What is LiDAR, What Does It Do?

LiDAR is a sensor that has been introduced in certain top models since the iPhone 12 Pro. In particular, it provides a serious speed when it comes to focusing. Of course, the question that we will discuss this time is where this sensor can be used instead of its task. If you own an iPhone with an unusual technology, the LiDAR sensor, you can use the exciting features that we will talk about.

Since its launch in 2020, we have seen a growing list of apps that use the iPhone's LiDAR browser. Whether you're a game developer, interior designer, or tech savvy, there are many great ways to use LiDAR on your iPhone. LiDAR actually has a similar reading to RADAR and performs a similar function.

What is LiDAR?

LiDAR is something completely different, although it may seem like RADAR. LiDAR stands for "light detection and range determination" in English. In other words, it consists of the initials of Light Dedection And Ranging. In short, LiDAR transmits an invisible laser to your surroundings and logs on to the device. LiDAR sensors use data from the laser to capture information about the shape of objects and their distance to them.

LiDAR is used in many different industries, including aviation, satellites and driverless vehicles. But recently, LiDAR technology has also entered the smartphone market and has been in our lives since the iPhone 12 Pro, which came out in 2020. For the time being, Apple keeps LiDAR exclusively for the Pro models of iPhones. Therefore, only iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro and iPad Pro 2020 or later have built-in LiDAR sensors. Of course, the Max models of these phones also have lidar.

Where is the LiDAR sensor located?

You can find the LiDAR sensor on the back of a Pro iPhone, next to the three camera lenses. It is the dark circle opposite the lightning. Due to its location, the sensor only works with a rear-facing camera. iPhone focus problems or blurry photo and video problems can be caused by additional accessories such as a LiDAR sensor or lens protector. The LiDAR sensor of the iPhone front camera is not used yet, but it can be added in the following models.

iPhone models that support LiDAR

For now, iPhone models with LiDAR sensors are as follows. We will also update the list of new iPhone models that will be added to the list in 2023.

iPhone 12 Pro

iPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 13 Pro

iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 14 Pro

iPhone 14 Pro Max

The effect of LiDAR on photos

iPhones have always been one of the phones that take great photos. Many people still love to use iPhones for photography because they take photos with high resolution, detail and color accuracy. But one problem that smartphones generally struggle with is taking pictures in low light conditions. The dimensions of the lenses and sensors complicate the work here. To solve this problem, the next generation of iPhones can now use LiDAR to detect how far away people or objects are, and then use this data to focus faster and more accurately.

According to Apple's statement, iPhones with LiDAR can focus up to six times faster even in low light conditions. The faster autofocus on your iPhone's camera means that your images will have more detail and less blur, even if you don't have the best lighting.

One of the easiest and most valuable ways to use the LiDAR sensor in your iPhone is to take measurements without a ruler. There are some great LiDAR apps for iPhone and iPad, but one of the best is a built-in app called "Measurement" that uses your iPhone's camera to take approximate measurements.

An iPhone equipped with LiDAR can detect extremely accurate information about how large objects are and how far they are from each other. This allows the iPhone to make much more accurate measurements. So if you are working on a DIY home improvement project or want to see if the new sofa actually fits on your door, LiDAR can be a lifesaver.

Home decor with iPhone

It used to take a lot of imagination, planning and luck to renovate a big house. Fortunately, LiDAR allows you to visualize changes and explore ideas right from your iPhone, avoiding most guesses. In particular, apps like IKEA Place use LiDAR to place virtual models of furniture and home decor right in your home. This way, you can see exactly how the new furniture will look and fit into your home before you start a larger purchase.

Since LiDAR can accurately calculate the size and distance, virtual furniture models will fit into the interior of your house, just like the real thing. LiDAR can make decorating (or renovating) your home easier than ever. In another topic, we will touch on decoration applications that support LiDAR, and we are sure that this will be interesting.