Augmented reality is also set to make shopping easier, especially for big-ticket items.
Last year, Ikea released a new app that lets shoppers preview furniture virtually within their home. Augmented reality, which shows digital images on top of real-life objects when you look at them on a smartphone, has more widespread appeal because it doesn't require a headset.
Apple's new platform ARKit lets developers, like Ikea, create their own AR apps.
Online home furnishing retailer Wayfair(W) and home renovation and design platform Houzz have similar apps that let users preview furniture virtually at home.
