Apple ARKit user puts a color changing Tesla Model 3 in his driveway before the car's release

This is the potential of Apple's ARKit.

Elon Musk is working hard to make Tesla vehicles everyone can afford, but the only available versions of the tech-centric electric vehicle are still too pricey for some of us -- but not in augmented reality!

That's what one Norway-based 3D designer decided when he used Apple's new ARKit to create his own augmented reality version of the upcoming Tesla Model 3.

Posting a video of the ARKit-created app on Twitter on Saturday, creator Jelmer Verhoog show off how it allows you to choose the color of your Model 3 while seeing how it looks in your own driveway.

In addition to color options, the app also allows you to turn the vehicle's lights on, and even drive it a few feet, giving you a full sense of what a Model 3 might look like if you buy the $35,000 vehicle set to hit streets in 2018. From every angle, the AR version of the Model 3 looks incredibly realistic.

At the end of the demo video, Verhoog says he's looking for permission from Musk or Tesla before launching the app for iOS 11. But whatever the fate of this Tesla-focused app turns out to be, this is one of the best examples of the potential of ARKit in the coming months and years for both developers and major brands.

The ARKit-friendly iOS 11 will officially launch this fall, but the public beta is available now for anyone to try.

Mashable Image
Adario Strange

.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
This robot snow blower is trending — and it's $400 off right now at Amazon
the yarbo robot snow blower removes snow in the dark while a home with a big window sits behind the robot. Inside, a family is looking outside while smiling.

End of an era: Tesla discontinues Model S and Model X
Tesla Model X and S

CES 2026: These color-changing sunglasses are like something out of a sci-fi movie
man wearing color-changing sunglasses at ces 2026

Apple is testing a 'deep red' color for iPhone 18 Pro, report says
row of iphone 17 pro phones on display at apple park

Ready to read in color? These are the 4 best color e-readers.
A Kobo Libra Colour e-reader

More in Tech
The Earth is glowing in new Artemis II pictures of home
One half of the Earth is seen floating in space through the open door of the Orion spacecraft.

Doomsday Clock now closest to midnight ever
A photograph of the Doomsday Clock, stating "It is 85 seconds to midnight."

Hurricane Erin: See spaghetti models and track the storm’s path online
A map showing the predicted path of Tropical Storm Erin.

Tropical Storm Erin: Spaghetti models track the storm’s path
A prediction cone for Tropical Storm Erin.

NASA to build a nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030, report states
The lunar surface.

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.


NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 2, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!