Skip to main content

Mobile Augmented Reality Users to Reach 200M by 2018

The emerging technology and application ecosystem around Augmented Reality (AR) has continued its evolution towards image recognition, as opposed to relying solely on Global Positioning Systems and Digital Compass apps.

New findings from the latest market study by Juniper Research has shown that the mobile AR market is set to increase dramatically -- from 60 million unique users this year to nearly 200 million in 2018.

The evolving market will expand from the early adopting gaming segment and navigation based utility to becoming an integral part of the mobile device user ecosystem.

The market study uncovered that despite initial trepidation and single use applications of the technology, Juniper forecasts AR to become a key future platform for mobile communication and commerce.

AR has a potential to engage a new generation of consumers in a unique manner, combining the personal nature of mobile devices with the Internet’s wealth of accessible information.

Augmented Reality App Diversity and Evolution

Juniper found that as the market matures, the app ecosystem is set to expand rapidly over the forecast period. Initial innovations will stem from games, such as Google Ingress, but the technology will expand to include lifestyle and fitness apps.

It also contends the possibility of a paradigm shifting utilization of AR within social media, potentially breaking the digital-physical wall with potential future uses allowing a digital representation of a person to appear in the users surroundings.


Juniper Research forecasts that as the AR market matures the utilization of AR applications will evolve to suit the device -- with the tablet becoming a natural environment for multimedia and second screen apps and the smartphone becoming a platform for navigation AR apps to thrive on.

The forthcoming 'smart glasses' category will once again evolve this dynamic, as users will increasingly benefit from multiple AR capable devices each with unique app ecosystems.

Regional Concentration of Augmented Reality

Juniper notes that the mobile AR market will continue to be dominated by three key regions, North America, Western Europe and the Far East & China.

These regions benefit by being some of the most developed and mature smartphone and tablet markets in the world - the key platform for AR developers.

These regions will also be the first to adopt smart glasses -- the next big development for AR.

Other key findings from the market study include:
  • In-app advertisers will see a high value and low volume market evolve over the forecast period.
  • Japan will be most valuable augmented reality market per user download, with the U.S. market ranking as third by 2018.

Popular posts from this blog

Industrial and Manufacturing Technology Growth

In an evolving era of rapid advancement, market demand for innovative technology in the industrial and manufacturing sectors is skyrocketing. Leaders are recognizing the immense potential of digital transformation and are driving initiatives to integrate technologies into their business operations.  These initiatives aim to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ultimately drive growth and competitiveness in an increasingly digital business upward trajectory. The industrial and manufacturing sectors have been the backbone of the Global Networked Economy, contributing $16 trillion in value in 2021. Industrial and Manufacturing Tech Market Development   This growth represents a 20 percent increase from 2020, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of these sectors in the face of unprecedented challenges, according to the latest worldwide market study by ABI Research . The five largest manufacturing verticals -- automotive, computer and electronic, primary metal, food, and machinery -

Rise of AI-Enabled Smart Traffic Management

The demand for smart traffic management systems has grown due to rising urban populations and increasing vehicle ownership. With more people and cars concentrated in cities, problems like traffic congestion, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions are pressing issues. Since the early 2000s, government leaders have been exploring ways to leverage advances in IoT connectivity, sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics to address these transportation challenges. The concept of a Smart City emerged in the 2010s, with smart mobility and intelligent traffic management as key components.  Smart Traffic Management Market Development Concerns about continued climate change, as well as cost savings from improved traffic flow, have further motivated local government investment in these advanced systems. According to the latest worldwide market study by Juniper Research, they found that by 2028, smart traffic management investment will be up by 75 percent from a 2023 figure of

How Generative AI Will Reshape the Economy

The Global Networked Economy -- a term synonymous with the interconnectedness of businesses, individuals, and governments worldwide -- has undergone a remarkable transformation in 2023. Fueled by the rapid growth of digital technologies and the global internet, this phenomenon has given rise to a worldwide marketplace that has already revolutionized the way we live, work, and play. The impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in 2024 will be equally disruptive to many traditional business leaders. GenAI will also create huge opportunities for the fearless pioneers. Global Networked Economy Market Development The Global Networked Economy's evolution traces back to the advent of the Public Internet. The introduction of eCommerce, social media, and cloud computing has been instrumental in reshaping how businesses operate and engage with their customers. This interconnected ecosystem empowers savvy leaders to access new markets, trim operational costs, enhance commercial e