Apple Fan Recreates Apple Store In AR To Check Out New iPhone During Lockdown
Image via Hadrian / Shutterstock.com
All Apple Stores outside of Greater China have been closed since March, and will likely remain that way until May to contain the coronavirus.
Entering an Apple Store is an experience on its own, with each location flaunting a wholly unique design. You might frequent Apple Grand Central—touted as one of the most beautiful Apple locations in the world—and still make it a point to stop by at Kyoto’s store to admire its traditional design when you’re in Japan.
The company also unveiled a new MacBook Air, iPad Pro with a trackpad-enabled Magic Keyboard, and of course, the 2020 iPhone SE, during its closure, which means there are a number of gadgets that haven’t been tested in person in official retail outlets. Understandably, some fans are missing the feel of checking out Apple’s products at its stores as soon as they launch, and creative technologist Ethan Saadia is among them.
The 17-year-old, who was awarded a WWDC scholarship by Apple in 2019, decided to replicate an Apple Store in augmented reality so that he could take a look at the new iPhone SE up close.
In a video demonstrating the amazing recreation, Saadia walks into the outdoor outfit and lifts the iPad Pro, as well as carries a number of iPhones. The experience was created with Apple’s ARKit technology.
“I miss going to the Apple Store on iPhone launch days, so I went to check out the new iPhone SE in AR,” he tweeted. “It almost feels like the real thing!”
The developer has also made the AR experience available on GitHub for all to enjoy so that you can bring your own Apple Store to your home.
Take a tour of the incredible makeshift retail location below. The only grouse is you will have to purchase the new iPhone on the Apple website.
I miss going to the Apple Store on iPhone launch days, so I went to check out the new iPhone SE in AR. It almost feels like the real thing!#AR #ARKit #AugmentedReality #RealityKit #XR #MR #AppleStore #Apple #iPhoneSE #Retail #RetailTech #retailinnovation #mixedreality pic.twitter.com/tqtV4ETSoQ
— Ethan Saadia (@EthanSaadia) April 24, 2020
[via Ethan Saadia, cover image via Hadrian / Shutterstock.com]
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