Header Banner
Next Reality Logo
Next Reality
Mobile AR News
nextreality.mark.png
Apple Snap AR Business Google Instagram | Facebook NFT HoloLens Magic Leap Hands-On Smartphone AR The Future of AR Next Reality 30 AR Glossary ARKit Dev 101 What Is AR? Mixed Reality HoloLens Dev 101 Augmented Reality Hololens How-Tos HoloLens v. Magic Leap v. Meta 2 VR v. AR v. MR

Apple's iOS 11.3 Update Arrives for All With AR Vertical Surface Detection via ARKit 1.5 for iPhones & iPads

Hand holding a smartphone displaying a 3D model of a lunar lander.

If you have an ARKit-compatible iPhone or iPad, check for a software update, as iOS 11.3, with ARKit version 1.5 in tow, has just dropped. As we previously reported, ARKit 1.5 brings several new augmented reality features for app developers to use.

Apps supporting the toolkit will be able to recognize vertical and irregularly-shaped surfaces, which will allow content to rest in its environment more realistically. ARKit 1.5 also brings image recognition, which app developers can leverage for AR art tours or visual product searches. Apple also boasts a higher resolution pass-through camera view and auto-focus support in the latest version of ARKit.

In addition, for iPhone X owners, new Animoji characters are available. If last week was ARCore week, then this week is clearly shaping up to be ARKit week.

Apple's AR toolkit is at the center of its education strategy, as evidenced by the company's iPad event in Chicago this week. Now, with the next version of ARKit arriving and AR app developers almost certain to be feverishly updating their apps right now to support it, Apple can sit back and watch its already impressive ARKit download figures increase.

Cover image via Apple

Apple's iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 updates are packed with new features, and you can try them before almost everyone else. First, check Gadget Hacks' list of supported iPhone and iPad models, then follow the step-by-step guide to install the iOS/iPadOS 26 beta — no paid developer account required.

Related Articles

Comments

No Comments Exist

Be the first, drop a comment!