A study from Juniper Research has found that the number of QR code coupons redeemed via mobile will reach 5.3 billion by 2022, up from an estimated 1.3 billion in 2017.

The research, Mobile & Online Coupons: Leading Vendors, Technologies & Market Forecasts 2017-2022, finds that the use of QR codes to deliver coupons and discount offers will increase substantially, as in-built QR functionality on mobile devices drives usage, with Apple leading the way.

Recent changes by Apple, to include QR code reader functionality as part of the camera application on iPhone devices, has lead Juniper to revise upwards our mobile coupon forecasts. Juniper forecasts that over 1 billion mobile devices will access coupons through QR codes by 2022.

"Apple's addition of QR code reading facilities directly addresses a major barrier for use in Western markets," research author Lauren Foye said. "The lack of an in-built reader had been a hindrance, with consumers needing to download a separate QR code scanner app".

Juniper believes retailers are set to take advantage of an increasingly receptive audience for QR codes. For example, Target announced a QR code-based payments system to scan offers directly to their device stored payment cards, which can then be scanned at checkout for instant payment.