Augmented reality has come a long way from being a novelty on our smartphones. Today, AR is transforming how we work, shop, learn, and connect. By 2028, experts predict there will be over 1.19 billion mobile AR users, but the innovation doesn’t stop at our handheld devices. From glasses to projectors and beyond, AR displays are evolving rapidly.

Here are seven exciting trends in AR displays that are worth watching.

AR isn’t limited to wearables anymore. Larger AR displays are popping up in offices, stores, and even laptops. Imagine replacing your computer monitor with virtual screens that expand as needed or stepping into a store where AR mirrors let you try on clothes or makeup virtually.

Retailers are especially embracing large AR displays, with 84% of consumers saying they want to try products using AR before buying. These immersive, life-sized displays redefine in-store shopping and bring digital convenience to physical spaces.

AR glasses are becoming a must-have, blending sleek designs with cutting-edge tech. Devices like the Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro combine AR and VR for seamless experiences. Lightweight and portable, these wearables integrate AI and haptics to enhance everyday tasks.

AR isn’t stopping at glasses either. Developers are pushing boundaries with AR contact lenses like XPANCEO’s prototypes. Though still experimental, these lenses hint at a future where immersive displays might fit right in your pocket—or your eye.

AI is supercharging AR displays, making them more interactive and personalized. From creating hyper-realistic avatars to improving object recognition, AI makes AR content feel more natural and intuitive.

For example, Meta’s Orion glasses use AI to scan your environment and provide contextual insights. Look at your fridge, and the glasses can suggest recipes based on what’s inside. AI transforms AR into an intelligent assistant, ready to adapt to your needs.

AR displays are becoming more interactive, ditching traditional controls for gestures and voice commands. Tools like Meta’s neural wristbands interpret tiny hand movements, letting you pinch, swipe, or grab digital objects effortlessly.

This trend is making AR more intuitive and accessible, paving the way for seamless interactions in both professional and personal settings.

Say goodbye to clunky wires. AR glasses are moving toward fully wireless designs, powered by advanced processors and long-lasting batteries. With the rise of 5G and edge computing, these devices are set to deliver faster, smoother experiences wherever you go.

The challenge? Balancing power with portability. Developers are racing to make these glasses lightweight and comfortable without compromising performance.

AR displays are finding their way into industries beyond gaming and entertainment. In healthcare, tools like AccuVein use AR to help doctors locate veins with precision. Engineers rely on AR to design prototypes or get real-time guidance during repairs. And in education, AR is transforming classrooms into immersive learning spaces.

Even car manufacturers are joining the trend, with AR-powered heads-up displays making navigation safer and more engaging.

Creating AR experiences is becoming simpler, thanks to innovative tools. Platforms like Varjo’s Teleport let users scan real-world spaces and instantly turn them into digital twins for XR applications.

This democratization of AR development is empowering businesses to create tailored AR solutions, whether for training, product design, or customer engagement.

AR displays are no longer just cool gadgets—they’re becoming indispensable tools for work, education, and play. As these trends unfold, AR will continue to blur the lines between the digital and physical worlds, making our interactions with technology more seamless and immersive.