ARKit

ARKit is Apple's proprietary framework for building augmented reality (AR) and spatial computing applications across iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS. By 2026, ARKit has evolved into the cornerstone of the spatial computing era, integrating deeply with Apple's M-series and R-series silicon. It utilizes advanced Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), computer vision, and machine learning to enable digital content to interact seamlessly with the physical world. Key to its 2026 architecture is the hybrid processing model between RealityKit and ARKit, where ARKit handles the foundational tracking, scene reconstruction, and depth sensing while RealityKit manages high-fidelity rendering. The framework supports LiDAR-powered scene reconstruction, allowing for millimeter-accurate mesh generation of physical environments. With the maturation of Object Capture and RoomPlan APIs, ARKit provides developers with the tools to digitize physical spaces and assets in real-time, bridging the gap between digital twins and consumer-grade AR. It remains locked within the Apple ecosystem, optimized specifically for TrueDepth cameras and LiDAR scanners to maintain a distinct performance advantage over cross-platform alternatives.