Alert: This repository is a work in progress and is not yet functional.
The author, Botao Amber Hu, is currently occupied with PhD applications and unable to continue development at this time. We're seeking assistance with this project. If you're interested in collaborating, please apply for our WebXR+iOS Engineer position. This is a bounty-based opportunity -- complete the project to earn the reward ($10,000)! Collaborate with us
HoloWeb is an iOS application with AppClip integration that enables WebXR AR experiences on iOS devices, bridging a fundamental platform limitation since WebXR is not supported in Safari iOS. It offers two distinct modes:
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Handheld AR Mode: Users can experience WebXR content through their iPhone's screen using ARKit, allowing them to view and interact with 3D content overlaid on the real world.
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Stereoscopic AR Mode: When paired with a HoloKit headset, HoloWeb delivers an immersive mixed reality experience by splitting the screen into stereoscopic views, creating true depth perception and hands-free AR interactions.
The AppClip integration ensures instant access to these experiences without requiring a full app installation.
WebXR is not supported on Safari for iOS, at least up to iOS 18.
While Safari on visionOS 2 (Apple Vision Pro) supports WebXR for VR experiences, it doesn't support AR sessions.
For iOS, WebXR support is primarily available through Mozilla's WebXR Viewer app, which hasn't been updated in several years.
AR transforms reality into an infinite canvas for artistic exploration. Short, abstract, and experimental pieces often clash with the app-store model, where downloading and installing a native app feels cumbersome for brief experiences. The web's lightweight nature makes these works more accessible, providing viewers with a seamless experience. Artists gain broader audience reach and can deploy to multiple devices and platforms using a single codebase.
For research and mixed reality design education, the app store review process is very time-consuming. Students need app store management accounts and struggle to master this lengthy process. It's also difficult for their audiences to try out the content. Instead, we want researchers and students to focus on creation itself.