Apple Hides Augmented Reality Surprise in Invite for Next Big Event

Apple's augmented reality teases just keep on coming from the halls of its Cupertino labs.

The latest comes in the form of an invitation to Apple's next public-facing event.

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Slated for April 20, at 1 p.m. ET, the Apple invite is a simple swirl of color in the shape of the company's iconic logo. But when you point your iPhone or iPad camera at the graphic, you're treated to a hidden surprise…an AR experience.

Adario Strange/Next Reality

Adario Strange/Next Reality

Adario Strange/Next Reality

Adario Strange/Next Reality

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As long as you're using an ARKit-compatible iOS device, the device's camera will trigger the graphic's AR mode and ask you to scan your surroundings in order to place the virtual object. Once that's done, you'll see a swirl of unpredictable lines that coalesce into an AR version of Apple's logo wherever you might be.

Of course, this isn't the first time Apple has hidden AR within its event invites, but speculation has never been this high as to what AR product the company may be about to release. In recent months and weeks, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg news have both weighed in with reports that indicate that Apple smartglasses will soon be unveiled.

Nevertheless, Apple is doing a great job of keeping its plans under wraps, and it's just as likely that the April event may reveal nothing more than new software AR features within the Apple ecosystem. Either way, this immersive Easter Egg (coming just after the so named annual holiday) is a tantalizing breadcrumb leading up to Apple's next big consumer showcase.

Cover image by Adario Strange/Next Reality