eToro plans to venture into the realm of augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) by exploring the integration of its retail trading app onto Apple and Meta VR headsets, in an interview with CNBC, eToro’s CEO, Yoni Assia, revealed.

eToro Eyes Integration: Trading App on Apple and Meta VR Headsets

eToro, known for its trading platform catering to a range of assets including stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies, aims to pioneer in financial services by potentially establishing a virtual storefront accessible through Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest devices.

Assia emphasized the company's strategic focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and its intention to incorporate voice interaction features within the app, enhancing user accessibility and engagement. However, he underscored the significance of AR and VR technologies as a priority for eToro's future endeavors.

The CEO hinted at the prospect of integrating natural language processing and VR capabilities into the app's functionalities throughout 2024, signaling a significant shift towards immersive trading experiences.

Navigating Technical Hurdles in AR/VR Trading

While refraining from providing a concrete timeline for the launch of an AR experience, Assia affirmed eToro's commitment to exploring and investing in AR/VR technologies as a pivotal aspect of its business strategy.

Acknowledging the nascent stage of VR adoption in financial services, Assia highlighted technical limitations and user readiness as potential challenges in realizing the full potential of AR/VR-based trading platforms. Despite these hurdles, eToro remains optimistic about the long-term prospects of immersive trading experiences.

The envisioned AR app, tailored for advanced traders, would potentially leverage AI capabilities to offer personalized assistance and streamline the investment decision-making process, thus enhancing user engagement and efficacy.

“This is still in very initial discussions,” Assia noted, but added he thinks the firm could be ready to show off a prototype “in a couple of months.”