Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality: Big buzzwords of 2018 and ones worth noting for sure, as they are rapidly shaping enterprise today. The innovators of today are the ones who have had the most success with these technologies. Apple certainly is an example of an innovator in the smart phone industry. This article will highlight the best VR apps for iPhone of 2018. Features reviewed include ease of use, age diversity, and, of course, “buzz”. Plus, the best part is that these are all best FREE iPhone apps!
10. Night Terrors: The Beginning
This currently free horror story ghost app immerses users into their existing surroundings by having them take a picture of their own house. Users then walk around their own home in the dark while frightening sounds, images, and lights invade their viewing. This experience is not intended for children, despite the fact that there is not outright blood, gore, and violence.
However, users will hear cussing and screams during the experience, and the overall experience can be quite frightening, as it is well intended. It will certainly scare your socks off, but won’t be guaranteed to remain free forever, so get it now if fright energizes you!
9. Discovery VR (Android & iOS)
Discovery is known for taking viewers to faraway, luxurious places and showing them new breathtaking views they’ve never seen before. Now, they are expanding their platform into the VR World. Their app takes viewers deep underwater, far away in space, and on amazing land adventures.
The free app was designed to get people thinking and spark their curiosity. Popular shows such as Shark Week, Deadliest Catch, and MythBusters provide free content to increase the enjoyment of this experience.
8. Zombie Shooter VR
This used to be a paid app, but has recently converted to a free app. Users find themselves traversing a post-apocalyptic subway, fighting off masses of zombies. Although this is a free app initially, if you want to continue playing after one minute, you’ll have to buy in. It’s an easy to play virtual reality game that doesn’t require a headset, but this would certainly make it a more enjoyable experience.
7. VR Tube – Play Virtual Reality
The easy to recognize household name, YouTube, has become vastly popular due to silly animal videos and all types of video content. The amazing videos housed on VRTube are breathtaking and offer an extraordinary immersive experience, but be sure to have some sort of device or Google Cardboard in order to view them. Their top recommended video is Mega Coaster by the Discovery Channel.
6. Jaunt VR
Jaunt provides users over 150 premium, cinematic virtual reality experiences. Users can enjoy on-stage experiences/performances or visit exotic destinations with the most diverse selection of VR experience videos anywhere. Jaunt content is best viewed with a headset, but it’s possible to view without a Cardboard or comparable headset by going to Mono mode to enjoy the 360-degree content.
5. Google Street View
Google has developed Street View elaborately over the years, but has now taken that to a whole new level, immersing users into the destinations they want to “experience”. Enjoy a “virtual trip” from anywhere or show your friends the amazing views from where you have traveled.
4. Within VR
Within VR is one of the best VR apps for iPhone currently available for storytelling. Their claim to fame is backed by their various awards. This app allows you to experience the emotions and experiences first-hand, thus really telling the story. It is the most downloaded and highest rated cinematic VR app for Google Cardboard.
3. InCell VR
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be shrunk down to a micro size and be immersed in the human body, then this app is for you! The basic premise of the game is that users are sent on a mission to protect a human at the cellular level. Users race, dodge and collect objects as they move through their “mission”. While the game is focused on Virtual Reality, you can also play without a Cardboard or other viewer.
2. NYT VR
This app stands out from the rest of the 8 best VR apps for iPhone reviewed so far in that it is a very different kind of experience. The user that is looking for something new or interesting from a journalism perspective will love this app. The app is highly video-focused and takes users around the world through the lens of journalism stories.
It is both entertaining and educational, and puts users smack-dab in the middle of the story. Examples include embedding with Iraqi forces, climbing the World Trade Center with professional mountaineer Jimmy Chin, or setting foot on the alien world of Pluto. You can watch without a viewer, but for the most immersive experience, view with Cardboard or other headset.
1. Cardboard Camera (Android & iOS)
Whether taking in the breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon or photographing a little league baseball game, you can now capture 3D 360-degree virtual reality photos with one of the best VR apps for iPhone of 2018. Don’t confuse this app with Google Cardboard, although it does share a similarity; you can use this app with a device you already own. While you don’t need Google Cardboard or Google Dream to take/view your photo, it will be hard to appreciate the virtual reality component without one of these.
Conclusion
Virtual Reality continues to explode and expand. While we feel these are some of the best VR apps for iPhone in 2018, they are just the tip of the iceberg. They are apps that have been touted by many users and boast great reviews. Feel free to chime in with your thoughts on these, and let us know what you think are the best VR apps for iPhone!
Recommended Read: Best VR Glasses for iPhone in 2018
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