Augmented Reality helps build fun apps for phones and wearables. Different devices need different tech standards and tools. Choose development tools that match your platform’s needs. SDKs make this easier with ready-made tools for each system.
An experienced AR VR app development company uses effective SDKs to deliver extraordinary solutions. Tool mastery will define AR success in the coming year. We reveal five powerful platforms driving AR creation today. To lead in AR, developers must adapt and upskill fast.
Popular Tools for AR VR Development
1. ARKit
Apple built ARKit to power immersive AR on its devices. For Apple platforms, it offers top-tier AR capabilities. Swift and Xcode users will find it especially intuitive. It supports features like face tracking and object placement. Each iOS update brings fresh AR functions and guides.
ARKit will become more beneficial if your development team uses Apple tools. It also taps into new tech like LiDAR and depth sensing. Apple’s ecosystem makes integration smooth and efficient. You’ll benefit from hardware-optimized AR right out of the box.
ARKit delivers rich augmented reality on Apple’s iOS devices. It delivers powerful tools for monitoring movement and observing scenes. Advanced features include motion sensing, environment analysis, and lighting. ARKit enables smooth and realistic AR applications.
Why choose ARKit?
ARKit is key for developers aiming at Apple’s large audience. The popularity of iOS devices has increased, which makes ARKit more beneficial. Apple’s AR glasses and Vision Pro signal future growth.
It’s strong in detecting objects and interpreting real-world scenes. Digital elements interact naturally with people through occlusion effects.
Advantages
- Built to run smoothly on iPhone and iPad hardware.
- Stays current with every new iOS release.
- Supports facial and body motion features natively.
- 3D models can be viewed instantly with Quick Look.
- Plenty of official tutorials make learning ARKit simple.
Disadvantages
- Unavailable for Android or multi-platform development.
- Performance depends on cutting-edge Apple hardware.
- Restricted to Apple’s software tools and frameworks.
2. ARCore
Google created ARCore for Android, similar to ARKit. For Android apps, ARCore provides essential augmented reality tools. It works well with Unity, Unreal, and JavaScript tools.
Google’s ARCore lets you build AR apps for Android and more. Its broad device support attracts developers across many platforms. Advanced features are available with ARCore too. Augmented images detect logos and objects for actions.
ARCore allows multiplayer to share content on several devices. Unity works well with ARCore for creating efficient apps. It taps into Android’s large user base for broader reach.
This supports interactive and collaborative augmented reality experiences. Newer smartphones offer Sceneform, though it’s outdated. Android’s versatile hardware opens multiple development options.
Advantages
- Deep integration with Android system and camera tools.
- Visual triggers enabled by augmented image technology.
- Supports multiplayer AR without extra SDKs.
- Compatible with Unity and Unreal Engine plugins.
- Customizable through open-source elements.
Drawbacks
- Compatibility differs across devices; verify supported hardware.
- Performance depends greatly on the phone brand and model.
- Certain tools, such as Sceneform, lack ongoing updates.
3. Wikitude
Developers often weigh it against Vuforia for SDK options. This makes it ideal for cross-platform AR development. Cloud recognition shifts processing to servers, aiding weaker devices.
AR content scales dynamically with user distance for realism. A strong Unity plugin and JavaScript API are provided. It’s valuable for teams targeting smart glasses like HoloLens. Wikitude uses AR VR development services to deliver extraordinary options.
Advantages
- Built-in GPS features enable location-aware AR experiences.
- Cloud recognition enhances device performance during use.
- Comprehensive guides and demos speed up development.
Drawbacks
- Reliable internet is needed for cloud-based capabilities.
- Subscription costs might be challenging for small teams.
- Certain features demand more complex technical configuration.
4. ARToolKit
A major AR challenge is accurately tracking the user’s viewpoint. ARToolKit solves this using computer vision and marker detection. This precise tracking helps developers align virtual objects perfectly.
As a result, ARToolKit enables quick creation of compelling AR apps. This SDK offers full control for creating customized AR applications. Custom markers can be created for specialized AR use cases. Camera calibration tools help enhance detection precision.
Optional plugins exist for Unity and OpenSceneGraph integration. While lacking commercial support, it avoids costly licensing fees.
Advantages
- Completely open-source and adaptable to any system.
- Compatible with major OS platforms, including desktops.
- Supports both marker and feature tracking methods.
- Efficient and quick on moderate-performance devices.
Drawbacks
- User interface and guides are less refined than paid SDKs.
- Lacks official support and licensing guarantees.
- Advanced AR functions like occlusion need additional effort.
5. Vuforia
Vuforia is a popular AR SDK for commercial projects. It offers multiple products like Engine, Studio, and Chalk. No need to change tools or rewrite essential code. Vuforia is favored for dependable object tracking and live recognition.
Visual Camera expands support to devices beyond mobiles and tablets. VuMarks enable personalized markers with embedded information. Minimal code adjustments are needed for different industry uses. This speeds development and minimizes errors from external integrations.
Its strong image detection allows smooth fusion of real and virtual content. Developers use it to craft engaging and interactive AR apps. Industries using it often see major gains in productivity. Its high object recognition accuracy suits industrial use cases well.
Sectors like manufacturing and logistics benefit from its capabilities. Its strong reliability and multi-OS support ease cross-platform development. Developers can build once without stressing over porting later.
Advantages
- VuMarks merge markers with embedded data functions.
- Studio and other tools accelerate prototype development.
Drawbacks
- Visual scripting options are fewer than newer SDKs.
- Enterprise licenses may become costly over time.
- Advanced occlusion and environment sensing are limited initially.
Conclusion
In 2025, AR is set for massive expansion thanks to tech progress. These platforms help build engaging experiences and improve efficiency. They unlock new levels of immersion and interactivity for all fields. From gaming to education or virtual showrooms, the impact is clear. DOM delivers remarkable AR VR solutions using metaverse development services.
Leading platforms like Unity and Unreal Engine, alongside niche tools such as ARKit and DeepAR.ai, offer developers many choices. The best tool for you hinges on your objectives, skills, and target devices. These top five AI-powered AR and VR tools help transform your creative visions into engaging realities.
