Digital actuality hasn’t caught on with American teenagers, in response to 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 every day, the funding agency discovered, and 14% used them weekly.

As well as, youngsters did not appear that fascinated with shopping for forthcoming VR headsets. Solely 7% mentioned 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 Massive Tech firms and numerous low-cost headsets available on the market. Youngsters are sometimes seen as early adopters of latest know-how and their preferences can present a preview of the place the trade goes.

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

The survey additionally reveals 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 could have an uphill climb to persuade potential prospects.

Fb dad or mum Meta can also 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, in response to analysts.

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