If you’re on an iPhone and want to experience 360-degree VR videos, all you really need is a compatible VR headset.
That being said, even when you get a headset, it can be difficult to find the content you need and run it properly.
This post hopes to provide you with all the details you need to get VR videos running on your iPhone with ease.
Quick Summary
In this post, we will discuss:
- What you need to watch VR on an iPhone
- How to watch VR on an iPhone
- Some frequently asked questions (FAQs)
So without further ado, let’s get into it.
What You Need to Watch VR on an iPhone
In this section, we will list all of the hardware as well as software that you might need to properly enjoy VR videos on your iPhone.
Here’s what you’ll need:
An iPhone
Well, this goes without saying but, of course, you’ll require a smartphone of some kind and for the purposes of this post, it’s going to be an iPhone.
Virtual reality technology has come a long way in recent years, and you can read about some of the latest developments in our blog post on the subject.
Please note that you don’t necessarily need an iPhone specifically. This can be done on pretty much any smartphone that is VR-compatible and has the appropriate sensors (gyroscope, magnetic field sensors, internal compass, etc.)
A Compatible VR Headset
Next, you need a mobile-based VR headset that is compatible with your particular iPhone. There are many VR headset options available in the market but many of them are only compatible with Android phones.
Ensure that the VR headset you buy is compatible with your particular iPhone.
Firstly, you must ensure that the VR headset you buy has enough space inside to accommodate your particular iPhone model. Next, you need to look into its specifications to ensure that its software is compatible with your particular iPhone model as well.
Most VR headset manufacturers will list a compatibility list of phones that it works with. If you can’t find any such list, it can be a good idea to contact the manufacturer and ask directly.
A VR Video Player (Optional)
If you intend to only watch VR videos online, then you might not need a dedicated VR video player.
However, if you’re the kind of person that wants to download VR videos onto their iPhone and play them offline, then you’ll need a VR video player.
Some great options for VR video players on the iPhone include:
Go VR Player
This incredible VR video player not only supports 3D videos but also 2D videos.
Hence, you can use it as a regular player as a player for VR videos. The player is great since it automatically detects the format of a video and adjusts its settings accordingly for the best performance.
You can even enjoy VR videos without a headset by just moving your phone around.
VR One Cinema
If you ever wanted to feel like you’re in the cinema while sitting at home, this app is definitely worth considering.
It offers a cinema-like experience where you can look up at the screen and also, look around at your environment to really immerse yourself in the experience.
VR videos can be played in immersive mode to ensure you’re right in the thick of the experience. However, 2D videos can be played in a way where it feels like you’re truly in a cinema.
VR Player Pro
This player is incredible simply because of the wide variety of video formats that it supports.
If you have some VR videos that might not run in a conventional VR player, there’s a high chance that the VR Player Pro will be able to run it with ease.
The player even comes with a wide range of lighting and ambient effects that adds a unique edge to the video-watching experience.
Important note: Of course, if you intend to watch videos offline, you’ll also need the downloaded video files as well to run them with the video player.
An Online VR Video App (Optional)
So, basically, you have an option between exclusively watching videos online, offline or both. If you intend to watch videos online, then you’ll need to download a VR app that lets you do so.
Some prime examples of such apps include:
Youtube VR
We don’t really have to tell you what Youtube is.
You can download the Youtube VR app from the App Store. The app is home to a large collection of VR videos that keeps on increasing every single day.
You can find a wide variety of genres to watch and experience with ease.
Netflix VR
Of course, you’ll need a Netflix subscription to enjoy Netflix VR but if you have it, you should definitely download Netflix VR.
Netflix has many great VR movies for you to experience. You can also experience 2D movies through your VR headset.
360 Cinema on Vimeo
Vimeo is an online video-sharing platform similar to Youtube. However, it has a much better selection of curated experimental short films for you to check out.
If you’re feeling adventurous, boot it up and try out some of the transcendent VR experiences that the platform has to offer.
The great thing about all these apps and websites is that you don’t need to download the videos beforehand.
Furthermore, since you don’t download any videos, they won’t take up any space on your iPhone either.
Ready to dive into the world of virtual reality? Our step-by-step tutorial on setting up your VR headset will guide you through the process.
How to Watch VR on an iPhone? (Step-by-Step Guide)
Once you have everything listed above, it’s very easy to run VR on your iPhone.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Launch the downloaded VR video you have or launch a video online using one of the sites we listed above.
Step 2: Put your iPhone into your VR headset with the iPhone screen facing toward you.
Step 3: Wear the headset and perform any adjustments that might be needed (brightness, head strap, focal distance, optical distance, etc.)
Perform these adjustments until the image becomes crystal clear and crisp.
With that, you’re pretty much golden.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Watch VR on an iPhone?
Yes, you can easily watch VR on your iPhone with a compatible VR headset and a VR app.
What are Great VR Headsets for iPhone?
Here are some great options for VR headsets for iPhone:
For more information, check out our post on the best VR headsets for iPhones.
What’s the Typical Size that Most VR Headsets Support?
Most VR headsets in the market support smartphones that range from 4 inches to 6 inches in size.
Do VR Headsets Need to Be Charged?
It depends on the VR headset that you use. Some of them need to be charged, others don’t. Some VR headsets are powered by the smartphone itself.
How Do I Reduce Eye Strain Issues in VR?
If you’re having eye strain issues while experiencing VR, try taking regular breaks in between your sessions. You should also try to tinker with the focal and optical distance to ensure the image is as clear as possible.
Conclusion
It’s not that difficult to watch VR videos on an iPhone as long as you have the proper apps and equipment.
Even if you don’t have a VR headset, it can still be a trippy experience to simply launch a VR video and move your iPhone around.
What VR headset do you use with your iPhone? Let us know in the comments section below.
Our experts have reviewed the latest technology so you can buy it without worrying about the quality at all. Do check them out before you decide to buy something.
