US tech giant Apple Inc has launched two augmented reality (AR) experiences for its Apple Pay Express Transit solution, 9 to 5 Mac reported on Monday.
The news site spotted the new AR feature, which allows people to experience an virtual version of the New York City metro along with a Lens programme in Snapchat, among other features.
Express Transit allows iPhone or Apple Watch users to enter the subway with a tap-and-go feature rather than buying a physical ticket, bypassing Touch ID, Face ID or other authentication features.
Users can also “take a virtual trip with Apple Pay” launched in Safari browser and is available globally.
iPhone users can virtually tap their phones on the digital New York City subway and take an AR-powered subway ride from Brooklyn to Manhattan, complete with views of the cityscape, the report found.
Users living in New York can also turn to Snapchat Lens to take additional rides across Kings Theater in Flatbush, the Great Hall at the NYC Hall of Science, and other landmarks, it added
The news comes after Apple completed its Pay with Express Transit rollout to all NYC stations last year.
For more information, kindly download the AR experience from Apple Pay’s website, and those living in NYC access use the Snapchat AR tour.
Apple Upgrades Its AR Kit, Code
Apple has been pushing for fresh AR innovations in recent weeks, namely after the Cupertino-based firm filed several patents under the US Patent & Trademark Office in late May.
The patents reveal new AR displays that operate in low and bright light, as well as track lighting conditions in real-time to improve accuracy for computer generated reality (CGR) objects.
Apple aims to expand on its numerous AR-ready solutions via a new toolkit along with 5G to reduce buffering on WebAR experiences.
The company’s iOS 15 update also unveiled further AR upgrades for Apple Maps at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in early June, which offers real-time 3D visuals and detailed navigational support when users scan buildings via lidar scanners on the iPhone.
