Six apps for Virtual Reality

Grab a headset and jump into virtual reality

With Apple focusing on augmented reality (AR), you might not be aware of how many great virtual reality (VR) apps are available. Unlike AR, which overlays digital content onto the real world, VR takes you to a new place entirely, shut off from the world in a fully immersive virtual realm. You don’t need a hugely

YOUTUBE VR Free (IAPs) Made for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV

The world’s most famous video app has a ton of original VR content from a whole bunch of top–notch providers. YouTube’s own virtual reality channel hosts videos from creators like National Geographic, Discovery, the NBA, and many more. That lets you get up close and personal with sports stars, tour stunning locations the world over, and try out experiences that you have never done before. powerful Mac to enjoy it — just a relatively modern iOS device and a headset. While many headsets can be expensive, they don’t have to be: Google Cardboard, for example, lets you build your own. Now is the ideal time to give VR a try — if it sounds like your thing, we have the perfect apps for you here.

WITHIN VR Free Made for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch

There is no doubt that virtual reality can enable some absolutely stunning experiences, and Within VR is a great example of that. It’s a platform for high–quality videos from professional creators, including documentaries, music, horror, mindfulness, and fitness. It works with all major VR devices and headsets so you can immerse yourself no matter what output you want to use.

THE GUARDIAN VR Free Made for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch

Reading a news story is nothing compared to viewing it in VR, as The Guardian VR aptly proves. Like Within VR, this app crafts videos and documentaries, only with a news slant covering the biggest stories of the day. Not only do you get more context than you might from simply reading an article, but you’re also put face–to–face with the subjects for a much more in–depth experience.

INCELL VR

Free Made for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV

You’ve probably never played a game like InCell VR before. It combines high– speed racing and action elements with biological science, teaching you about cell structures and the way life works inside your cells. Armed with this knowledge, you shrink to microscopic level to do battle with advancing viruses and protect the body from attack. Who says learning can’t be fun?

11:57 Free Made for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch

With its all–round immersion and ability to transport you to another world, VR lends itself well to horror stories. This is perfectly demonstrated by 11:57, a self–described “360–degree nightmare” that puts you at the center of the action. Rather than simply observing what is going on, things revolve around you, drawing you into the story and creating an experience you won’t forget.

PROVATA VR

Free (IAPs) Made for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Watch

At the other end of the spectrum to 11:57 is Provata VR, a VR meditation app that aims to promote calmness and better health. Using the app, you can travel to a range of relaxing locales, from coral reefs and breathtaking waterfalls to the majestic northern lights. You choose a guided meditation exercise and can then track your progress with the Health app or an Apple Watch.