Global Scans · Augmented reality · Weekly Summary

• [New] AI Hardware: If the Phoenix AR glasses gain mainstream adoption in late 2026, Meta could finally own the operating system of the next computing era, freeing it from Apple's and Google's app store fees. The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] As hardware becomes more affordable and content libraries grow, VR is expected to play a transformative role in personalized, inclusive, and scalable education globally. openpr
• [New] By 2040 or even earlier, neural interfaces and AR will be so advanced that people could perceive the world in entirely new ways. Ravensbourne University London
• [New] Samsung has already announced plans to launch AR glasses in 2026, while Apple is expected to introduce its first smart glasses by the end of the year. MacRumors
• [New] Samsung confirmed AR glasses will ship in 2026; timing pressures rivals. Glass Almanac
• [New] The AR glasses could feature a Qualcomm AR1 chipset, a 155 mAh battery, and a 12 MP camera with autofocus. Digital Trends
• [New] According to research from the Augmented Reality for Enterprise Alliance, over 40% of digital twins deployments will include AR or VR interfaces by 2028, enabling more intuitive interaction with virtual replicas. Programming Helper
• [New] By 2030, VR is anticipated to transcend conventional visual immersion, integrating AI-augmented interactivity, advanced haptic feedback, and seamless MR transitions. GIUCE
• Apple signaled bigger AI ambitions for wearables at CES and reportedly plans deep Gemini-like integrations for Siri, which would shift AR from novelty to daily utility. Glass Almanac
• Snap's upcoming Specs aim for a consumer-friendly price and lighter design in 2026, which could finally move AR out of enthusiast territory. Glass Almanac
• Apple's move could force competing glasses to match Siri-level convenience, not just flashy AR overlays. Glass Almanac
• By 2026, 30% of enterprises are expected to implement VR platforms for virtual meetings and immersive training experiences in digital workplace settings. Market.us Scoop
• Analysts project Samsung's Galaxy XR to achieve over a hundred thousand unit sales in 2026, while at least five Android XR devices are expected to launch, including flat-AR display glasses from Samsung and Xreal, plus non-display AI glasses from Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. Next Reality
• In 2026, augmented and virtual reality technologies will transform how homes are marketed, designed, and experienced. Spaciable
• By 2026, AR glasses will improve productivity in manufacturing, logistics, and training environments. Tech Times
• Snap's roadmap to consumer AR glasses remains one of the clearest commercialization bets for 2026; retailers and advertisers will watch adoption closely. Glass Almanac
• AI-enabled AR try-ons are expected to reduce product return rates by up to 25% by 2026. Market.us Scoop
• Nearly 75% of global brands are expected to adopt AR or VR for marketing by 2026. Market.us Scoop
• Monthly active mobile AR users worldwide are expected to exceed 2 billion, driven by social media and retail use cases. Market.us Scoop
• The U.S. AR user base is projected to reach 103.9 million by 2026, up from 100.1 million in 2025. Market.us Scoop
• 2026 serves more as preparation for the sales impact that follows in 2027, when several major AR glasses launches from Snap and Samsung will reach consumers. Next Reality
• The pair of $100 million investments into Xreal and Viture (and especially Xreal's close partnership with Google) will put pressure on Meta to release its AR glasses sooner rather than later. Road to VR

Last updated: 08 February 2026