Facebook for iOS updates with support for uploading 360-degree photos

Photos can be captured using any installed app with support for panoramas, and are automatically converted when selected for upload, Facebook said. Once images appear in a post they're identified with a compass icon, and support panning using touch/motion gestures on mobile devices, a mouse on desktops and laptops, or simply looking around with Samsung's Gear VR headset.

The technology includes support for dedicated 360-degree cameras, which can capture the whole field of view in an instant.

Apart from Apple products, the only other mobile devices said to support uploads are Samsung Galaxy phones, despite their being based on the widespread Android platform.

Facebook has supported 360-degree video for some time. In the past few years the company has in fact invested heavily in immersive technologies, most notably buying VR headset maker Oculus for $2 billion.