Apple kicked off WWDC by introducing a new version of ARKit for iOS 12. This doesn’t quite overhaul the system, but instead expands the applications for augment reality on iOS devices. The biggest of which is to create a shared virtual space what can be experienced by multiple people.
As a demonstration of how it will work, Apple invited some developers from Lego to show how AR interacts with the building sets. Players are able to look at a physical Lego building and use it as the centrepiece for an AR game. Expanding the world with more virtual buildings and interacting with the creations using avatars.
Players can also drop virtual Lego vehicles to conduct missions, complete with multiplayer options so that up to four friends can join in on the fun.
There is also a new app called Measure; which allows users to measure objects using AR. Similar to what Google’s Project Tango is capable of, but without needing the extra hardware certification. Allowing all iOS 12 devices to use the feature.
For the most part, the ARKit 2 is being left up to developers to explore. But Apple is releasing its own demo app for people to experience its potential; while Lego will be releasing its own app later in the year.
