In the competition between virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), Apple has made it clear that they will be investing heavily on the latter as the company thinks that AR will likely become bigger than VR in the future. While Samsung and Google are busy building their device around VR technology, Apple may soon be joining Microsoft in creating new products specifically for AR applications, which could include the company's upcoming new iPhone 8.

According to a report from Bloomberg, Apple is apparently now developing different AR technologies, including a new AR headset and new features for the next iPhone, the iPhone 8. The report further claims that the company has now sought the expertise of former members of the Microsoft Hololens team and developers who had worked for Facebook's Oculus project.

Apple is reportedly working on different ways to map out the environment and overlay different items and graphics right onto the objects within the camera's frame. This would also reportedly work on videos and photos taken with the iPhone 8, where users will be able to manipulate objects in the picture after it is taken.

Additionally, Pocket Lint reports that Apple may also be developing new augmented reality effects that will be superimposed onto a person's face in real-time. The technology will apparently be very similar to Snapchat Lenses, where users will be able to manipulate and edit their selfies with different effects as they take them.

The same report also cites KGI Securities analyst, Ming-Chi Kou, who has also, corroborated the claims. The analyst reveals that Apple may be using a type of infrared projector and receiver, which will be able to map out the depth and shapes of the objects being shot in three dimensions. Apple has yet to confirm if this technology would indeed be coming to the iPhone 8. However, if any of the claims turn out to be true; more information should be made available in the coming months.