Augmented Reality (AR) App Development
Our team of specialists develops AR applications that overlay digital content onto the real world using a smartphone camera. This is not something from the future — augmented reality technologies are already successfully deployed in retail, industry, education, and marketing.
AR app development for iOS and Android | Custom mobile augmented reality development | ARKit, ARCore, Unity, 8th Wall | AR for mobile applications
What is Augmented Reality AR and why businesses order it
Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that adds visual content — objects, animation, and data — directly onto a real-world image in real time. Using a smartphone or tablet camera, the user activates augmented reality and sees digital objects around them.
Augmented reality (AR) overlays an additional layer of interactive content on top of the real world — as opposed to VR (virtual reality), which fully immerses users in a virtual space.
A common example of AR in use is the game Pokémon Go. Through this game, people began to perceive augmented reality as something completely natural in everyday life.
AR Development Services from Nomium
Companies order augmented reality app development for specific business objectives and to improve the customer experience.
Where AR Development Is Applied
Augmented reality applications are used across dozens of industries. Let us highlight the most popular areas where AR development significantly improves business efficiency:
Retail and e-commerce — AR try-on, product visualization, reducing returns by 20–30%
Industry — digitizing installation and equipment maintenance instructions
Marketing and advertising — AR boosts target audience engagement: interactive packaging, AR banners, branded filters
Education and training — AR turns abstract concepts into visualized models
Real estate — AR lets users visualize future interiors and tour properties virtually
Medicine — anatomy visualization, surgical training, AR rehabilitation programs
Logistics and warehousing — AR navigation, camera-based QR scanning, inventory without spreadsheets
Tourism and cultural heritage — AR guides, bringing museum exhibits to life, historical reconstruction
AR App Development Stages
The augmented reality development process is structured to minimize risks and deliver results within the agreed timeline.
01
Research into business needs, AR usage scenarios, and target audience. Defining the AR type (marker-based, markerless, geolocation), target platforms, and technical components of the app. Drafting the technical specification.
02
Building an interactive prototype and modelling AR interaction logic. Designing the user interface, transition flows, and AR interaction scenarios. Updates made after client approval.
03
Programming the AR engine, integrating ARKit, ARCore, and/or Unity. Creating 3D objects, animations, and AR content. Connecting to the required infrastructure.
04
Testing the app on mobile platforms (iOS and Android). We verify marker recognition stability, app performance on low-end devices, and correct AR element overlay under varying lighting conditions.
05
Publishing the app to the App Store and Google Play, or deploying the WebAR solution. Setting up analytics and technical support. Planning content updates.
How AR Apps Benefit Business
AR technologies create a richer and more emotionally engaging experience with products and services.
Higher Conversion
Users make purchases 40% more often
Fewer Returns
AR try-on reduces the return rate in e-commerce
Engagement and Loyalty
AR holds attention 3–5× longer than banners
Training Time Savings
AR simulators reduce staff training time
Trackable Metrics
Every AR session is tracked: time, actions, conversion
The choice of technology stack depends on project goals, platform, and performance requirements. Nomium uses proven technologies:
What is the difference between AR and VR, and which option to choose for your project
VR immerses a person in a virtual space by wearing a dedicated headset. AR works through an ordinary smartphone camera: virtual elements are added to the real environment.
AR is used when direct connection to physical reality is needed: navigation, product try-on, or worker instructions on a production floor. VR is the better choice for full-immersion experiences: training sessions, architectural virtual tours, and simulator-based games.
Mixed Reality is a technology that combines the capabilities of both: virtual elements interact with physical ones. This is precisely the technology behind Apple’s new product — Vision Pro.
AR drives business growth — here are the numbers to prove it
+40% conversion
AR technologies make users more likely to make purchases.
-25% returns
AR try-on in e-commerce reduces returns through accurate product visualization.
x3 time on page
Interactive AR elements keep users on the page significantly longer.
+35% engagement
Adding AR elements to a marketing campaign increases user activity.
-30% training time
Using AR simulators helps train new employees in production processes faster.
iOS and Android
Maximum reach with a single cross-platform or native project for iOS and Android.
Why Clients Choose Nomium for AR Development
Our team develops AR applications as a partner, not merely executing a technical specification.
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Cohesive Development Lifecycle
Nomium covers the entire custom AR app development chain: UX/UI design, 3D content creation, AR programming, testing, and delivery of a finished product.
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Cross-Platform Development
We develop for iOS and Android from a single codebase, or use ARKit and ARCore when high performance is required.
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Development Aligned with Client Business Goals
Understanding your needs is essential to us — that is why we propose the optimal user interaction scenario.
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Iterative Development
Every development step is demonstrated and approved by all project stakeholders. You stay in control of every stage.
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Technology Flexibility
We build marker-based and markerless AR, apply geolocation scenarios, implement WebAR, and develop native apps — the technology stack is chosen to match the project requirements.
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Optimization for Real Devices
AR app testing is conducted on a wide range of mobile devices — not just flagship models. Stable performance is required across the entire target audience.
Types of AR Applications We Build
Marker-Based AR
Virtual objects appear when the camera is pointed at an image, QR code, or physical marker object. Most effective for packaging, print materials, and catalogs.
Markerless AR
Surface recognition in the real environment without a marker. Allows virtual objects to be placed in any available space.
Geolocation AR
Virtual objects are anchored to the user’s location via GPS coordinates. Used in navigation, tourism, and urban AR quests.
Face Recognition
AR masks, virtual try-on of glasses and other accessories, AR filters in social media and apps.
WebAR
Full functionality through a web browser without a pre-installed app. The user only needs to scan a QR code to see AR directly in the smartphone camera.
AR in Marketing: a Tool That Amplifies Engagement
Augmented reality can make marketing content interactive. A brand no longer needs to rely on banners — now there is an AR experience that the customer activates themselves and remembers long afterwards.
Branded AR filters for social media, bringing labels and packaging to life via marker, AR try-on before purchase — all of this boosts loyalty and conversion. AR app development helps brands create new touchpoints with their potential customers.
What is more, AR campaigns are easily measurable: launch count, interaction time, and even click-throughs to the product page — all of these actions leave a data trail.
AR Apps for Business — How They Work
3D Visualization
Placing three-dimensional objects in the user’s environment. A customer can see furniture in their interior, while an architect can visualize a building on a plot of land.
Interactive Instructions
Step-by-step product usage guidance overlaid directly on equipment during live camera capture. AR places digital markers on physical objects.
Navigation
Navigation through an interior, warehouse, or territory without GPS, via spatial recognition.
Animation and Special Effects
Includes animated graphics in the form of 3D objects, effects, and even digital characters overlaid onto the real world through the smartphone camera.
Product Try-On
A convenient way to virtually try on glasses, clothing, jewelry, and cosmetics without visiting a store.
Marker Animation
Marker-based animation of packaging, labels, or printed materials as video, interactive menus, and more.