The Top 10 Mobile Augmented Reality Apps

Moody Mattan • September 29, 2023

Augmented Reality (AR) has skyrocketed in popularity over the last few years. These mobile applications are transforming the way we interact with the world around us. Ready for a deep dive into the AR universe?

Introduction: The Rise of AR


Remember when mobile apps were all about sending virtual gifts or slinging angry birds at pig-built structures? Fast forward to today, and the landscape is revolutionized, primarily by AR. The fusion of the digital and the real-world delivers a surreal experience right in our palms.


1. Pokemon Go


It's not just a game—it's a global sensation.


A Cultural Phenomenon


Who could've predicted the worldwide obsession with catching imaginary creatures in real-life settings? Streets, parks, landmarks—all became arenas for Pokébattles!


Gameplay and Real-World Interaction


It brilliantly marries AR tech with geolocation, encouraging physical activity and exploration.

2. IKEA Place


Ever wondered if that sofa would fit your living room?


Revolutionizing Furniture Shopping


Using AR, you can now visualize any IKEA product in your space, ensuring it aligns with your home's aesthetics.


3. Snapchat Lenses


Before filters became mainstream, Snapchat was leading the charge.


The Pioneer of AR Social Media


Real-time face tracking and 3D effects? Snapchat's AR lenses transformed mundane selfies into quirky, share-worthy snaps!

4. Google Maps AR Navigation


Lost in a new city? No more!


Direction in the Palm of Your Hand


With its AR feature, directions appear superimposed on the real world, ensuring you never take a wrong turn.

5. Electrifly by BrandXR


Electrifly creates award-winning Augmented Reality Murals and AR-enabled merchandise. Powered by BrandXR's AR technology, Electrifly partners with artists and brands to bring their ideas to life through immersive technologies and interactive products.

6. Wonderscope


Imagine your favorite book came to life on your floor and asked you to play a part in the story! Wonderscope is an award-winning iOS app for kids that uses augmented reality to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary stories. Through your Wonderscope, you can see the story take place all around you, whether you open the app in your room or outdoors. Read your lines aloud to engage with and talk to characters, and help them solve problems along the way.

7. LumaAI 


Photorealistic, high quality 3D, now for everyone! Luma is a new way to create incredible lifelike 3D with AI using your iPhone. Easily capture products, objects, landscapes and scenes wherever you are. From your captures create cinematic product videos, impossible camera moves for TikTok, or just relive the moment. No Lidar or fancy capture equipment necessary, all you need is an iPhone 11 or newer.

8. Polycam


Polycam is the leading 3D capture application for iPhone and iPad! Create high-quality 3D models from photos with any iPhone or iPad, rapidly generate scans of spaces with the LiDAR sensor, and capture full 360 photos with ease. Edit your 3D captures directly on device, and export them in over a dozen file formats. Share your captures with friends and the Polycam community with Polycam Web and explore captures from around the globe on Poly World!

9. Wanna Kicks


Wanna Kicks is the sneaker try on app, where you can discover fresh drops and classic sneakers with the help of augmented reality. Try the kicks instantly on your feet regardless of where you are and then snap a photo to surprise your friends.

10. Google Lens


Google Lens lets you search what you see, get things done faster, and understand the world around you—using just your camera or a photo. 


SCAN & TRANSLATE TEXT Translate words you see, save a business card to your contacts, add events to your calendar from a poster, and copy and paste complicated codes or long paragraphs into your phone to save time.


The Future of Mobile AR As tech advances, AR apps will become even more intertwined with our daily routines. The horizon looks promising. Imagine an AR-driven world where information overlays are customary—a fusion of reality and digital data. Sounds like sci-fi, doesn't it?

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Conclusion AR is here, and it's revolutionizing our mobile experience. From gaming to shopping, navigating, or learning, AR apps are making their mark. Ready to be a part of this AR-driven future?


Frequently Asked Questions


  • What is Augmented Reality?
  • It's a technology that overlays digital information onto the real world through devices, often smartphones.
  • Are AR apps safe for kids?
  • Most are, but always review app permissions and parental controls.
  • Does using AR drain the battery?
  • As with any graphics-intensive task, AR can consume more battery.
  • Is AR the same as VR?
  • No. AR augments the real world, while VR creates an entirely virtual environment.
  • What's next for AR in mobile tech?
  • Expect more integrative experiences, blending digital data seamlessly with our environment.

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