AR vs VR in Shopify: The Ultimate Guide to Next-Gen Shopping

The world of ecommerce is constantly changing and staying ahead of the curve means adapting to innovative technologies. Among these new innovations, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are making waves, offering Shopify merchants exciting opportunities to transform their online stores into immersive shopping experiences.
In fact, many reports suggest that AR and VR can alone surpass a market volume of $16 billion in the US by 2029.

In this blog, we'll explore how AR and VR work, the differences between these technologies, and how Shopify merchants can leverage them to create unique, next-gen shopping experiences.

Table of content

• Augmented Reality in Shopify
• Virtual Reality in Shopify
• AR vs VR
• EApplications of AR and VR in Your Shopify Store  
• Why Should Shopify Merchants Adapt AR and VR?
• How To Integrate AR and VR In A Shopify Store?
• Future of AR And VR In Ecommerce
• Frequently Asked Questions

Augmented Reality in Shopify: A Guide 

Imagine looking through your smartphone camera and seeing virtual objects easily integrated with the real world.  That is the application of Augmented Reality (AR). It improves our perception of reality by superimposing digital components—such as 3D models, visuals, or sounds—onto a real-world setting.

How AR Works:

AR technology projects computer-generated images onto real-world objects using gadgets like smart glasses or smartphone cameras. By enabling users to interact with 3D models, photos, and videos of products in their own physical settings, apps like Shopify AR help consumers bridge the gap between online and offline purchasing.

Real-Life Examples of AR

• Pokémon GO revolutionized gaming by letting users interact with virtual characters in real-world environments.

• IKEA Place App allows users to visualize how furniture would look in their homes by overlaying digital models in real spaces.

Beyond gaming and retail, AR has applications in healthcare, education, real estate, and manufacturing, proving its versatility.

Virtual Reality in Shopify: A Guide 

Unlike AR, Virtual Reality (VR) completely replaces the real world with a digitally simulated environment. Users can immerse themselves in artificial environments created for gaming, education, or business use by using gadgets like motion controllers and virtual reality goggles.

How VR Works:

VR technologies use specialized gear, such as haptic devices, motion sensors, and headgear, to completely immerse people in a virtual world. Through the simulation of images, audio, and even touch, these devices provide an incredibly captivating experience.

Real-Life Examples of VR

• Gaming: VR systems like the Oculus Quest offer immersive gameplay that takes users into entirely virtual worlds.

• Architecture: Architects use VR to create and visualize 3D models of buildings before construction begins.

• Healthcare: Surgeons simulate medical procedures in VR to practice without real-world risks.

VR is a powerful tool for creating realistic, controlled environments that can revolutionize industries like education, training, and ecommerce.

Also read: A guide to average ecommerce conversion rate in 2025. 

AR vs VR: What Are The Key Differences

Although both AR and VR fall under the broader category of Extended Reality (XR) technologies, they serve different purposes. 

Here’s an overview to help you grasp their distinct features:

Applications of AR and VR in Your Shopify Store

Let us get a quick overview of the applications of Augmented reality and virtual reality in your  Shopify or Shopify plus store.

Improves the shopping experience:

AR and VR redefine online shopping by offering customers an immersive way to interact with products.

• Augmented Reality: Shopify AR allows people to view 3D product models in their own environments. Customers can, for example, "try on" sunglasses or see how a couch will fit in their living room.

• Virtual reality (VR): Businesses can use VR to build virtual stores that allow customers to explore products, walk through aisles, and make purchases from the comfort of their homes.

For instance, Rebecca Minkoff found that customers were 44% more inclined to add things to their baskets when they engaged with their products in 3D.

Streamlines the design of the product:

Both AR and VR enable ecommerce merchants to design products more efficiently:

• AR for Prototyping: Merchants can overlay product designs on real-world objects to evaluate aesthetics and functionality.

• VR for 3D Modelling: Before spending money on actual production, businesses can develop and test prototypes in a virtual environment.

For instance, automotive designers can save time and money by using virtual reality (VR) to create digital vehicle prototypes.

Revolutionizing the training programs:

With AR and VR, training staff in customer service, logistics, or retail becomes more engaging.

VR: You can train employees to handle client relations or inventory management using virtual simulations without the repercussions of real-world situations.

AR: You can give staff members AR glasses so they can get real-time assistance with jobs like troubleshooting or assembly.

Improve customer support

Imagine a customer needing help assembling furniture or fixing a product. Instead of referring to static manuals, they could use AR or VR for real-time assistance.

• AR Apps: You can offer step-by-step guidance overlaid on the customer’s device screen.

• VR Training Modules: You can also prepare support staff to handle complex queries with simulated scenarios.

Example: IKEA uses AR to help customers assemble furniture with full-size digital instructions.

Boosting productivity 

Remote teams can use VR environments to collaborate on projects as if they were in the same room.

• Virtual Meetings: Employees can hold discussions, share prototypes, and brainstorm in a shared VR workspace.

• AR for Daily Tasks: Use AR tools to overlay real-time data on physical objects, enhancing efficiency in operations like inventory management.

Why Should Shopify Merchants Adapt AR and VR?

Integrating AR and VR into your Shopify store can:

Increase Conversion Rates: Customers feel more confident purchasing products they’ve interacted with through AR or VR.

Reduce Returns: When customers know exactly how a product looks or fits in their space, there’s less chance of dissatisfaction.

Differentiate Your Brand: Offering immersive shopping experiences sets your store apart in a competitive market.

Build Customer Trust: Transparent and interactive product presentations establish trust and improve customer satisfaction.

How To Integrate AR and VR In A Shopify Store?

Shopify merchants can easily integrate AR and VR with tools like:

Shopify AR: Make 3D representations of your products so that buyers can see them in their natural surroundings.

Third-Party Plugins: To expand the functionality of your store, look into programs like Expivi and 3D Warehouse.

Custom VR Stores: Work with developers to produce distinctive online retail environments.

Future of AR And VR In Ecommerce

The adoption of AR and VR in ecommerce is just beginning. As these technologies evolve, we can expect:

• More affordable VR hardware, making it accessible to small businesses.

• Advanced AR apps capable of handling complex tasks.

• Widespread use of virtual stores, allowing brands to go beyond the traditional website layout.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: Does Shopify support Augmented Reality?

Yes, Shopify supports augmented reality through its Shopify AR feature, allowing merchants to create interactive 3D models of products. This enhances the shopping experience by enabling customers to visualize and test products in their real-world environments.

Q: What is AR and VR in ecommerce?

AR (Augmented Reality) in ecommerce overlays digital elements onto real-world environments, enhancing product visualization. VR (Virtual Reality) creates immersive, simulated experiences, allowing customers to explore virtual stores or products, revolutionizing online shopping by making it interactive and engaging.

Q: Can AR and VR be used together?

Yes, AR and VR can complement each other as mixed reality (MR), combining AR's real-world overlays with VR's immersive environments. This hybrid approach creates versatile experiences, such as interactive product demos or collaborative virtual spaces, enhancing business applications.