Apple’s iOS11, released today (19 September), gives users the ability to record their screen, a feature that could propel the uptake of augmented reailty (AR) apps.

A Reuters report gave the example of Adam Debreczeni, maker of an app that lets users see a three-dimensional map of a fitness activity. He found that users were very enthusiastic to share the recordings of such AR apps with others.

“I think that’s going to help AR games go viral and get better distribution,” he was quoted as saying.

The feature is one Apple hasn’t announced but was discovered by those testing the new software update.

Examples of apps making use of Apple’s ARKit are Giphy World, through which users can bring GIFs into their surroundings and record them as video; the Ikea app, through which users can visualise furniture in their home; and Measurekit, which measures angles and room dimensions.

Back in June Apple unveiled a revamped App Store for iOS11 at its WorldWide Developer Conference: “designed from the ground up to make discovering apps and games easier”.

The store will give games a more prominent display, which are expected to account for 75 per cent of App Store revenue, according to App Annie, in large part thanks to in-app purchases.

Apple said customers can now browse in-app purchases directly on the App Store and start a purchase even before downloading the app, helping it to gain exposure.

Developers can promote up to 20 in-app purchases, including subscriptions, on the product page.

App Store customers have now downloaded more than 180 billion apps and the platform receives more than 500 million unique customer visits every week.

The tech giant recently revealed developers earned more than $70 billion since the App Store launched in 2008, and overall downloads grew more than 70 per cent in the 12 months to 1 June.