In recent years, AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) have evolved beyond niche technologies into powerful tools poised to transform how we interact with digital content. As we approach 2025, these innovations are set to redefine app and website development, offering immersive, interactive experiences that bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds.

To explore the full potential of AR and VR, we reached out to 16 thought leaders who shared their insights on how these technologies will revolutionize industries like e-commerce, healthcare, education, and beyond. After reviewing their perspectives, we’ve shortlisted the most compelling predictions and actionable ideas on what’s next for AR and VR.

Here is what 9 thought leaders have to say.

AR Will Empower Remote Collaborations

AR Empower Remote Collaborations

I see AR as a game-changer for remote collaboration, transforming how teams work across distances. While traditional video calls have bridged communication gaps, they often fall short when it comes to complex tasks like product design or technical reviews. AR can fill this void by enabling teams to manipulate 3D models, conduct virtual walkthroughs, and solve real-life problems within a shared digital space.

In my experience, AR has the potential to revolutionize product development. Engineers in different locations can view and interact with the same 3D prototype, making real-time adjustments without needing to be physically present. This not only speeds up decision-making but also cuts down on project costs. Moreover, AR-driven virtual environments offer exciting possibilities for advanced employee training, providing immersive, hands-on experiences without logistical constraints.

As AR technology continues to improve and become more accessible, I believe businesses across industries will adopt it to enhance collaboration and drive innovation.

Raheel Najmi, CEO, Branex

AR Will Revolutionize Small Business Showcases

AR in Small Business

As a website development agency owner working with local GTA businesses, I see AR and VR transforming digital experiences in practical, revenue-driving ways. AR will revolutionize how small businesses showcase products and services online. Picture a potential home renovation client being able to visualize different kitchen designs in their actual space through their phone, or a restaurant patron previewing menu items in 3D before ordering. These aren’t just cool features – they’re conversion tools that help businesses close more sales.

For VR, we’re focusing on creating virtual showrooms and immersive product demonstrations. One of our furniture retail clients saw a 25% increase in high-ticket purchases after implementing a basic VR catalog that let customers explore pieces from every angle. The key is making these technologies accessible and profitable for local businesses.

While enterprise companies might build complex VR worlds, we’re developing streamlined solutions that deliver clear ROI for smaller operations. The businesses that embrace these tools strategically in 2025 will have a major advantage in converting online visitors into paying customers. Let me know if you’d like to explore how AR/VR could boost your digital presence.

Harmanjit Singh, Founder and CEO, Origin Web Studios

WebAR Will Enhance Accessibility and Adoption

WebAR in App and Website Development

As we look ahead to 2025, AR and VR are set to revolutionize app and website development in exciting ways. We’re moving beyond gimmicks to create truly immersive and useful experiences.

One of the biggest shifts I see coming is the rise of WebAR. This technology allows users to access AR experiences directly through their web browsers, without needing to download separate apps. It’s a game-changer for accessibility and adoption. Imagine being able to virtually try on clothes or visualize furniture in your home with just a few taps on a website.

The integration of AI with AR and VR is another trend that fascinates me. AI will enhance these experiences by improving rendering, tracking, and object recognition. This opens up possibilities for more responsive and personalized AR/VR interactions.

I’m particularly excited about how AR and VR will transform e-commerce. By 2025, I believe we’ll see widespread adoption of virtual try-ons and 3D product visualizations. As a consumer, I recently used an AR feature to see how a couch would look in my living room before buying it online. It was incredibly helpful and made me feel more confident in my purchase.

AR and VR are bridging the gap between digital and physical experiences, creating a new paradigm for how we interact with products and services online.

The advent of 5G will also play a vital role in advancing AR and VR capabilities. With faster data speeds and lower latency, we’ll be able to create more seamless and responsive experiences, especially for mobile users.

However, it’s important to note that these technologies will require developers to think differently about user experience and interface design. Creating intuitive interactions in 3D space presents unique challenges and opportunities.

As we embrace these technologies, we must also consider the ethical implications and ensure we’re creating value for users, not just implementing AR and VR for the sake of novelty. The future of app and website development is undoubtedly exciting, and I’m eager to see how these technologies will shape our digital experiences in the coming years.

Ayush Trivedi, CEO, Cyber Chief

Mobile AR Features Drive Higher Conversion Rates

Mobile AR for High Conversion Rate

As a founder of a tech company, I’ve rolled out AR/VR solutions for our retail clients, and I’m noticing a big change in how we create digital experiences. In the last three months, we added virtual try-ons to a client’s furniture mobile app. The outcome was impressive. We saw 42% higher conversion rates and a 25% drop in returns.

The secret wasn’t just the tech—it solved a real customer problem of picturing products in their home. As an experienced tech professional, I would recommend businesses begin with mobile AR features before jumping into full VR. Remember, AR isn’t just an extra anymore—it’s becoming the new mobile-first.

Sharat Potharaju, Co-founder & CEO, Uniqode

AR Will Increase Confidence in Online Shopping

AR in Online Shopping

AR and VR were the real market disruptors before AI and while they may not be in the limelight anymore, I can tell you they will be integral to website development. By 2025, the AR market is expected to grow beyond $50 billion, showing just how quickly these technologies are being adopted. Travel platforms are already using AR to offer virtual tours of hotels and destinations. It is more than a preview; it helps people feel connected to their choices, often leading to higher booking rates because of that sense of confidence.

Everyone knows how tricky online shopping can be when trying to decide if something will work in real life. AR is taking that guesswork out of the equation. Apps now let you place furniture or decor virtually in your space. You can see how a couch fits in your living room or whether a lamp matches your style, all before you buy it. This approach feels more personal and makes shopping easier, giving people a better reason to trust what they see online.

And when it comes to education, VR is doing something incredible. Studies show learners retain information much better with immersive experiences. Schools and platforms are starting to use VR to take students on virtual journeys, like exploring ancient cities or diving into coral reefs. It turns lessons into adventures, leaving a lasting impression in a way textbooks never could.

Alan Carr, Director, Webpop Design

AR/VR Will Redefine Interaction Beyond Screens

AR and VR for Beyond Screens

I see AR and VR as more than flashy tech—they’re reshaping how we approach app and website development by challenging a core assumption: screens are the ultimate interface. I believe by 2025, AR and VR will redefine interaction itself, breaking free from traditional layouts and buttons.

One concept I’ve been experimenting with is designing for spatial navigation instead of page-based navigation. Imagine an app where users “walk” through a virtual showroom to explore products instead of clicking through a menu. A flat-screen doesn’t constrain the layout but unfolds in a 3D environment, offering an immersive experience that feels intuitive and personal.

This shift also changes the way we think about user feedback loops. In VR, micro-movements—like a user’s gaze or hesitation before interacting—become data points for refining the experience. In one prototype we created for a virtual art gallery, we used gaze tracking to highlight artwork descriptions automatically, removing the need for clunky menus. Engagement doubled compared to the static website version.

The truth is that AR and VR will mimic physical spaces and create new ways to interact that feel more human. By 2025, apps and websites will not just be viewed but experienced. That’s the transformation we’re gearing up for.

Nicholas Robb, Design agency for startups, Design Hero

AR/VR Will Create Intuitive and Engaging Interfaces

AR VR Create Engaging Interfaces

As an entrepreneur leading SuperDupr, a digital solutions company, I’ve seen how technology reshapes business landscapes. I believe AR and VR will play a crucial role in changing app and website development by 2025. At SuperDupr, our focus is on process optimization and innovation, and these technologies will allow developers to create more intuitive and engaging interfaces, providing users with a seamless digital experience.

One example from our work is the digital magazine project, “The Unmooring,” where user interactivity could be significantly improved through AR, allowing readers to explore multimedia content right off the virtual pages, creating a deeper connection with the material. This aligns with our philosophy of providing customized solutions to achieve operational efficiency and client satisfaction.

Additionally, leveraging AR in projects like Goodnight Law could offer interactive legal guides that improve client understanding, providing practical information through visually engaging formats. As these projects show, AR and VR have the potential to innovate across varied sectors, creating opportunities for businesses to reimagine their offerings and user engagement strategies.

Justin McKelvey, Founder, SuperDupr

AR/VR Will Reshape E-Commerce and Education

AR and VR Reshape Education Industry

Looking toward 2025, AR and VR are set to reshape app and website development, offering more immersive and interactive user experiences, particularly in gaming, where VR has already begun delivering 360-degree virtual environments.

In app and website development, this will extend beyond games. We’ll likely see industries like e-commerce and education use VR to offer ‘virtual showrooms’ or classrooms where users can experience products or lessons in an interactive, fully immersive environment.

Furthermore, AR will play a huge part in personalization. Envision using your phone to virtually try on clothes or preview how a sofa fits into your living space. As developers continue to explore these technologies, apps, and websites will transform into engaging, interactive platforms that blend the digital and physical realms effortlessly.

As AR and VR evolve, I expect website and app design to shift towards more intuitive and engaging formats. The future is looking immersive, and businesses that adapt early will benefit the most.

Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, CEO, Online Games

AR/VR Will Transform Healthcare Training

AR VR Transform Healthcare Training

AR and VR have become more mainstream in recent years. I think these technologies will transform how users interact with digital platforms in 2025. The impact will be immense, particularly in the healthcare industry, where immersive experiences drive better outcomes. I think we can push beyond the conventional boundaries of two-dimensional screens and static interfaces. These technologies will improve the user experience by simplifying complex information. Through visual and interactive elements, it will make apps and websites easier to navigate.

As a result of technological evolution, AR apps will display 3D images and models in the real world. Similarly, VR applications will let users enter a virtual environment where they can interact and engage with the content. For example, in the healthcare industry, physicians will be able to use VR apps to simulate medical procedures as a part of their training.

Although it sounds impressive, it will bring new challenges for the developers. Tech experts will need to focus on performance optimization to prevent lag or glitches. I also anticipate some security and privacy concerns coming up in the immediate future as these technologies collect and display sensitive information. Ensuring that the apps and websites comply with privacy regulations will be essential. Of course, no significant change comes without its challenges. But I’m convinced that the benefits will far outweigh them. Technology professionals who embrace AR and VR technology early on will get a competitive edge as these tools are about to become indispensable.

John Russo, VP of Healthcare Technology Solutions, OSP Labs

Conclusion

From boosting conversion rates in retail to transforming healthcare training, AR and VR promise to open up a world of new possibilities in digital experiences. As highlighted by these experts, success in this evolving landscape will require developers to think beyond screens, prioritize spatial design, and focus on creating seamless, intuitive interactions. While challenges like cost and accessibility remain, those who embrace these technologies early will gain a significant competitive advantage. Whether you’re a business looking to enhance customer engagement or a developer aiming to push the boundaries of UX design, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for AR and VR.