The reality ahead for AR and VR in the channel The reality ahead for AR and VR in the channel Should we be treating the two technologies the same way? Credit: Supplied Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are often lumped together in research and data, but from the perspective of partners in the local channel, the two technologies are actually quite different. On a global scale, the combined AR and VR market is set for substantial growth, with a six-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 86.3 per cent, to reach US$661.4 billion by 2025, according to analysis firm Frost & Sullivan.