Apple AR: This App Uses the iPhone X's TrueDepth Camera to Conjure 3D Illusions

A Swedish digital artist has developed an app for the iPhone X that creates mind-bending 3D illusions that correlate to the user's point of view.

The app, called TheParallaxView, uses the TrueDepth camera on the iPhone X to track the user's head movements and generates images that correspond to the user's position in real time. As a result, the user sees a seemingly 3D image from any angle.

One effect presents a seemingly deep pit burrowed into the phone's screen, while another experience shows a cluster of skyscrapers that appear to rise from the display.

Peder Norrby

Developer Peder Norrby intends to make the app available as a free download from the App Store. As of this writing, he says the app has been submitted and is pending approval by Apple.

Norby developed the app with Unity and its ARKit plugin for face tracking. He notes that the effect is monoscopic, therefore it works best with one eye closed, but he has a stereoscopic version on his roadmap for future development.

Peder Norrby

While Apple itself offers a limited number of features that actually use the TrueDepth camera, developers continue to demonstrate innovative augmented reality experiences that take advantage of the advanced hardware on the iPhone X. Some experiments have created trippy face effects, while others leverage face tracking as a user interface.

Smartphone makers take note: you'll need to upgrade your cameras if you want in on consumer AR before the first wave of smartglasses hits shelves.

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Cover image via Peder Norrby/YouTube