Apple has finally entered what many believe to be the next big wave of computing: augmented reality.
At its annual conference for developers on Monday, Apple unveiled new augmented reality (AR) software that can display virtual objects onto the real world.
The software, dubbed ARKit, will let apps like Pokémon Go place virtual characters onto physical objects through the iPhone’s camera. Instead of merely showing a Pokémon over the real world, the creature will look as though it’s actually sitting on the ground in front of you.
Apple also demoed an upcoming app called Wingnut AR, which will let you place miniature, virtual worlds on surfaces like a coffee table.
The goal is to make the iPhone "the largest AR platform in the world," according to Apple executive Craig Federighi.
The biggest companies in tech, from Facebook to Microsoft to Google, are all working on AR technology. Startups like Magic Leap are working on ambitious eyewear that can overlay virtual objects, like directions or video games, onto the real world.
Apple is rumored to be working on its own AR headset, although the company has yet to announce any hardware details.
Total revenue for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) is expected to increase from $5.2 billion in 2016 to over $162 billion in 2020, according to the IDC.
