Digital actuality hasn’t caught on with American teenagers, based on a brand new survey from Piper Sandler launched on Tuesday.

Whereas 29% p.c of teenagers polled owned a VR machine — versus 87% who personal iPhones — solely 4% of headset homeowners used it each day, the funding agency discovered, and 14% used them weekly.

As well as, youngsters did not appear that occupied with shopping for forthcoming VR headsets. Solely 7% stated they deliberate to buy a headset, versus 52% of teenagers polled who have been uncertain or uninterested.

The survey outcomes recommend that digital actuality {hardware} and software program has but to catch on with the general public regardless of billions of {dollars} in funding within the know-how from Huge Tech firms and various low-cost headsets in the marketplace. Youngsters are sometimes seen as early adopters of recent know-how and their preferences can present a preview of the place the business goes.

“To us, the lukewarm utilization demonstrates that VR stays ‘early days’ and that these gadgets are much less necessary than smartphones,” Piper Sandler analysts wrote.

The survey additionally exhibits that VR is struggling to realize traction as Apple reportedly prepares to announce its personal headset as quickly as this 12 months. The survey means that it might have an uphill climb to persuade potential prospects.

Fb mother or father Meta can be anticipated to launch new digital actuality headsets later this 12 months. Its Quest 2 headset, which was launched in 2020, is by far the chief available in the market phrases of gross sales, however shipments declined final 12 months, based on analysts.

Piper Sandler’s teen research surveyed greater than 5,600 teenagers within the U.S. in February.