Summary

Tim Cook: As Apple’s CEO, Cook has been vocal about AR’s potential, hinting at the company’s deep interest and investment in the technology. Under his leadership, Apple launched ARKit, setting a new standard for AR development on mobile devices. Rony Abovitz: Founder of Magic Lea…

Key Takeaway

• Tim Cook: As Apple’s CEO, Cook has been vocal about AR’s potential, hinting at the company’s deep interest and investment in the technology.
• Under his leadership, Apple launched ARKit, setting a new standard for AR development on mobile devices.
• Rony Abovitz: Founder of Magic Leap, Abovitz has been a significant figure in the AR space.
• Despite early hype and challenges, Magic Leap’s efforts under Abovitz’s guidance continue to influence AR hardware and content creation.
• Niantic Labs: While not a single person, this team, led by John Hanke, deserves mention for Pokémon GO, which brought AR into mainstream consciousness.

Body

Tim Cook: As Apple’s CEO, Cook has been vocal about AR’s potential, hinting at the company’s deep interest and investment in the technology. Under his leadership, Apple launched ARKit, setting a new standard for AR development on mobile devices. Rony Abovitz: Founder of Magic Leap, Abovitz has been a significant figure in the AR space. Despite early hype and challenges, Magic Leap’s efforts under Abovitz’s guidance continue to influence AR hardware and content creation. Niantic Labs: While not a single person, this team, led by John Hanke, deserves mention for Pokémon GO, which brought AR into mainstream consciousness. Niantic’s ongoing ventures push AR’s boundaries, blending the digital and physical worlds seamlessly. Helen Papagiannis: A renowned AR designer and author of “Augmented Human,” Papagiannis explores how AR impacts our lives and shapes our interactions. Her insights delve deep into AR’s design, storytelling, and transformative potential. Tom Emrich: Often dubbed the “man from the future,” Emrich is a leading voice in AR, VR, and wearables. His passion lies in how emerging technologies transform human experiences. As a partner at Super Ventures, he invests and nurtures the AR ecosystem. Blippar: Another team entry, but essential. Under Ambarish Mitra’s leadership, Blippar became one of the first global AR browsers, allowing users to get instant information from objects by merely pointing their phones. Brian Mullins: A former CEO of DAQRI, Mullins was behind smart helmets that introduced AR to industrial applications, enhancing productivity and safety in sectors like manufacturing and construction. Ori Inbar: As the co-founder of Augmented World Expo (AWE) and Super Ventures, Inbar has been fostering the global AR community. His work revolves around connecting startups, developers, and creators in the AR sphere. Cathy Hackl: An AR/VR strategist and Futurist, Hackl frequently speaks at conferences and is known for her insights into how AR intersects with commerce, branding, and content creation. Valentin Lefevre: Co-founder of AugmenteDev, Lefevre is instrumental in creating AR solutions for marketing, bridging the gap between brands and immersive technology, enhancing user engagement and experience.

Final Takeaway

Decide what matters, execute in short cycles, and make progress visible every week—so you enter 2026 with momentum.

About Ian Khan – Keynote Speaker & The Futurist

Ian Khan, the Futurist, is a USA Today & Publishers Weekly National Bestselling Author of Undisrupted, Thinkers50 Future Readiness shortlist, and a Globally recognized Top Keynote Speaker. He is Futurist and a media personality focused on future-ready leadership, AI productivity and ethics, and purpose-driven growth. Ian hosts The Futurist on Amazon Prime Video, and founded Impact Story (K-12 Robotics & AI). He is frequently featured on CNN, BBC, Bloomberg, and Fast Company.

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