In the latest version of the Apple Clips app, it is possible to add effects via augmented reality. That only works with an iPhone 12 Pro or iPad Pro.
Add augmented reality with Apple Clips
Apple has added seven augmented reality effects to its Clips app. With Clips it is possible to make videos and to cheer them up with stickers and effects. Now you can turn your environment into an ‘AR space’. This means that the special effects take into account the environment and the people in the picture.
Among other things, you can turn your environment into a dance floor, or fill it with confetti poppers, magical stardust or ribbons of rainbow light.
You do need a LiDAR scanner to use this update. This is currently only in the iPhone 12 Pro and the iPad Pro. This scanner is needed to measure distances. Rumor has it that all versions of the iPhone 13 will also get a LiDAR scanner.
Effects are becoming increasingly important for Clips. In the previous major update, version 3.0, the app already got a new interface that makes it easier to add effects. From now on, Apple promises new content for Clips every month, with filters, stickers and more.
In this way, the company probably hopes to offer an alternative to popular apps such as TikTok and Snapchat. Unlike these apps, Clips is not its own social network. It’s just a place to make videos, which users can then upload elsewhere.
More augmented reality
Apple seems to want to focus more and more on augmented reality in the future, to eventually release its own AR glasses. However, you don’t have to wait for that. With your current iPhone you can also get started with augmented reality without a LiDAR scanner.