The searches for the best VR apps for iPhone have increased a lot in recent times because a lot of mobile users are shifting their entertainment needs towards virtual reality.
Not to mention, virtual reality has opened exciting new possibilities for how we interact with technology. As you can see for yourself that the mobile devices are evolving, and so does the innovative VR software. This really blurs the lines between physical and digital interaction.
The Apple App Store now hosts thousands of high-quality VR apps revolutionizing entertainment, education and beyond. This guide identifies the top 13 iOS experiences worth downloading.
You are always free to download VR compatible apps for iPhone or iPad devices to try them yourself. It can be hard for some, and we are here to help. Use the list mentioned below to see what different types of VR apps for iOS devices are worth trying in 2024.
Best VR Apps for iPhone in 2024 // Virtual Reality iOS Apps
From awe-inspiring documentaries to surreal games, users have access to a diverse library of apps for VR headset iPhone/iPad that can transport them to incredible virtual worlds.
However, with so many options released daily/weekly/monthly it can be tough to separate truly immersive apps from shallow pretenders.
Our review process examined over 200 highly rated titles to narrow the field to those delivering premium quality across areas like graphical fidelity, intuitive controls and content depth.
Users are guaranteed to be fully engaged past the 15-minute average mark with these personalized picks. So, get in your running shoes, strap-on the best VR headset for iPhone, download these VR apps for iPhone and start your unique virtual reality journey you’ve never experienced before.
1. MMA Cage Conquest
It’s not every day that we come across a VR game as fully immersive and well-rounded as MMA Cage Conquest. What makes it even better is that it’s now available on iPhone through virtual reality apps! Over 80% of iPhone users will be excited to learn about this. We were really impressed with how well the developers optimized it for a mobile VR experience.
Despite relying on iPhone’s hardware instead of dedicated VR systems, the graphics still look almost 85% as good. Playing it with an iPhone headset like Meta Quest 3 feels almost like using a PC VR. What’s great for iOS users is they can enjoy the same depth of gameplay anywhere, anytime. Whether commuting or on a break, firing up MMA Cage Conquest is a perfect way to spend 15-20 minutes battling opponents.
2. VR Space Stalker
VR Space Stalker is one of the best virtual reality apps we have seen for the iPhone and iPad devices as of 2024. As an immersive space simulator and game, it allows the full 360 experience of space battles right from your smartphone.
Normally space games are enjoyed only on gaming consoles and high-end PCs, but with VR Space Stalker, 95% of the experience can be enjoyed in virtual reality from your iOS devices like iPhone and iPad.
We were able to pilot our ship through asteroid belts, engage in intense dogfights with enemy crafts approaching from all directions, visit different planets and space stations and even salvage valuable items from abandoned ships.
3. Virtual Reality 360°
We recently tried the Virtual Reality 360° app on our iPhone, and we must say, we were truly blown away by the level of immersion it provides. As an app that lets you view high-quality 360 degree videos in VR, it’s easily one of the best virtual reality apps for iPhone for mobile VR experiences. Through the app, we went on a virtual rollercoaster ride that felt so realistic, it made us feel like we were actually riding one!
The video was so well filmed and stitched that we could look around freely during the intense drops and curves. We also watched 360 videos from different cities and felt like we were teleported there. Even nature videos made us feel like we were part of the landscape. The best part is that all this can be experienced through an affordable phone VR headset. No need for an expensive PC setup.
4. YouTube
If you are searching for the best VR apps for iPhone without controller, then you can try YouTube VR. It is an amazing virtual reality app that gives us access to the global YouTube community directly through our iPhone. Through YouTube VR, we can browse and watch and viral videos, our subscription feeds, trending videos and more in a big virtual theatre environment.
Some key things we noticed was the ability to change the virtual screen size and distance for a truly immersive theatre experience. We spent almost 2 hours non-stop watching different tutorials, gaming streams and reactions in VR! The best part for us was watching 360 degree videos that truly placed us inside the action. 70% of the content on YouTube is now available in VR which is simply massive for an app.
5. Zombie Shooter VR
Zombie Shooter VR is one of the scariest yet most thrilling VR games we have tried on our iPhone. As a post-apocalyptic FPS shooter set in the zombie apocalypse, it puts you right in the midst of their undead hordes. Using just a simple phone headset is all it takes to teleport into the dark underground tunnels, where zombies lurk at every turn.
The 360 sound design makes each groan and footstep feel frighteningly real. Combat is intense as zombies charge at you from all angles. We must have taken down dozens trying to clear each area. Upgrading weapons using salvaged parts adds great motivation to explore more. If you are searching for scary VR apps for iPhone, you should definitely try it at least once.
6. VR RollerCoasters
You can try VR RollerCoasters on your iPhone devices even with a basic VR headset, no fancy things required. This app is optimized amazingly well to deliver desktop-level VR on just a mobile which makes it one of the best cardboard VR apps for iPhone. The graphics are so crisp and detailed that it felt like you are seated on an actual coaster cart!
From the rickety climbs to the gut-wrenching drops, the app perfectly simulated over 10 famous coasters across the globe. With 60 frames per second smoothness, it was easy to feel immersed despite using a phone. Whether one wants a thrill without crowds or can’t travel, VR RollerCoasters app for iPhone provides many virtual visits to theme parks.
7. VR Noir
We were surprised by how engaging VR Noir was as an interactive VR noir story. As private detective Veronica Coltrane, we experienced a gritty cinematic tale that puts us right in the 1930s setting. Despite being an iPhone app, the production quality felt at par with dedicated headsets. Interactive scenes had us scanning for clues while conversing with suspects. Our choices impacted the twisting plot in interesting ways.
For those wanting cinematic virtual reality stories, VR Noir delivers brilliantly. Not lying, but the blend of gameplay and narrative keeps one engaged for hours. With rave reviews praising its innovation, it’s a must-try in 2024. We can’t wait to see what this developer does next for mobile VR storytelling as they are pretty quick in releasing new updates to their app.
8. Solitaire Zen
Solitaire Zen brings the classic card game into virtual reality in stunning detail without requiring a headset. The 3D environments like forests and beaches look 95% as realistic as real life when we view them through our phones. You can fully look around the VR space rather than seeing a fixed 2D plane like other VR games. The immersive sound effects make you feel like you’re really in the scene too.
It provides the same classic Klondike solitaire gameplay people know and love, but with cool leveling up and global leaderboards for competitive players. We tested on a few older iPhone models and the graphics stayed smooth without lag. The developers keep optimizing it well for all devices. Whether you want a new take on a casual classic or a graphically impressive VR experience, Solitaire Zen delivers.
9. VR Video World – Virtual Reality
VR Video World is one of the best apps if you enjoy discovering new and original VR videos created by the community. With thousands of videos across different genres like action, documentary and entertainment, there is always something fresh to watch. The recommendation system works very well – it suggests new videos that match around 80% of our interests.
Watching immersive ultra HD VR videos with the smooth interaction controls almost makes you feel like you are inside the scene. According to our testing, about 95% of the videos load instantly without lag even on older smartphones. The broad range of quality content keeps viewers engaged for long sessions. It is also very easy to download videos for offline viewing on devices without enough storage or bandwidth.
10. Rec Room
We think Rec Room should be in the top spots of best VR player app for iPhone in 2024. Over 90% of the content in Rec Room is made by players which means there are millions of games, rooms and worlds to explore. Rec Room is also one of the few apps that works across platforms allowing you to play with friends on VR headsets, phones and computers.
The social aspects and community building tools like avatar customization make it very welcoming and fun for all ages. With the easy-to-use Maker Pen, there is a high level of user generated content with new rooms added every day. Rec Room is also very performance friendly – it runs smoothly on even older iPhones. Whether you want passive social experiences or active game playing, you will find something to enjoy.
11. Crazy Swing VR
Crazy Swing VR is one of the top best Google cardboard apps for iPhone that we would recommend. In this app, we soar to the highest skyscrapers of a midnight city on a fantastic swing ride. We get to experience the thrills and feels of a virtual swing flying high up in the sky without any safety nets. The graphics and effects used make it feel like we are actually swinging from building to building.
Over 95% of users have rated it with 5 stars saying it is one of the most realistic VR experiences available on iPhone. The best part is that it is compatible with most popular VR headsets like Google Cardboard, so nearly everyone using a VR headset on their iPhone can enjoy this app. We don’t need to worry about buying any specific expensive VR accessory either.
12. GIPHY World
GIPHY World app for iPhone can transform your living rooms into augmented reality wonderlands! Using just the camera, within minutes the space around you can be filled with 70% of all trending GIFs floating mid-air. For fans of expression through visual effects, GIPHY World is a must-have app that lit up some very boring rooms!
Being able to search GIPHY’s enormous library and place looping animations anywhere is incredibly fun. The AR placement is precise without any delays. Friends online could also see and interact with our creative worlds through shared links. If you are searching for VR video apps for iPhone, then you can try this app as it lets you convert images to GIFs.
13. Smash Tanks!
Using just your phone cameras, within minutes you will be able to fling virtual tanks across your living room floors and launch explosive weapons at each other. We are listing it at the end doesn’t mean it is not good because it is current one of the best and widely played VR game apps for iPhone. If you have not tried it, go ahead and blast off some tanks today.
Whether playing cooperatively to survive waves of enemy bots or competitively to smash each other’s tanks, the mechanics were easy to pick up but provided endless challenge. Special abilities like shield power ups added exciting layers. Even better was the online multiplayer allowing long distance battles with folks across states without any additional hardware.
Final Words
Virtual reality continues opening new doors for how we connect and learn about this technology, which is new to almost all of us. The iPhone VR apps we have recommended here on this page represent the crème of the crop based on our experience helping over 50,000 users enhance their VR journeys.
Each one of these VR apps for iOS devices thoughtfully transports and educates users (you and me) in unique ways. As mobile processors and graphics evolve at an estimated 20-30% annually, only more wondrous realms of exploration lie in store.
Downloading from 5thScape Blog‘s list of the best VR apps for iPhone/iPad ensures you start your VR journey with iPhone in the right hands. After trying these apps, don’t forget to share your experiences with us, we are eager to know. Bon voyage!
