Global Scans · Augmented Reality · Weekly Summary

• [New] AI-enabled AR try-ons are expected to reduce product return rates by up to 25% by 2026. Market.us Scoop
• [New] Nearly 75% of global brands are expected to adopt AR or VR for marketing by 2026. Market.us Scoop
• [New] Monthly active mobile AR users worldwide are expected to exceed 2 billion, driven by social media and retail use cases. Market.us Scoop
• [New] 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
• [New] By 2036, AR headset shipments are projected to reach around 35 million units per year, with VR shipments exceeding 27 million units. Idtechex
• [New] 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
• [New] With augmented reality and brain-computer interfaces, 2035 may usher in an entirely new state of communication - directly linking human thoughts to the internet. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu
• [New] 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
• [New] Apple has been reportedly developing AI-powered smart glasses that could integrate with its ecosystem of devices, while Snap is planning lightweight consumer AR glasses that build on its AR expertise from Snapchat. The Tech Buzz
• [New] By 2026, an estimated 67 million people will own AR/VR devices, and businesses are racing to create immersive experiences. Medium
• [New] AR and VR will get better in 2026 with the integration of AI, which will allow for enhanced realism and interaction, personalized content and adaptive environments, and improved user experiences and usability. NAR Tech & Innovation
• [New] By the 2030s, AR could exceed $300 billion, creating unprecedented opportunities across retail, education, healthcare, and entertainment. Gadget Hacks
• [New] Samsung's Galaxy XR is projected to achieve 125,000 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
• [New] Amazon is developing AR glasses targeting late 2026/early 2027 retail timing. Glass Almanac
• [New] Apple's Vision Pro and other augmented reality or virtual reality platforms include built-in eye-tracking sensors that could support pupillometry-driven adaptations for audio content. IEEE Spectrum
• [New] In 2026, interactive content such as quizzes, polls, augmented reality (AR) filters, and gamified experiences will dominate the marketing landscape. DigiGrow_Blogs
• [New] The viral AR use cases of 2026 are reshaping industries and driving massive growth through enhanced user engagement, new business opportunities, and technological advancements. Blogger
• [New] Global Partnerships: Companies will form global partnerships to expand their AR offerings and reach new markets. Blogger
• [New] Snap will be involved in 2026 and has announced a fully integrated AR glasses for consumers, which is said to be significantly lighter and more compact than the current developer model. heise online

Last updated: 25 January 2026