Apple Announces New USDZ Augmented Reality File Format Coming in iOS 12 - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Announces New USDZ Augmented Reality File Format Coming in iOS 12

by

Apple today announced a new augmented reality file format called Universal Scene Description (USDZ) during its keynote event at WWDC in San Jose, California.

quick look ios 12 ar
Apple explained that USDZ was developed alongside animation studio Pixar and is an open file format optimized for creating and sharing 3D Augmented Reality assets in a compact, single file. This means that the format is optimized for sharing AR objects in apps like Messages, Safari, and Mail, while retaining powerful graphics and animation features.

USDZ is based on Pixar’s Universal Scene Description and makes it easy to experience AR nearly anywhere in iOS.

In conjunction with USDZ, Apple detailed a new feature called "Quick Look" for AR that allows users to place 3D objects into their real world surroundings "to see how something would work in a space.

Adobe VP Abhay Parasnis was introduced on stage during the keynote to confirm that it will have native support for Apple's new AR file format in its entire suite of Creative Cloud software applications, and will also be adding a new AR design app to CC with easy-to-use tools for creating new experiences.

Popular Stories

Apple Event Logo

Apple Just Released a New Accessory

Monday May 4, 2026 8:13 am PDT by
Apple today released a new Pride Edition Sport Loop for the Apple Watch. The band features a rainbow design with 11 colors of woven nylon yarns. The new Pride Edition Sport Loop is available to order now on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app in 40mm, 42mm, and 46mm sizes, and it will be available at Apple Store locations starting later this week. In the U.S., the band costs $49. There...
iOS 26

Apple Says iOS 26.5 Adds Three New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday May 5, 2026 7:36 am PDT by
iOS 26.5 includes three new features for iPhones, according to Apple's release notes for the update, which is expected to be released next week. As discovered during beta testing, iOS 26.5 enables end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging between iOS and Android devices. Apple says this security upgrade is limited to supported carriers around the world and will continue to roll out....
Instagram Feature 2

PSA: Instagram Encrypted Messaging Ends on Friday, May 8

Tuesday May 5, 2026 8:24 am PDT by
Instagram will remove end-to-end encryption for direct messages between users from May 8, 2026. When the date comes around, Meta will potentially be able to see the contents of all messages between users on the social media platform. Encrypting messages has been an optional feature in Instagram since 2023, but in March of this year the social media platform quietly updated a help page to say ...