Apple constantly innovates and introduces new technologies to enhance our daily lives. One such technology is AR (Augmented Reality) which has gained immense popularity in recent years. With the release of ARKit, Apple’s AR platform for iOS devices, the possibilities of using AR on your iPhone have become endless. Whether it’s for gaming, education, or productivity, AR has opened up a whole new world of experiences. In this beginner’s guide, we will walk you through the steps of using AR on your iPhone and explore its various applications.

First things first, you need an iPhone that supports AR. Currently, all iPhones from the iPhone 6S and above can run AR apps. However, for the best AR experience, it is recommended to use an iPhone with A9 chip or higher, which includes iPhone 6S, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, and X. With that out of the way, let’s dive into how you can use AR on your iPhone.

Step 1: Download AR Apps

The first step is to download AR-enabled apps on your iPhone. The App Store offers a wide variety of free and paid AR apps, ranging from games to educational tools. You can find these apps by searching for “AR” or “Augmented Reality” in the App Store and selecting the “ARKit only” filter option. Some popular AR apps include Pokemon Go, IKEA Place, and World Brush.

Step 2: Enable ARKit

Once you have downloaded an AR app, you need to enable ARKit in your iPhone settings. Open the “Settings” app, go to “General,” and select “ARKit.” Make sure the toggle is turned on. By enabling ARKit, you are allowing your iPhone to use motion tracking and scene understanding, which are crucial for AR.

Step 3: Set Up AR Experience

Each AR app may have a different set up process, but the general steps are similar. You will need to find a flat and well-lit surface in a room. Some apps may ask you to scan the space by moving your phone around, while others may use the camera to detect a surface automatically. Once the app has identified the surface, you will see a virtual object or scene appear on your screen.

Step 4: Interact with AR

Now that your AR experience is set up, you can interact with it in various ways. You can move your iPhone around to explore the virtual object or use gestures to manipulate it. Some apps may also allow you to interact with the AR object by using your voice or tapping on the screen. Keep in mind that you need to move your iPhone in real life to move the virtual object, so make sure to have enough space around you.

Step 5: Try Different AR Apps

Once you have mastered the basics of using AR, it’s time to have some fun and try out different AR apps. As mentioned earlier, there is a wide range of AR apps available, so you can explore different categories such as gaming, education, and productivity. Some apps even allow you to create your own AR experiences, so be sure to experiment and find what interests you the most.

Tips for a Great AR Experience

– Make sure your iPhone is charged and has enough storage space before using AR apps.
– Use your iPhone in a well-lit environment for better tracking and detection.
– Move slowly and smoothly to avoid sudden movements that can disrupt the AR experience.
– Keep your iPhone stable and at a comfortable distance from your face to prevent eye strain.
– If an AR app is not functioning correctly, try closing and reopening the app or restarting your iPhone.

In conclusion, AR on the iPhone offers a whole new level of interactivity and immersion in various activities. With the advancement of AR technology, we can only expect more exciting and practical applications in the future. Now that you have a beginner’s guide to using AR on your iPhone, it’s time to download some AR apps and explore for yourself. Happy Augmenting!