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Introduction
Written by Chris Language
Welcome to your first step into Apple’s wonderful world of augmented reality (AR).
This book is the easiest and fastest way to get hands-on experience using Apple frameworks and technologies like Reality Composer, RealityKit, and ARKit — all the available rendering technologies Apple has to offer, as well as a collection of fun projects for creating various real-world AR experiences.
After reading this book, you’ll have a deep understanding of the technologies and frameworks used to create powerful, immersive AR experiences for the Apple platform.
How To Read This Book
To get the most out of this book, you should read the pages in the order they are presented.
This book is split into seven main sections:
Section I: Reality Composer
In this section, you’ll dip your toes into the shallow end of augmented reality as you learn about AR Quick Look, Reality Composer, Reality Converter and USDZ Files. You’ll create an interactive virtual drum kit that you’ll be able to share with your friends on iMessage.
Section II: Reality Composer & Image Tracking
In this section, you’ll dive a little deeper into augmented reality and learn about image anchors and tracking. You’ll also create an interactive AR Business Card that you can show off to your friends, making them green with envy.
Section III: Reality Composer & Object Tracking
In this section, you’ll add another dimension with Object tracking. Using object anchors, you’ll augment a physical toy truck with interactive buttons that will reveal some fun facts about its real-world counterpart.
Section IV: RealityKit & Face Tracking
In this section, you’ll learn about RealityKit and face tracking. You’ll create a SnapChat-like face filter app with SwiftUI that lets you mockup your face with funny props. You’ll also create an animated mask that you can control with your eyes, brows and mouth.
Section V: ARKit & SpriteKit
In this section, you’ll get a full introduction to ARKit and find out what makes it so powerful. In doing so, you’ll create a fun 2D SpriteKit game where you get to save tiny Emoji’s before they fall to their death.
Section VI: ARKit & SceneKit
In this section, you’ll continue learning about ARKit. You’ll also learn about SceneKit, Apple’s framework for creating 3D content, as you build a miniature interactive virtual airport that allows customers to access basic departure and arrivals information.
Section VII: ECS & Collaborative Experiences (Bonus Section)
In this section, you’ll create a multiplayer AR shared experience using RealityKit. In this experience, two players can play a basic Knots & Crosses game on separate devices.
Section VIII: Creating 3D Models With Object Capture (Bonus Section)
In this section, you’ll learn how to create realistic 3D models from real-life objects using RealityKit and Object Capture.