C# with Unity is the most used language for building cross-platform AR experiences.
Swift and Kotlin lead AR development on iOS and Android with ARKit and ARCore.
Python helps test AR ideas before full-scale development with other languages.
Augmented Reality (AR) was once considered a futuristic technology, but it is now integrated into many fields like gaming, healthcare, education, and marketing. This advanced tech helps develop digital elements that blend with the real world and create a more interactive experience. Here are some of the most common languages used for AR development.
Unity is one of the most used game engines in the world, and runs on C#. This pair is very common in AR development because Unity supports many AR platforms and devices. While C# is simple and beginner-friendly, it can also handle massive projects. With Unity’s AR Foundation, developers can make 3D experiences that work on both Android and iOS. Many popular AR games and apps are built this way.
Swift is the main language used for building AR apps on Apple devices. It was created by Apple to make coding faster and safer. Swift directly connects with ARKit, which helps create apps that track movement and understand surroundings. Many iPhone apps that use AR features like room scanning or object placement are built using Swift. It is fast, clean, and made for Apple’s ecosystem.
Also Read: How AR and VR Will Shape the Future of App Development?
Android phone developers usually work with Java or Kotlin. Java is an established language and is known for being reliable. Kotlin, on the other hand, is newer and easier to write. Both work with Google’s ARCore, which helps create AR experiences that blend digital objects with the real world. Whether it is an educational app or a virtual try-on feature, these two languages are behind most Android AR projects.
Some AR experiences run directly in a browser instead of an app. JavaScript and TypeScript are used for such projects. These languages help build AR websites that open with a simple link. Frameworks like A-Frame and Three.js help in creating these experiences. For example, a brand can build a website where a person can see how a new pair of shoes would look in real life using a phone camera. TypeScript makes the code cleaner and easier to manage.
C++ is used when performance matters the most. It is the language behind advanced AR games and apps that need to run smoothly, even with heavy graphics. It gives more control over how the system works and manages memory. Though it is harder to learn, professionals use C++ to make high-quality AR systems and hardware-based tools. Many AR headsets and gaming consoles use programs written in C++.
Also Read: Top Programming Languages for Every Software Developer
Python is known for being simple and easy to read and is not usually used for final AR apps. However, the language is best-suited for testing and experimenting. Many developers and researchers use Python to create small models and ideas before building the full version using another language. It helps test how AR features might look or behave in real time.
The language used in AR development depends on the goal of the project. C# with Unity is the most common choice because it works on many devices. Swift and Kotlin or Java are used for mobile apps on iOS and Android.
JavaScript and TypeScript make AR possible on the web, while C++ is for projects that need strong performance. Python helps in testing and research. Each language plays a role in building AR experiences that mix the real and digital worlds.
1. Which programming language is most commonly used for AR app development?
C# with Unity is the most popular choice for AR app development as it supports cross-platform projects on Android and iOS.
2. Why is Swift preferred for developing AR apps on iOS devices?
Swift works directly with Apple’s ARKit, enabling smooth motion tracking and real-world interaction for iPhone and iPad apps.
3. How do Java and Kotlin support AR development on Android?
Both languages connect with Google’s ARCore, making it easy to create realistic AR effects for Android games and apps.
4. Can AR experiences be built for the web without mobile apps?
Yes, JavaScript and TypeScript let developers build browser-based AR using frameworks like A-Frame and Three.js.
5. What is Python’s role in Augmented Reality development?
Python is mainly used for prototyping and research, helping test AR ideas before full-scale development in other languages.