Best/Most Interesting AR/3D capture apps for iPhone

September 27, 2023 6:28 AM

For the first time, I've got an iPhone (15 Pro) that supports AR/3D capture. What are the best, most useful, and most interesting apps that utilize AR, 3D, or other uses of the multi-camera and sensor doodads? I'm interested primarily in tools/utilities, but also games and other unique uses.

To expand a little: I've heard it is "easy" to turn actual objects into 3D models, get 3D models of a room, view 3D terrains that appear on your table, accurately measure far distances, etc. etc. but as usual the app store is over-stuffed with options and I'd love to hear about apps people have actually used and like. Thanks!

posted by O Time, Thy Pyramids to Computers & Internet (3 answers total)

Best answer: Youtube is where you should turn for app recommendations here. I just watched a few the other day and haven't tried the actual apps yet.

I will say, you can use the Measure app that ships with the phone to find out a person's height. Just open it and point it at someone standing still. Don't push any buttons, just wait a sec, and it'll tell you how tall they are. It's dead-accurate as far as I can tell.
posted by dobbs at 6:51 AM on September 27, 2023

Best answer: Scaniverse is a free and simple app for making 3d models using the LiDAR feature and photo overlay. We used it this summer using iPhone 13pro to make models of archaeological excavations and caves and it is easy and millimeter accurate. And kind of fun. I mean it does take a little practice to be seamless but you can watch how to videos and so forth. Helpful to have a selfie stick for this work.
posted by Rumple at 11:22 AM on September 27, 2023

I used Polycam to generate a 3D model and floor plan with measurements of my new apartment.
posted by healthytext at 5:47 AM on October 17, 2023