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The year 2016 saw an explosion in virtual reality headsets with many big brands like Oculus, HTC, and Sony releasing top-notch VR headsets. However, most of these products are expensive and do not offer Mac support. So, what should iOS and Mac users do? If you’re looking for a VR headset on a budget, the solution is mobile VR, which delivers an engaging VR experience using your iPhone.
Although the mobile VR experience is not as premium as what expensive VR headsets offer, it is a low-cost alternative that provides users with quality virtual reality experiences. Instead of relying on high-resolution displays and powerful sensors in a VR headset, mobile VR relies on the sensors already available on your iPhone to display the VR’s brain, sensors, and screen. The headset holds your iPhone in place while delivering the VR lenses.
If you want to explore mobile VR, you may also want to check out our collection of top-rated iOS gaming accessories.
What is Mobile VR and How to Use It with Your iPhone
Mobile VR provides users with virtual reality experiences on a budget. Using mobile VR with your iPhone is pretty simple. You need to load a VR-enabled app on your iPhone and place it in the headset, snapping it securely on your head. The app uses your iPhone’s sensors to replicate your head movements, allowing you to enjoy a 360-degree immersive environment.
If you’re looking for premium mobile VR experiences, there are options worth exploring. For example, Samsung’s Gear VR, which is powered by Oculus, provides users with premium VR experiences. However, it is only compatible with Galaxy S6/S6 Edge or newer devices, which is not ideal for iOS users. But there are other options that iOS users can explore, as we will discuss below.
If you’re looking for VR app ideas, there are numerous VR-compatible apps available on the App Store, including Sisters, a scary VR experience that’s relatively short, and Vanguard V, a single-level space shooter. Most VR apps are free, while others offer paid, premium experiences. Check out our list of favorite VR apps for iPhone.
It’s worth noting that although VR for Mac is still a long way off, many VR headset manufacturers are making plans to expand their products to include Mac compatibility.
Last updated with the Carl Zeiss VR 1 Plus mobile viewer.
Best VR Headsets for iPhone
1. Google Cardboard
The least expensive way to enjoy VR with your iPhone is through Google Cardboard, which functions more like a prototype. Google Cardboard comes in a cardboard package and includes directions for assembly posted on the Google website. While you need to buy parts such as lenses elsewhere, they are easy to find online or at high street retailers. Alternatively, you can buy a pre-built headset reasonably cheaply on Amazon for around £5.29. Even if it’s not terribly comfortable, it’s a great way for users to get started with mobile VR. If you find you’re still interested in VR after the first use, there are slightly more expensive options that offer more comfort.
2. Homido VR
If you’re looking for a more premium VR experience, the Homido VR headset is an excellent choice for iOS users. It is designed with comfort in mind, with soft padding that keeps your skin from getting irritated when you wear the VR headset while also doubling as a comfortable way to combat light leakage. Specially designed lenses that create a 100-degree field of view enhance the immersive VR experience. Additionally, the headset has controls that let you adjust the distance between the lenses, which is a useful option since everyone has a slightly different face shape.
The Homido VR is also ideal for glasses wearers since you can adjust the distance between your eyes and the smartphone. It comes with three options to choose from – nearsighted, nearsighted and normal vision. The Homido Center app for iOS and Android provides users with a catalog of VR-compatible apps, including games and other experiences.
You can easily get the Homido VR headset from Amazon for around £47.99 at the moment.
3. Merge VR
If you want something a little more compact, the Merge VR headset could be an excellent choice that works with most iPhones and other smartphones on the market. The Merge VR headset comes in a unique purple color with a firmer and more comfortable experience, thanks to ventilation ports and a flexible and very comfortable foam rubber body.
The Merge VR headset has two buttons on top of the headset that allow you to interact with compatible VR apps – you can use them to fire a weapon or swap between different display modes. It also features camera access, meaning the Merge VR headset can also be used with augmented reality apps. The company will also release the HOLO CUBE later this year, which will come with augmented reality capabilities.
You can get the Merge VR headset from Amazon for around £69.95 at the moment.
4. Carl Zeiss VR 1 Plus
The Carl Zeiss VR 1 Plus headset is a bit expensive, but it provides a comfortable and enjoyable mobile VR experience with a 100-degree field of view. The headset comes with two adjustable elastic bands that hold it comfortably in place and in a comfortable position. Additionally, the headset has a foam surround on the back to prevent discomfort and feels relatively lightweight and comfortable on your head.
The headset’s great design means it looks very stylish and modern, creating a comfortable and confident look while wearing the headset. The headset also features ventilation designed to prevent the lenses from fogging up for sweaty users. Unlike the earlier versions of VR 1 Plus, the VR 1 Plus comes with a single drawer that can hold any smartphone between 4.7 inches and 5.5 inches, making it suitable for any phone outside the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.
One major advantage of the VR 1 Plus is that it has a clear front screen, allowing the smartphone camera to be used for augmented reality (AR) applications. While the viewer has high-quality lenses that offer great visual quality, VR experience performance may vary depending on your smartphone’s resolution and the quality of the app/game you download.
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FAQs
1. Can I use VR headsets with my iPhone?
Yes, you can use VR headsets with your iPhone. Mobile VR headsets provide an affordable experience for iPhone users to get a taste of virtual reality.