Niantic has terminated Shared AR at 3.x and recommends moving to 4.x before support ends. See inventory, testing, and operational continuity.
Direct answer
Niantic informs that ARDK 3.17 is the last complete version of the 3.x line, that Shared AR stopped working on May 1, 2026 and that the remaining features receive critical fixes until February 28, 2027. Active projects must migrate to 4.x with dependency inventory, localization tests and rollback plan.
The technical calendar
The 3.x line will not receive new full versions. Shared AR has already been closed, while the remaining features remain operational with critical fixes for a limited time. This turns migration into a continuity requirement, not an optional improvement.
Start with inventory
List Unity versions, packages, APIs, anchors, location services, authentication, storage, and publishing pipelines. Also record critical scenes, supported devices, and current metrics for comparison.
Test spatial behavior
AR migrations can compile and still change origin, alignment, persistence, occlusion or performance. Use known locations, control points, and repeated sessions to measure stability and error.
Plan coexistence and reversal
Separate environments, keep data exportable, and define how users return to the stable version. For field operations, update window, connectivity and support need to be included in the plan.
Nexus Reading
Space dependencies have a life cycle. Sustainable architecture combines open standards, adaptation layers, telemetry, and documentation so that an SDK change doesn't disrupt the experience or the business.
FAQ
When did Shared AR stop working in the 3.x line?
Niantic reports the date as May 1, 2026.
How long are critical fixes due?
For other resources in line 3.x, the deadline is February 28, 2027.
What to test first?
Location, persistence, coordinates, performance and the flows that generate operational value.
Essential guides to delve deeper into the decision
This editorial analysis was produced by Nexus from the official sources below, consulted on September 10, 2026. The text is original and interprets practical implications for companies.
- Niantic Spatial — ARDK 3.17 overview: end of the 3.x line, closure of Shared AR and support deadline.
- Niantic Spatial — SDK documentation: official platform documentation and current development routes.
Date reported by main source: documentation consulted on September 10, 2026.