LiDAR on iPhone helps the device understand depth, improving camera focus, low-light photography, and AR experiences. It works by emitting light pulses and measuring their return time to create a depth map of the scene. 1. It enhances Portrait mode with more accurate subject separation and natural blur. 2. It improves AR realism by enabling precise object placement and interaction. 3. It speeds up autofocus in low light for faster focusing and better Night mode performance. 4. It enables quick and accurate distance measurements and room scanning via apps. While useful for photographers and AR users, casual users may not notice its absence.

Apple introduced LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology starting with the iPad Pro in 2020, and then brought it to the iPhone with the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. Since then, it’s been included in subsequent Pro models like the iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro, and now the iPhone 15 Pro lineup. So what exactly is LiDAR on iPhone, and what does it do?

In short, the LiDAR scanner helps your iPhone better understand depth — how far objects are from the camera — which improves things like autofocus, low-light photography, and augmented reality experiences.

How Does LiDAR Work on iPhone?

LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging, and it works by sending out pulses of light (which are invisible to the human eye) and measuring how long they take to bounce back after hitting objects. This data creates a detailed depth map of the scene in front of the camera.

On iPhones, this happens automatically in the background whenever you use the camera. It doesn’t require any special action from the user — just pointing the camera at something is enough for the system to start mapping distances.

Here’s what makes it work:

• A laser emitter sends out thousands of invisible light pulses per second.
• A sensor detects when those pulses bounce back.
• The phone calculates the time difference to determine distance.
• This depth information gets combined with data from the camera sensors and image processor.

The result? Your iPhone knows more about the 3D space around it than ever before.

What Can You Actually Use LiDAR For?

1. Better Portrait Mode Photos

One of the most noticeable benefits is improved performance in Portrait mode. The LiDAR scanner helps separate the subject from the background more accurately, especially in low-light conditions where regular autofocus might struggle.

You’ll see cleaner edges around hair or fine details, and the blur effect looks more natural.

2. Improved Augmented Reality (AR) Experiences

LiDAR has had a big impact on AR apps. Because it can quickly and accurately measure depth, virtual objects placed in real-world environments look more realistic. They can sit behind or in front of real objects, cast shadows, and interact with surfaces more naturally.

For example, if you’re using an AR app to place a virtual couch in your living room, LiDAR helps the app understand where the floor ends and the furniture begins, so the couch sits correctly without floating or sinking through the ground.

3. Faster Autofocus in Low Light

Before LiDAR, iPhone cameras sometimes took a second to focus in dim lighting. With LiDAR, the camera can instantly detect how far away subjects are, so focusing is much faster — even in near-darkness.

This also helps Night mode photos get off to a quicker start, as the system doesn’t have to guess where the main subject is.

4. Enhanced Room Scanning for Measurements

Apple’s built-in Measure app uses LiDAR to help you quickly calculate distances between objects. Just point your iPhone at a surface, tap two points, and it will tell you the distance — no manual alignment needed.

Some third-party apps go even further, letting you scan entire rooms or objects in 3D for home design or 3D printing purposes.

Do You Need LiDAR on Your iPhone?

If you're into photography, especially portraits or night shots, or if you enjoy using AR apps, then yes — LiDAR adds value. But if you mostly use your phone for calls, messages, and basic photo-taking, you probably won’t miss it.

It's not a revolutionary feature that changes everything overnight, but it quietly improves several core experiences.

So, to sum up: LiDAR on iPhone helps your phone understand depth better, which leads to sharper Portrait mode photos, smoother AR experiences, faster focusing in the dark, and smarter measurement tools. It’s not flashy, but it definitely adds up.

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