XRA’S 2025 WRAPPED: A YEAR IN REVIEW
As 2025 wraps up, the XR Association (XRA) would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to our progress this year. Our community of members, industry partners, policymakers, and thought leaders played a vital role in expanding understanding, awareness, and adoption of immersive technologies.
This year was full of milestones, innovation, and collaboration across the XR industry. From shaping policy to supporting creators and connecting the community, 2025 highlighted the transformative capabilities of XR technologies.
We’re pleased to share some of the year’s standout moments that reflect the incredible progress our industry is making—together, we are paving the way for a future where immersive technology enhances how we work, learn, and connect.
2025 Highlights:
XRA applauded the introduction of the “United States Leadership in Immersive Technology Act of 2025”
- Marking a key step in advancing U.S. leadership in immersive technologies
XRA CEO Liz Hyman outlined the association’s top XR policy priorities in her op-ed featured in AR Insider
- The piece outlines key policy considerations for the XR industry, including the need for clear regulatory frameworks, investment in research and development, and workforce initiatives to prepare for an XR-driven future
XR Association released updated editions of the Developers Guides Chapters One and Two, and introduced a new chapter on youth
- The updated guides reflect the recent evolution of XR technologies over the past couple of years and provide developers with expanded insights for creating impactful immersive experiences, while the newest chapter examines how teens experience immersive environments differently from adults
- Download Revised Editions of Chapter One & Chapter Two
- Download Chapter Six
Annual Demo on the Hill
- XRA hosted its third annual “Demo on the Hill,” where Members of Congress, staff, and industry leaders experienced firsthand the transformative power of XR technology
XRA All-Member Meeting
- XR Association brought members together for the 2025 All-Member Meeting, tackling implications of U.S. elections, youth safety, and global competition
XRA released a report on how immersive experiences can empower the next generation
- The report focuses on potential harms and the safety of users, with insights into the unique perspective of teens in multiuser immersive environments
XRA joined a multi-association letter highlighting risks of tariffs to American innovation and technology
- The letter encouraged the Administration to take a comprehensive approach to trade initiatives and consider how trade and tariff policies could risk delaying American advancement
XRA commended Congress and the Administration for their continued focus on fostering innovation
- XRA submitted comments to Congress and the Administration on key issues shaping the future of immersive technology — including the House Data Privacy Working Group, the National Science Foundation’s Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, and the White House’s efforts to advance U.S. leadership in advanced manufacturing
- Check out XRA’s Comments
XR Association endorsed the House Reality Caucus appropriations request for FY26
- The FY26 request highlighted immersive technology’s impact on U.S. productivity, security, and global competitiveness, and supported the new U.S. Leadership in Immersive Technology Act
XRA published “The Next Generation’s Insights on Immersive Tech” survey
- The survey reveals that 63% of teens express growing enthusiasm for XR technology, with VR maintaining a high level of favorability among them
Growing support in Congress for immersive technology priorities in FY26 NDAA and appropriations
- Immersive technologies gained significant traction in Congress as both chambers embedded XR and digital twin capabilities into the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and sectoral appropriations bills
XRA applauded the reintroduction of the Immersive Technology for the American Workforce Act of 2025 by Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Katie Britt (R-AL)
- The legislation would authorize $50 million annually through 2035 to fund programs that integrate immersive technology into workforce training
5th annual AR/VR Policy Conference in D.C. highlighted XR industry and policy insights
- XRA and ITIF celebrated the fifth year of the AR/VR Policy Conference, which brought together innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the responsible advancement of XR technology and experience it firsthand
XRA welcomed 6 new members
- This year, XRA expanded our membership, adding 6 new member companies, including Lucid Reality Labs, to the growing roster of industry leaders in AR, MR, and VR
Looking ahead to 2026, we remain committed to advancing the development and adoption of XR technologies, empowering innovation, and promoting positive societal impact. Thank you for being part of XRA’s journey, and we wish you a joyful holiday season and a successful new year!
Happy Holidays,
The XR Association Team
