Apple ARKit

Augmented reality apps are the future and Apple wants to be a large player in this new market: that’s why Apple created ARKit. Here, you will discover what is ARKit and how it works.

ARKit is the biggest augmented reality platform. Available with the iOS 11, ARKit can be used by everyone having an iPhone 6S or more recent. The platform is also available on each models of iPad Pro and on the iPad 5th generation. ARKit allows app developers to create easily AR apps. Indeed, the ARKit uses the device camera, a scene processing to scan images and objects in the real environment. The ARKit also combines a device motion tracking to facilitate the 3D creation for app developers.
Mobile app developers can create AR experiences using the back camera, but also the front camera of any iOS 11 device. ARKit uses a process called ARWorldMap which allows to position and place an object in your real environment. ARKit can be used to play with virtual dragon, Lego or to try news furnitures on your flat thanks to IKEA Place. ARKit offers new possibilities for your company to share new products or information in an interactive way with a complete immersion.
With the arrival of the iOS 12 during the fall 2018, the ARKit will be improved. New iOS means new ARKit: the ARKit 2. In this new version Apple added a lot of key functions. Thanks to ARKit 2 you can share your AR experience with your family or your friends. It is very simple, you just need to open an AR app which you want to play. The app will create an ARWorldMap. When the ARWorldMap is ready, the second user opens the app and you just need to share the ARWorldMap with him. You can now share the same game area and try to win together.
The ARKit 2 will use a new AR object file format called USDZ. This new file format has been created by Apple and Pixar. The file contains the 3D model and its textures : lights, animation… The file is really light to allow to share easily AR object file. Indeed, the USDZ files can be shared by iMessage, Mail or Safari. The new file format will be supported by Adobe software to allow compatibilities with other programs like Photoshop.
Apple also announced the creation of a new app thanks to ARKit 2 : Measure. This app allows you to measure any type of object in your real environment. You just need to use the camera of your smartphone, to point an object and to draw a line on the object to have its measure. More and more AR apps are created each day in different fields: games, education, lifestyle… Now it’s your time to enter in the AR world by creating your own AR app.
If you are interested in creating an AR app contact our professional team for a free quote and visit our augmented and virtual reality page and our dedicated website.