Analyst: look for an augmented reality feature on the ‘iPhone 8’

In a note to clients — as noted by Business Insider — UBS analyst Steven Milunovich says Apple may have 1,000-plus engineers working on augmented reality (AR) and expects to see AR features on the “iPhone 8.”

He thinks this could include moderate 3D mapping and possibly an AR software development kit. Milunovich says Apple is more interested in AR = than virtual reality (VR), because the former connects people whereas the latter is often an isolating experience involving a headset that renders the user blind to the real world.

AR takes the existing environment and adds a new layer of information to it. For instance, AR apps let you hold up a phone with images superimposed onto the real-world view seen through the camera screen.