Learn How to Set Up VR Headsets for iOS

It’s really amazing how far technology has come these days. We’ve come a long way from simple graphics and pictures to virtual reality.

Things that we only dreamed of years ago are now readily available on mobile phones with the help of specialized accessories like virtual reality (VR) headsets.

Although it may seem intimidating, it can be easy to learn how to use a VR headset with an iPhone.

This quick walk through will get you set up in no time. Here are the steps you need to take to get going:

  • Download your app of choice. There are numerous applications in the app store that can be used with a VR headset. Choose the one that will work specifically with your iPhone and complete the installation. It’s important to note that the app is specifically designed for virtual reality.
  • Run the app or movie. Before you get started with the headset you’ll want to open up the app you want to use. Most simple headsets will not come with any controllers so you need to start running your app or movie beforehand. 
  • Connect the controller to your iPhone. If you are using a VR headset that comes with a controller, you will want to connect it to your mobile phone. This can usually be done via bluetooth and will allow you to control your game or app without taking the phone out of the VR unit.
  • Insert the iPhone. Once you’ve connected everything and have everything running, the next thing would be to put your iPhone into the VR headset. You may need to open the compartment or just slide it in. 
  • Strap it on and enjoy. Slip your headset on and make sure the straps are comfortable and stable so it does not shake or slip off. Do remember to adjust the lenses to fit your view and ensure that everything is clear and enjoy virtual reality from your mobile phone.

Helpful Tips to Remember 

Using your VR headset with an iPhone is simple but you can help prevent hiccups if you keep a few things in mind.

  • Compatibility is Key. Before making any decisions you need to make sure that you choose a VR headset and apps which are compatible with your iPhone. Basically, without a compatible headset or app you won’t be able to enjoy the virtual reality experience.
  • Consider Quality. There are quite a number of VR headsets on the market and some of them are definitely priced low. However, you may want to look for one that is not completely on the lower end of the price spectrum. You get what you pay for and investing in something better may give you a better experience. But this does not mean to get the most expensive ones either. There are mid-priced VR headsets that provide superb quality. Watch out for those. 
  • Comfort Counts. With the way the VR headsets work, it’s important to find the one that fits well and is comfortable to use. Some headsets may heat up after a while and others may be heavy or tight around the head. Finding the one that is comfortable to use will contribute to a better experience altogether. 

To get the best one, make sure to read our reviews of the best VR Headsets, to get a low down of the best on the market.

Learn How to Set Up VR Headsets for iOS

Virtual reality systems are the rage these days and people just can’t get enough of the world inside the box. In fact, as of 2017, there has been a surging demand for VR headsets no matter what platform it is in.

Its vast array of content has proved too irresistible for many that it has captured the imagination of gamers, casual computer owners, and smartphone users.

With the influx of people diving in VR, we just can’t help but notice that there are only a few gadgets that can function properly with virtual reality headsets.

Sadly for iPhone users, the VR technology in iOS has yet to achieve its full potential. In short, there is still a lot of work to do.

But even so, the growing popularity of VR systems has made a lot of iPhone users very much interested in this exciting technology.

That said, a lot of folks have experienced issues with setting up their respective virtual reality systems on iOS devices.

Fittingly enough, setting up your VR headset can be a chore for beginners, especially for iPhone users. And doing it the wrong way can have many implications.

One, it could rob you of the perfect VR experience, and two, you could end up damaging a pretty expensive piece of hardware.

So in retrospect, it is  imperative that you learn the best and most appropriate ways to set up VR systems on an iPhone.

Virtual Reality on iPhones

Step 1: Setting up your VR headset There are a few VR headsets sold specifically for iOS phones on the market. But, they also come in different fits and sizes.

Your iPhone unit might have a slide, clip or a clasp mechanism, or even a fancy direct connection system, either which works well when you’ve set them up correctly.

In some cases, you may also be required to plug in a headphone jack. Most headsets have an adjustable dial that adjusts the lens distance of the screen.

When properly aligned, the image on your phone should appear clearer and less blurry than before.

With these things at hand, it is only appropriate that you check first the chosen VR headset to use. Most of the time, the instruction manual will already help you with these kinds of details.

Step 2: Downloading VR Apps and Contents To fully experience the power of VR, you’ll need to download content from a media library or a mobile app.

Keep in mind that the variety of VR apps on iOS is quite limited. So, you may want to focus on these specific apps:

  • ​VRSE
  • ​NYT VR
  • ​Orbulus
  • Jaunt VR
  • Incell VR

You may download these applications on the Apple App Store. And in these applications, you can get a lot of VR contents that you can use with your VR headset. Whether it may be in the form of a movie, game, or scenery, it’s totally up to you.

Step 3: Using Virtual Reality On Your iPhone The idea is simple – you can enjoy virtual reality using just your iPhone.

And just like any smartphone, you will need only two things: one is a compatible VR headset, and two, is a great VR app that offers a myriad of VR content.

Once you have finished all the preparations, as mentioned in the first two steps, you can then proceed to use the VR system on your iPhone.

Just connect the VR headset, launch the VR app, and open the VR content that you want to immerse yourself in.

Nevertheless, it is essential that you take note of these things as well:

  • ​​Although the world iOS VR is as immersive as ever, you have to keep in mind that mobile VR is far different from tethered virtual reality headsets. However with the current pace of smartphones today, improvements to the existing systems might just be a few years away.
  • ​Another thing worth considering is your phone’s battery life. As with all things that use a lot of GPU rendering, using VR for extended periods of time can drain the juice of your handset in no time. There’s also a possible risk of overheating.
  • ​Also, keep in mind that using the VR systems for extended periods of time is not recommended. Make sure to take breaks in between your sessions to avoid eye strain.

Things to Consider Before Using Virtual Reality on iPhones

Experiencing VR: iOS vs Other Operating Systems

In essence, you can use and enjoy virtual reality systems on iPhones. However, this comes with certain reservations.

As mentioned, the VR technology on iOS gadgets has yet to improve. And because of this, it might be different from the VR systems that you are used to. VR systems are very complex to comprehend as they can get pretty technical. But even so, you don’t actually need to absorb all of the technical data just to enjoy VR.

This only goes to show that VR systems are yet to be fully absorbed by iOS. Generally, virtual reality started with Android and console platforms.

So, it is only fitting that android devices and consoles would have much more impressive VR systems and output.

But it does not necessarily mean that iOS gadgets cannot deliver stunning virtual reality experiences.

Today, virtual reality on iPhone is quite a direct and passive approach. Unlike on other operating systems, VR on iOS is not entirely interactive. More often than not, exploring and viewing in a virtual reality mode are the only things that you can do when you use VR on the iPhone.

Virtual Reality Headsets and Accessories

Since VR is not yet entirely established on iOS devices, the variety of iOS-compatible VR headsets and accessories is pretty narrow. In other words, there are only a few of these products that you can see on the market today. But even so, you could still choose the right VR headset for your iPhone since there are brands now that manufacture VR headsets and accessories designed for iPhones.

So, before heading out and making a purchase, it is very important that you consider the compatibility of the VR headset first. Normally, you cannot use a VR headset designed for Android devices on your iPhone since the headsets require micro-USB plugs.

Final Thoughts

Virtual reality on iPhones is pretty decent. And setting it all up is quite easy too.

But while it’s not as grandiose as the VR systems on other platforms, the experience is still decent. In fact, many iPhone users find it really fun and entertaining.

However, if Apple does not innovate or create a specific VR system for their gadgets, the virtual reality experience on the iPhone would remain the same. And as of today, Apple has not yet released any statement regarding virtual reality systems.

Nevertheless, it is seen that they are looking forward to innovating technologies that would revolve around augmented reality. So, it seems that iPhone users would have to stick to these steps and workarounds to enjoy virtual reality using their respective iOS gadgets.

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