Effectiveness of a smartphone-based, augmented reality exposure app to reduce fear of spiders in real-life: A randomized controlled trial

•Limitations of traditional in vivo treatments call for novel exposure approaches.•Smartphone-based exposure apps are highly accessible and widely applicable.•Repeated home use of the developed AR app reduces fear and avoidance behaviour.•Treatment took place under real-life and not laboratory conditions.•AR exposure apps can be used in guided or blended treatment and as self-help tool.