Apple’s ARKit technology has proved very popular amongst developers, with new augmented reality (VR) videogames and experiences launching for the platform practically everyday. However, ARKit requires iOS 11 in order to run, and even then the performance of the AR technology is not guaranteed. Groove Jones has created an infographic to help you determine whether your device is capable of delivering these early AR experiences.
The ARKit technology was originally announced back in June of this year, with development support from Unreal Engine 4, Unity 2017 and UrhoSharp launching in the following months. Since then, we’ve seen a number of high-profile developers launching AR titles, such as Dream Reality Interactive’s recently released Orbu and PlaySide’s AR Dragon, plus updates to a number of existing videogame properties to incorporate the technology, including Niantic’s hugely successful Pokemon Go.
ARKit stretches beyond videogames of course, with applications ranging from architecture to children’s edutainment getting in on the action. And then there are also hobbyist developers, one of whom decided to recreate the first level of the original Super Mario Bros. videogame in AR with the technology.
The breadth and depth of experiences available for developers to create with ARKit is beyond imagination, however the software is nothing if the end user isn’t able to access the hardware that powers it. Below is an infographic designed by Groove Jones to help you discover which iOS devices are suitable for use with ARKit based videogames and experiences.
The range of experiences available for ARKit will only expand in 2018, with Peter Jackson’s Wingnut Studios heavily involved in developing for the platform and the promise of an update for Warhammer 40,000: Freeblade in the wings. More utilities, such as Sketchfab, will likely make use of the platform as well as Google’s Android competitor, ARCore.
More handsets will undoubtedly launch with ARKit support in the future. Apple has openly stated that developer support for the technology has been far above expectations, and as such it’s likely to become a mainstay of the iOS platform from here-on-out. VRFocus will keep you updated with any and all future devices from Apple compatible with the ARKit technology.
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