Apple More Friendly for Homebuyers in New Update

Set to release later this summer, Apple’s new update will utilize increased augmented reality options for iPhone, iPad, and Mac computers. With the advent of the new iOS 12 software, real estate agents, homebuyers, and renters will be able to use their devices to interact with virtual reality homes.

At the yearly Worldwide Developers Conference on June 4, Apple unveiled its new ARKit 2, which enables several users to interact with a property’s virtual objects. Multiple users can access the same space through the ARKit at the same time thanks to Apple’s new software.

Additionally, Apple has revealed its new organizational app, Measure, a program that allows the user to easily capture the measurements and dimensions of an object through their phone’s camera.

These applications mimic Realty Affiliate, Sotheby’s Augmented Reality app for the virtual staging of homes. This app includes visualization, recollections, and interior design options, giving the potential homebuyer complete control over their real estate shopping experience.

Craig Federight, senior vice president of software engineering at Apple, claims their new technology will allow a realtor to communicate with the potential buyer as they explore potential homes on the app.

“It’s a compact, single-file format that’s optimized for sharing while retaining great 3D graphics and even animations. You can place these 3D objects into the world,” claimed Federight at the conference.

It has not yet been released if Apple’s ARKit 2 will allow users to make allow the user to alter the decor like Sotheby’s, but Apple’s software will include a spectator mode.

“[This mode gives] friends and family the best views of AR gameplay from a different iOS device,” according to Apple’s website.

This software might prove beneficial to homeowners looking to move long distances, but who are hesitant to make a purchase from afar. The average condo price in Manhattan was $1.9 million in 2017, and this new technology may make large purchases even easier.

According to Inman, this might prove particularly beneficial to the paper-based real estate industry as users can scan and send documents and contracts digitally with their phone’s camera.

In addition to Apple’s new ARKit 2, Mac computers will also witness a software change: Apple’s Home app will offer new smart home technology to your desktop, giving users free reign over aspects of their home, including thermostat changes and voice assistance.