What's Happening?
Trace, a startup founded by former Magic Leap engineers, has launched a new augmented reality (AR) creation platform aimed at becoming the 'Canva of AR'. The platform is designed to allow users, ranging from global brands to independent creators, to build
location-based immersive AR content without the need for coding or advanced design skills. This launch comes at a strategic time as Adobe has discontinued its Aero AR platform and Meta retired its Spark AR platform earlier in 2025. Trace is offering three free months of its premium plan to users migrating from these platforms. The platform is available for free on iPhone and iPad, with a premium subscription starting at $20 per month.
Why It's Important?
The launch of Trace's platform is significant as it fills a gap left by the discontinuation of major AR platforms by Adobe and Meta. This move could democratize AR content creation, making it accessible to a broader range of users, including educators, artists, and large corporations. By targeting former users of Aero and Spark, Trace is positioning itself to capture a significant share of the AR market. The platform's ease of use and wide applicability could lead to increased adoption of AR technology across various industries, potentially driving innovation and new business opportunities.
What's Next?
Trace's strategy to attract former Adobe and Meta users could lead to rapid growth in its user base. The company will need to continue innovating and expanding its features to maintain its competitive edge as more companies may enter the no-code AR space. The success of Trace will depend on its ability to scale and adapt to the evolving needs of its users, particularly as the market for AR technology continues to grow.
