Khronos Releases Open-Source iOS App for Viewing glTF Files
Brie Clayton December 8, 2023
0 Comments
Khronos glTF Viewer is live on the Apple App Store with source code immediately available on GitHub under the Apache 2.0 license; developer participation and feedback is welcome
glTF is the most portable and accessible asset format for bringing 3D content to diverse platforms, including the web. This open, royalty-free specification minimizes the runtime processing to unpack and process 3D assets, while also supporting sophisticated graphics functionality, rich textures, and diverse materials. Broad industry support for glTF includes adoption of glTF 2.0 as an ISO/IEC International Standard. Now, Khronos is pleased to announce an open-source native iOS app, Khronos glTF Viewer, that enables users to view and interact with glTF assets on iOS devices, including in AR.
This app is distinct from the glTF Sample Viewer, the official browser-based reference viewer from Khronos. Rather, it is squarely focused on bringing glTF viewing capabilities to iOS devices, bridging a crucial gap for the JPEG of 3D and hastening a future where content creators can deploy glTF assets on any target platform.
iOS App: Khronos glTF Viewer The Khronos Group commissioned Fourspace to develop the native Khronos glTF Viewer iOS app, which is immediately available on the App Store, and enables viewing and interaction with glTF models directly on iOS devices, including the iPhone and the iPad. The app can display 3D models against a digital or AR background. The user can zoom, spin, and orient the model, inspecting it from every angle.
The app is a Designed for iPhone application, which means it also works on Mac computers with Apple silicon.
Some contents or functionalities here are not available due to your cookie preferences!
This happens because the functionality/content marked as Vimeo framework uses cookies that you choosed to keep disabled. In order to view this content or use this functionality, please enable cookies: click here to open your cookie preferences.
The application source code is released under an Apache 2.0 license, and is built using well-established, publicly available APIs and platform frameworks, including Swift and SceneKit, plus open source components such as glTFKit2, DracoSwift, and libktx.
The app currently supports all base glTF 2.0 features, as well as Draco compression and clearcoat PBR extensions. The full list of the currently supported glTF extensions is on the Khronos glTF Viewer app page. Khronos will seek to add support for additional glTF capabilities in future updates.
In a collaborative effort, the Khronos Group and Warren Moore from Fourspace have tackled a significant challenge for our users: the ability to quickly and easily view glTF files in AR on their iPhones. Traditionally, glTF assets required cumbersome conversions before being used on iOS. This new iPhone app revolutionizes this process. Users can now directly view their glTF files in AR just by clicking on a glTF 3D model, pointing their camera, and placing their model in the real world. High quality materials and lighting are taken care of by glTF magic. I'm also delighted to see the app released as an open-source project on GitHub, inviting others to learn and contribute. This is a great body of work! said Michael Beale, Autodesk Developer Advocate.
Using the Khronos glTF Viewer App Launch the app from your iPhone or iPad screen.
Choose from several pre-loaded glTF sample models like the Outdoor Chairs.glb model shown above or open your own glTF or glb models from your iPhone's built-in file browser.
You can also easily download glb models from the web and launch them in the app:
Some contents or functionalities here are not available due to your cookie preferences!
This happens because the functionality/content marked as Vimeo framework uses cookies that you choosed to keep disabled. In order to view this content or use this functionality, please enable cookies: click here to open your cookie preferences.
Tapping a model will open a preview, showing highly detailed, realistic materials and even animations.
Tap Object or AR to switch between these two views:
Object Viewer displays objects against a digital background. Users can swipe to rotate, pinch to zoom, or use two fingers to pan.
AR Viewer places your model into the camera's view. Once the app detects a plane, you can pinch to zoom or pinch-rotate the object's orientation. To place your model in a new location, hold down to activate dragging.
Tap the (i) info button to access the glTF file's author, title, generator, license, and copyright details.
Developing Derivative glTF Apps for iOS Full application source code has been released on GitHub under an Apache 2.0 license to inspire innovative, industry and community-driven glTF on iOS experiences. Developers are invited to use the source code to develop their own derivative projects and drive the proliferation of glTF 3D and AR viewers, bringing the superb performance and rich detail of glTF models to the iOS ecosystem.
December 12, 2023Magma Art Collaboration Platform Closes $5M Seed Round Led by GFR Fund with participation from international game publisher Bandai Namco EntertainmentExpansion to Art Platform Used by Professional Studios To Reduce Costs and
December 12, 2023Pixotope Fly Unlocks Industry-First Zoom Capabilities for Tracking Augmented Reality, Extended Reality, and Virtual Studio WorkflowsThe markerless, real-time through-the-lens (TTL) camera tracking software solution for virtual production
Offering Feedback on the Khronos glTF Viewer App Project This open-source project is a significant step in proving the viability of seamless glTF experiences on iOS, but there is more work to be done. Community in
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
07/10/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the latest Long-Term Supported (LTS) release of Dalet Flex. Build...
06/09/2026
June 9 2026, 23:00 (PDT) Dolby and MagentaTV Bring Fans Closer to the FIFA Worl...
19/08/2026
As the cost of IP nears price parity with traditional SDI, Reynolds argues that ...
19/08/2026
A private 5G bubble was chosen instead of traditional broadcast RF for the race ...
19/08/2026
(L-R) Rafael Manuel and Isabel Sicat attend the Filipi ana premiere during the 2026 Sundance Film Festival at The Ray Theatre on January 23, 2026, in Park Cit...
19/08/2026
Studio owners invited to have their say on rates cuts
The Music Producers Guild (MPG) are inviting UK-based studios to take part in an in-depth survey that ...
19/08/2026
Vintage-inspired desktop interface revealed
Harrison's latest hardware offering sees them head into the world of audio interfaces, delivering a 10-in/12...
19/08/2026
Granular effect remains locked to scale and tempo
Described as your dream granular effect , Minimal Audio's latest creation is capable of turning any s...
19/08/2026
First polyphonic SWAM instrument incoming
Audio Modeling's latest physical-modelling orchestral instrument is just around the corner, and is now availab...
19/08/2026
World Cup Games Generate 84 Billion Minutes Across FOX, Fox Sports 1 and NBCU...
19/08/2026
July brought typical peak-holiday drops in viewership, driven primarily by viewers stepping away from screens and a visible decline in reach across both traditi...
19/08/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/08/2026
Henry joins BCE as the company accelerates its commercial strategy and expands its international presence across the media, broadcast and technology markets. He...
19/08/2026
iWedia, a leading provider of software solutions for connected TV devices, today announced a major milestone in Android platform optimization with the successfu...
19/08/2026
NTP Technology announces that ST 2110-30 audio-over-IP connectivity with AES67 and RAVENNA capabilities is now available for the brand's world-class audio i...
19/08/2026
Net Insight has been selected to provide its Nimbra platform by the service provider Big Blue Marble, formerly ORS Group, as the core media transport solution f...
19/08/2026
LiveU has supported Coventry City FC and several other top-flight UK football clubs through one of their most demanding live production challenges of the year, ...
19/08/2026
Nature Seekers Documentary Shot with Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF
Brie Clayton August 18, 2026
0 Comments
Filming endangered turtles required camera...
19/08/2026
Neyrinck Brings D-Control Consoles Back to Life on Apple Silicon with D-Control ...
19/08/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/08/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/08/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/08/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/08/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/08/2026
Riedel Communications today announced that Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Perth, Australia, implemented a comprehensive communications infrastructure that brin...
19/08/2026
QuickLink, a leading provider of award-winning video production and remote guest contribution solutions, will spotlight a major leap forward in remote guest con...
19/08/2026
Integrated platform melds media asset management, playout automation and newsroom workflows
EMAM, PlayBox Neo and SNEWS have officially launched Nuvex, a conne...
19/08/2026
Screen Australia releases the Private Investment Toolkit to strengthen screen in...
19/08/2026
Do Aussies truly value local content? Unpacking Screen Currency 2026 with Deirdr...
19/08/2026
There's an early Christmas gift for Bookish fans, as UKTV confirms the re-commission of the hit U&alibi drama, created by and starring Mark Gatiss. Viewers ...
19/08/2026
Wednesday 19 August 2026
Sky gives sports fans the chance to watch multiple liv...
19/08/2026
On Saturday September 5 Katie Taylor will step into the ring for the fight of her life against Flora Pili in front of 80,000 fans in Croke Park. A legendary fig...
18/08/2026
SportStream 2026, a free three-day virtual event, will take place September 15-17. One registration provides access to all three days of live programming and on...
18/08/2026
BeckTV will introduce BeckFlow to the European market at IBC2026, demonstrated on the Providius stand (10.F53).
BeckFlow is a web-based schematic documentation...
18/08/2026
Boland Communications will introduce a SMPTE ST 2110 input option for its 4K monitors at IBC2026, along with a new 55-inch super-narrow bezel display for video ...
18/08/2026
Dolby Laboratories and the Seattle Seahawks have announced a partnership integrating Dolby OptiView into the Seahawks' live streaming coverage, making the S...
18/08/2026
For BMG Executive Producer of Sports Production, Graham Taylor, producing live s...
18/08/2026
TMRW Sports has appointed Rufus Hack as President of Golf, a newly created role in which he will lead the company's golf businesses including TGL presented ...
18/08/2026
SMT will provide race technology for FOX Sports' coverage of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. on August 23, when the NTT INDYCAR SERIES races ...
18/08/2026
The live, YouTube-native roundtables combine fan voices, credentialed reporters,...
18/08/2026
Behind The Mic provides a roundup of recent news regarding on-air talent, includ...
18/08/2026
The industry legend sounds off on replacing the Heat's iconic Medusa score...
18/08/2026
William F. Rasmussen, the sports fan-turned broadcaster and entrepreneur whose out-of-the-box idea of a 24-hour cable sports network, ESPN, changed forever the ...
18/08/2026
DAZN Group has completed its acquisition of ViewLift, a provider of streaming and digital solutions for sports content owners. The acquisition was first announc...
18/08/2026
The American Association of Professional Baseball (AAPB) has added SI TV, Sports Illustrated's 24/7 streaming channel, as a broadcast partner for the remain...
18/08/2026
The Esports Foundation has announced that the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC), originally scheduled for November 2026 in Riyadh, will be postponed to Novemb...
18/08/2026
Diversified has announced a new Global Managed Services Practice, consolidating the company's managed services capabilities into one organization. Rob Mello...
18/08/2026
Appear has completed a proof of concept with Thoroughbred Racing Productions (TRP), demonstrating multi-camera remote live production over bonded 5G cellular an...
Khronos Releases Open-Source iOS App for Viewing glTF Files 
