Moments in 3DYour memories, in 3D
Here’s how to watch your iPhone’s spatial photos and videos without a Vision Pro.
Spatial photos and videos record two views of a moment. Moments in 3D shows one to each eye through a compatible two-lens phone viewer, so you can enjoy the depth in your memories.
The viewer holds your iPhone sideways in front of its lenses. It doesn’t need to pair with your phone or connect to a computer. It’s a different experience from a standalone headset: you’re watching your memory on a virtual screen.
Use your spatial photos and videos on an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, or a later model, with iOS 18 or later. iPhone Air can play spatial memories shared with you. To capture new ones, you’ll need an iPhone with Spatial mode in Camera. Already have a phone viewer? Check that it holds your iPhone securely and lets you see both halves of the screen clearly.
Already own a compatible viewer? There’s nothing else to buy.
Our first choice
The clearest, most comfortable view in our testing. Google no longer sells its own viewer, so eBay is a good place to start. We’ve found listings under $15 before shipping; stock, condition and prices vary.
Look for the Google-made viewer. Check the seller’s photos and description: “Google Cardboard compatible” can mean a different brand. A name in the listing alone isn’t proof. Check that it fits your iPhone securely.
Look on eBayA budget alternative
Can’t find a Google Cardboard? This MR.CARDBOARD viewer worked reasonably well in our testing. Its lenses felt less clear and comfortable than Google’s, but it’s our preferred fallback among the options we’ve tried under $20.
Listed at $17.90 on Amazon when checked October 18, 2026, before any shipping or tax. Some buyers report durability problems; we haven’t experienced them ourselves. Read recent reviews and check the return policy.
See POP! Cardboard on AmazonWe have no financial interest in these companies and receive no commissions. These are our hands-on impressions; fit and comfort vary. Prices and availability can change.
In the app, add a spatial photo or video to your Album, open it, and tap Watch in Viewer. Turn your iPhone sideways, center and secure it in the viewer, then look ahead as the countdown ends. Need more time? You can change the countdown in Settings.
Take your phone out and hold it upright for touch controls. Choose another memory, pause a video or go back to a favorite moment. Download a few memories in the app before a trip to watch without internet.
Immersive, Wraparound and Standard play the same photo or video. What changes is the shape of the screen. Start with Standard and choose what feels right for you.
You can also watch ordinary photos and videos in any screen style. They’re marked 2D and can keep their original appearance. Your originals stay unchanged. 360° viewing isn’t supported.
Experimental · Photos only
Find a photo to try. Start with a regular iPhone photo with a clear main subject, like a person or pet. Portrait mode isn’t required.
Look for 3DX beside 2D. We check photos as you add them. 3DX means a photo can use this effect. Open it and choose Watch in 3D.
Your iPhone can save extra information about what’s near and far, even in regular Photo mode. We use it to add depth. It isn’t saved with every photo, and sometimes we can’t use it. You can still enjoy the original in 2D.
When experimental 3D isn’t available, open the photo in the app and tap Why isn’t 3D available? for an explanation.
Your original stays unchanged. Spatial photos give the most natural 3D result. Ordinary videos play in 2D.
In the app, open Quick Guide → Experimental → Watch 2D photos in 3D for a short introduction and tutorial video.
In Photos, look for Spatial under Media Types. If it isn’t there, you may not have any spatial photos or videos yet. Apple’s guide shows where to find media types.
When you’re ready to watch, use Spatial Photos & Videos in Moments in 3D to choose from your spatial memories. All Photos & Videos includes ordinary 2D memories, too.
Yes. Moments in 3D uses your iPhone and a compatible phone viewer to show each eye its own view of a spatial photo or video. You don’t need a Vision Pro. Your memories play on a virtual screen, with their recorded 3D depth.
A two-lens phone viewer, such as a compatible Cardboard-style viewer. Your iPhone goes inside and provides the screen. Check that the viewer fits your phone securely; a standalone VR headset is a different kind of device.
See the fit and setup guidance above. Google Cardboard is our first choice; POP! Cardboard is our tested budget fallback. We don’t sell viewers or earn commissions from recommendations.
NO ADS. EVER. No subscription. Get Moments in 3D for iPhone and choose a photo or video to watch in your viewer.
View on the App Store