# View-Master VR Headsets The Apple VR Smartphone Accessory is Inspired by the Popular Toy By M | Published 2016-02-06 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vr-smartphone References: [theverge](http://www.theverge.com/2016/2/5/10924236/apple-selling-view-master-vr-headset-for-iphone) & [apple](http://www.apple.com/shop/product/HJKB2LL/A/view-master-virtual-reality-starter-pack) [Apple](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/developer-strap) has entered the realm virtual reality devices adding a VR smartphone accessory inspired by the popular View-Master toys that used images to transport viewers to far off locations and scenes. The headset works in conjunction with a smartphone to provide the same 360-degree experience, but using much more sophisticated video technology. The View-Master Virtual Reality Starter Pack is an affordable alternative to an [Oculus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-hmd) [Rift](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emirates-vr-experience) headset that is much more cost-effective to the masses thanks to its plastic design. The device is essentially a plastic casing that a smartphone can fit into. The phone then works with a joining app to provide videos that submerse the user entirely into new spaces, worlds and locations. The affordable design allows the virtual reality technology to be much more accessible to a wider consumer demographic. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 33% | Activity: 39% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Affordable VR:** The affordability of the View-Master VR headset suggests a trend towards making VR technology more accessible to the masses. - **Smartphone VR Accessories:** Apple's View-Master VR smartphone accessory is an example of a trend towards creating affordable add-ons to make VR technology more accessible on popular devices. - **360-degree Video:** The View-Master headset's use of 360-degree video technology might signal a trend towards more immersive video experiences. ### Where This Applies - **Consumer Electronics:** Consumer electronics companies may benefit from innovations in affordable VR, such as the View-Master VR headset. - **Smartphone Manufacturing:** The rise of smartphone VR accessories, like Apple's View-Master, may lead to new opportunities for smartphone manufacturers to integrate VR technology into their devices. - **Entertainment:** The 360-degree video technology used in the View-Master VR headset may disrupt the entertainment industry, leading to more immersive and interactive experiences for audiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Custom Virtual Reality Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/developer-strap.md) - [18K Gold VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-vision-pro-cvr-edition.md) - [Cardboard-Made Holographic Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-holographic-display.md) - [Independent Metaverse VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-hmd.md) - [Mixed-Reality Headset Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caviar-vision-iphone-15-pro.md) - [Spatial OS AR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-vision-pro.md) - [Mixed-Reality Headgear Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bounce-vision.md) - [Sports-Focused VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jiodive.md) - [Wooden Retro-Style VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stereoscopic-display-system.md)