Apple has launched a new version of ARKit to take advantage of the new LiDAR Scanner and depth-sensing capabilities offered as part of the new iPad Pro range of tablet devices.
Apple has branded the scanner a component in the “new generation of AR apps,” using Scene Geometry to better understand scenes and objects in real-time, allowing developers to create more advanced technologies that change the way people play, chat, and work.
One of the benefits of the new ARKit is that existing apps and experiences can be repurposed to take advantage of the new and improved AR placement, Motion Capture, and People Occlusion technologies, so developers don’t need to build software from scratch.
The new LiDAR Scanner, which is also expected to be part of this year’s iPhone 12 family of smartphones, can measure the distance from the sensor and the surrounding objects up to five meters away, both indoors and outdoors.
What’s more, new technologies that form part of iPadOS combine those depth points and data from the iPad Pro’s two new cameras and motion sensors to create a more advanced understanding of a scene, ideal for manipulating.
The update to ARKit comes alongside macOS Catalina 10.15.4, which introduces Screen Time communication limits and real-time lyrics in Apple Music, and iOS and iPadOS 13.4 which introduces a new toolbar in the Mail app, iCloud folder sharing, and trackpad support for the iPad Pro.
Both third-party and Apple-branded mice and trackpads are compatible.
Are you excited to get your hands on the new ARKit? What’s your favorite augmented reality app? Let us know on social media and check back soon for more news and rumors.
