Looking Glass + iOS = The Next Leap Forward
For the first time, Looking Glass displays can be powered entirely by an iOS device - no computer needed. With an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max (or later) or an iPad Pro (M4 or later), your device becomes the engine behind holographic experiences, transforming how you view, create, and interact with 3D content. Just plug your Looking Glass Go or 16" into your iPhone or iPad via a single USB-C cable, and you’re ready to go.
This breakthrough stems from improvements in mobile processing and a major software advancement that reduces the computational power required to create group-viewable holograms. This leap in efficiency allows Looking Glass displays to run on mobile processors, significantly lowering costs while maintaining performance.
So, why start with iOS? With millions of iOS devices already in use, deployment at scale is easier than ever. Apple’s hardware stands out for its stability, and its seamless 2D touch interface adds an intuitive layer to holographic interaction. Compared to high-powered computing required by gaming PCs, iOS offers a more affordable and accessible path for bringing holograms to everyone.
This isn’t some distant future concept–it’s here, now. And it’s set to transform how we think about 3D.
How to Use iOS with Looking Glass
1. Build and Create with the Unity Plugin
Developers, this one’s for you. The latest Unity plugin (3.2.0) now supports full iOS development, allowing you to build, deploy, and run holographic apps on Looking Glass displays—just like any other iOS app. What sets it apart is the extended view of the display to provide a group-viewable 3D experience—no headset required.
- Includes a sample scene to help you get started.
- Apps appear on your desktop just like regular iOS apps.
2. Explore with Demo Applications
Not a developer? No problem. Our suite of demo applications highlights different use cases for Looking Glass technology. Check out these featured demo apps:
- 3D Replicas – View, rotate, zoom, and adjust the lighting of high-quality 3D scans of historical artifacts. Perfect for museums, educators, and history buffs. This app is available via TestFlight.
- 3D Shoecase (Coming Soon!) – A showcase of shoes and sneakers, designed for retail applications. Rotate, zoom, and adjust the lighting to explore every detail.
- 3D Memoji (Coming Soon!) – Use your iOS device's camera to transform into a holographic sloth character, a fun demonstration of location-based entertainment.
- 4D Ultrasound (Coming Soon!) – A collection of medical models generated from real ultrasound scans, illustrating the power of Looking Glass for medical visualization.
Control everything directly from your iPhone or iPad and experience the incredible depth and realism Looking Glass provides.
3. Transform Videos with the Hologram Video App
Upgrade your Cinematic Mode and RGBD videos with the Hologram Video app, which turns your videos into immersive 3D experiences on Looking Glass displays–making your memories more vivid than ever.
- Connect your iPhone or iPad to a Looking Glass Go or 16" display.
- Select a Cinematic Mode video or a generated RGBD video from your camera roll.
- Watch it come to life in 3D on your Looking Glass
What’s Happening Behind the Scenes?
- Low-Latency USB-C Streaming – Fast, reliable, and efficient, enabling seamless real-time holographic experiences.
- Extended Group-Viewable 3D – Unlike VR headsets, Looking Glass provides a multi-perspective experience that multiple people can view simultaneously.
- Optimized for Mobile – The leap in computational efficiency allows these experiences to run on mobile processors rather than requiring high-end gaming PCs.
For a deeper dive into how it works, visit our developer documentation.
Imagine a World Where Apps Can Be Seen in Real 3D—No Headsets Required
For over 10 years, we've been at the forefront of 3D technology, pioneering group-viewable holography and developing unmatched expertise. With iOS support, we're now unlocking an entirely new way to experience digital content.
This isn’t just an update—it’s a leap forward in making holography accessible, scalable, and intuitive. Whether you're developing apps, exploring interactive media, or seeing your memories in a new dimension, Looking Glass is redefining what's possible.
We can’t wait to see what you create.
Need help getting started? Have ideas? Let’s talk.
To the future!
Compatibility Note: This release supports iPhone 15 Pro (or Pro Max) and iPad Pro (M4) or later and is compatible with Looking Glass Go and the latest Looking Glass 16" displays.