TechCrunch reports that Qualcomm’s has recently released Augmented Reality Software Development Kit (SDK) for iOS. When the SDK first launched, it was only available for Android though Qualcomm had promised a version for iOS in the  near future. The SDK makes it much easier for developers to integrate virtual content with real content like images captured by cameras. Currently, iOS’s SDK supports the iPhone 4, iPad 2, and the fourth generation iPod touch. This move is certainly surprising because Qualcomm had previously only expressed interest in an iOS port since their main focus was building for devices running their Snapdragon chips.

Augmentation reality apps like Layar  and Word Lens already exist for iOS and Android so they are nothing new for the platforms, however there was no easy for developers to integrate the technology cross-platform. Qualcomm’s SDK makes it easier for developers to integrate augmented reality data across platforms which could increase developer interest in augmented reality apps. It will be interesting to see what developers come up with these tools.  In my opinion, if developers start adopting this SDK quickly, we will start seeing a rapid increase in the number of users for augmented reality apps.