VR treadmills, and VR shoes, which could transform training experiences and minimize the issues associated with VR sickness. Plus, companies are still exploring options for spatial sound in VR headsets, as well as other custom add-ons. More accessory options could deliver long-term VR benefits for companies, making headsets more versatile and impactful.
5. Greater Focus on XR Security
In the future of VR, more companies will embrace immersive technology for complex training initiatives, product design strategies, and even customer service. This will make security and compliance increasingly important. Already, as mentioned above, many leading vendors are offering software and subscription plans to enable easier VR device management.
However, some companies are also building more secure VR headsets and systems from the ground up, to encourage VR adoption in businesses. For instance, Varjo’s XR-4 Secure Edition allows users to experiment with content without an internet connection and stores no information on the cloud to minimize privacy issues.
The Future of VR: Future Use Cases
Perhaps one of the most significant things shaping the future of VR, is the rise of endless new use cases across the enterprise landscape. According to a Fortune Business Insights report, for instance, the use of VR in the healthcare setting is one of the most significant factors driving growth.
Other emerging use cases to consider include:
Virtual Offices and Hybrid Working Environments:
The concept of the “metaverse” office environment is becoming increasingly compelling. Companies are discovering that VR advancements in the workplace can help align team members, enhance productivity, and transform creative processes.
It’s also becoming easier to “digitize” workplace environments. Varjo’s Teleport technology makes it easier to create digital twins of specific environments without the need for expensive and complex development strategies.
The Intersection of AI and VR
Next-gen VR headsets for enterprises and immersive software will undoubtedly feature more advanced artificial intelligence capabilities. Already, innovators in the VR landscape are using AI to enable features like foveated rendering and spatial mapping. They’re also providing users with access to virtual assistants and autonomous AI in VR apps.
Google’s Android XR platform will accelerate the introduction of AI into virtual reality workplace future experiences, by enabling easy access to the Gemini ecosystem. With access to AI assistants capable of transcribing, translating, and even creating content, will pave the way to more personalized training experiences, and enhanced productivity in VR.
Endless Industry-Specific Solutions
As mentioned above, healthcare is one of the major sectors driving rapid adoption of extended reality and enhancing the future of VR. However, the benefits of VR solutions are becoming more obvious in various other industries too.
Manufacturing and engineering teams, automotive and aerospace companies, military groups, and governments are all experimenting with VR for training and development. We’re also seeing new opportunities for VR in education, media and entertainment, and even the retail sector. Going forward, every business will be able to access highly specialized solutions that help them boost productivity, creativity, and customer experiences.
Looking Forward to the Future of VR
Investing in VR’s future is becoming increasingly essential for businesses of all industries. Virtual reality isn’t just a novel technology anymore; it’s a solution that actively improves productivity, reduces operational costs, and strengthens collaboration.
