AR Code Blog | Apple ARKit, Augmented Reality SDK

ARKit is an Augmented Reality SDK developed by Apple that allows developers to create AR experiences for iOS devices.

Apple ARKit SDK

ARKit is designed to work seamlessly with a wide range of iOS devices, including iPhone and iPad. It utilizes a variety of sensors and algorithms to track the device's position and orientation in the real world, allowing for accurate AR experiences.

Every year at the WWDC conference for developers in June, Apple presents the latest developments in ARKit technology. Here are the ARKit updates that were announced at the 2022 conference:

ARKit includes various APIs

ARKit includes a set of APIs that allow developers to create AR content using familiar tools like Swift and the Xcode development environment. This makes it easy for developers to create AR experiences, even if they are not experts in AR technology.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of ARKit APIs:

• Tracking and mapping: ARKit can track the movement of the device and map the surrounding environment. This allows it to anchor virtual objects to specific points in the real world.
• Scene understanding: ARKit can analyze the scene captured by the device's camera and understand the layout of the physical space. It can detect horizontal planes, such as floors and tables, and estimate the lighting in the environment.
• Rendering: ARKit includes a rendering engine that can display 3D graphics and visual effects in the real world. It also includes support for particle systems, which can be used to create special effects such as smoke or fireworks.
• Object detection and recognition: ARKit can detect and recognize objects in the scene, such as images or text. This can be used to trigger events or display information when the device recognizes a specific object.
• Face tracking: ARKit includes support for tracking the movement of a user's face, which can be used to create realistic facial animations or to control virtual characters.
• Sound localization: ARKit can determine the location of sound sources in the environment, allowing virtual sounds to be placed in specific locations in the real world.
• Body tracking: ARKit includes support for tracking the movement of a user's body, which can be used to create realistic animations or to control virtual characters.

ARKit surfaces and objects detection

One of the key features of ARKit is its ability to understand the environment around the user. It can detect horizontal surfaces such as tables and floors, and can even recognize specific objects and their locations in the real world. This allows developers to create AR experiences that are anchored to specific objects, making the AR content feel more realistic and immersive.

Apple ARKit use cases

In addition to its capabilities for developers, ARKit also offers users a number of benefits. For example, it allows for the creation of AR games, educational apps, and even AR shopping experiences. It can also be used for navigation, allowing users to see digital overlays with directions and information about their surroundings.

Here is a list of potential uses for ARKit:

• Gaming: ARKit can be used to build immersive and interactive AR games, allowing players to interact with virtual objects and characters in the real world.
• Education: ARKit can be used to create interactive educational experiences, such as virtual field trips or simulations.
• Interior design: ARKit can be used to visualize furniture and other home decor in a real-world setting, helping people to visualize how items will look in their space before making a purchase.
• Retail: ARKit can be used to create interactive shopping experiences, such as trying on virtual clothing or makeup, or previewing furniture in a real-world setting.
• Advertising: ARKit can be used to create interactive and immersive advertisements, allowing people to engage with products in a new and interactive way.
• Art: ARKit can be used to create immersive and interactive art installations, allowing people to experience art in a new and interactive way.
• Industrial design: ARKit can be used to visualize and design products, such as cars or furniture, in a real-world setting, allowing designers to see how their creations will look in the real world.

AR Code linked to ARKit via QuickLook

AR Code technology is adapted to the ARKit ecosystem using the iOS & iPadOS QuickLook feature. Apple Quick Look is a feature that allows users to preview the contents of a file without opening it in an application. AR Code technology use it to display 3D digital content allowing our users to create even more innovative and immersive AR experiences on iOS devices.

ARKit is a powerful tool for developers and users alike, and it is helping to drive the growth of the AR industry. As more and more developers adopt ARKit, we can expect to see a wide range of innovative and immersive AR experiences on iOS devices in the near future.