How to use LiDAR on iPhone 14 pro

In the ever-evolving landscape of smartphone technology, Apple has consistently pushed boundaries with its innovative features. One such advancement is the incorporation of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology into its flagship devices. 

With the iPhone 14 Pro launch, the cutting-edge feature took center stage, enabling users to experience a new dimension of augmented reality (AR), photography, and more. This article will guide you through harnessing the power of LiDAR on the iPhone 14 Pro while also touching upon its predecessor, the iPhone 13 Pro.

Understanding LiDAR: A Brief Overview

LiDAR, originally developed for mapping and surveying purposes, has found a home in smartphones due to its ability to measure distances by sending out laser pulses and measuring the time it takes for those pulses to bounce back. This technology creates a detailed depth map of the surroundings, facilitating improved spatial awareness and precise AR experiences.

7 Amazing Ways to Use LiDAR on iPhone

The integration of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology into iPhones has ushered in a new era of possibilities, transforming the way we interact with our devices and the world around us. With the release of the iPhone 14 Pro, LiDAR takes center stage, promising enhanced experiences in photography, augmented reality (AR), measurements, and more. Here are six incredible ways to harness the power of LiDAR on your iPhone.

Taking Even Better Photos

LiDAR technology is a game-changer for photography enthusiasts. With its ability to create precise depth maps, the iPhone’s LiDAR sensor enhances portrait photography by delivering stunning Bokeh effects. Subjects remain sharp against beautifully blurred backgrounds, achieving a professional look that was once exclusive to dedicated cameras. The sensor also improves low-light photography by providing accurate distance measurements, leading to sharper and clearer images even in challenging lighting conditions.

Immersive AR Gaming

LiDAR opens up a new dimension of augmented reality gaming. The accurate depth sensing allows AR apps to integrate virtual objects into your real-world environment seamlessly. With the iPhone’s LiDAR, characters, creatures, and objects can realistically interact with your surroundings, enhancing the immersion and fun of AR gaming.

Taking Accurate Measurements

The Measure app has become an indispensable tool with LiDAR. Whether you’re renovating your home or simply curious about dimensions, the LiDAR sensor provides precise measurements of objects, rooms, and spaces. This feature is incredibly handy for DIY projects, furniture shopping, and interior design, saving you time and ensuring accurate results.

Scanning 3D Models

LiDAR’s ability to create detailed depth maps can be leveraged for 3D scanning. With specialized apps, you can scan objects and environments in three dimensions, creating accurate digital replicas. This is useful for artists, designers, and architects who need to capture real-world objects and spaces for their creative projects.

Redecorating Your House

LiDAR can assist in redecorating and rearranging your living space. Using AR apps, you can visualize how furniture and decor will look in your home before making any changes. This feature ensures that your new layout is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, eliminating the guesswork.

Creating VR Worlds

LiDAR doesn’t just enhance AR experiences—it also contributes to virtual reality (VR) creation. By scanning your surroundings and incorporating them into VR environments, you can create immersive virtual worlds that closely resemble your real-world surroundings. This adds a personal touch to your VR experiences and enables new avenues for creative storytelling.

Embracing the Future with LiDAR

From capturing mesmerizing portrait shots to immersing yourself in AR and VR realms, LiDAR on the iPhone 14 Pro transforms the way we interact with technology. It bridges the gap between the digital and physical worlds, enabling us to enhance our creativity, productivity, and entertainment. 

As LiDAR technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative applications that push the boundaries of what’s possible with a smartphone. So, unleash your creativity and explore these amazing ways to use LiDAR on your iPhone—it’s a journey into the future of depth sensing and interaction.

LiDAR on iPhone 14 Pro: A Quantum Leap Forward

The iPhone 14 Pro brings forth a host of improvements, and the LiDAR sensor is no exception. To fully utilize this technology, follow these steps:

• Activate LiDAR: LiDAR on iPhone 14 Pro operates seamlessly in the background, contributing to various functions. To utilize it consciously, open the camera app.
• Focus and Depth: You’ll notice the LiDAR icon while using the camera app. This indicates the sensor’s active state. LiDAR significantly enhances portrait mode by capturing depth information, allowing for stunning Bokeh effects that make subjects stand out vividly against a beautifully blurred background.
• Night Mode and Low-Light Photography: LiDAR collaborates with the camera’s Night mode, enhancing low-light photography by accurately calculating distances and improving autofocus even in challenging lighting conditions.
• Augmented Reality (AR) Delight: LiDAR truly shines in the realm of AR. Apps that leverage ARKit, Apple’s augmented reality development platform, can utilize LiDAR to create more immersive and accurate experiences. From virtual furniture placement to interactive gaming, the possibilities are endless.
• Measuring with Precision: The Measure app becomes a versatile tool with LiDAR. Accurately measure the dimensions of rooms, furniture, and objects by simply pointing your iPhone 14 Pro at them. The measurements are more reliable than ever, making it a handy tool for DIY projects and home improvements.

Transition from iPhone 13 Pro to iPhone 14 Pro: The LiDAR Evolution

For users upgrading from an iPhone 13 Pro to an iPhone 14 Pro, the LiDAR experience will feel both familiar and enhanced:

• LiDAR Continuity: The transition from iPhone 13 Pro to iPhone 14 Pro ensures a seamless LiDAR experience. Both devices use LiDAR for enhancing photography and AR applications.
• Performance Improvements: While the core concept remains the same, the LiDAR sensor on the iPhone 14 Pro benefits from technological advancements, resulting in faster and more accurate depth mapping.
• AR Advancements: The improved LiDAR sensor in iPhone 14 Pro enhances AR experiences, providing better object recognition and tracking creating more immersive interactions.
• Photographic Excellence: The integration of LiDAR in both devices elevates portrait photography and low-light performance. However, the iPhone 14 Pro’s refined sensor ensures even more captivating results.

Third-Party Apps That Harness the LiDAR Scanner on iPhone

The integration of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology into iPhones has unlocked a realm of creative possibilities. This cutting-edge technology, available on models like the iPhone 14 Pro, allows for accurate depth mapping and spatial awareness. While Apple’s native apps harness this technology effectively, third-party developers have also embraced LiDAR’s potential, creating apps that redefine how we interact with the world around us. Here are four standout third-party apps that make the most of the LiDAR scanner.

IKEA Place: Enhancing Home Design and Decor

IKEA Place takes interior design to the next level. With the LiDAR scanner, this app offers an immersive experience where users can virtually place IKEA furniture and decor items in their living spaces. The LiDAR technology ensures that the virtual items align seamlessly with the physical environment, allowing you to visualize how different pieces would look and fit in your home. This app turns furniture shopping and home decor planning into an interactive and engaging process.

Canvas: Creating Accurate 3D Models

Canvas is a revolutionary app that transforms your iPhone’s LiDAR scanner into a powerful 3D scanner. Whether you’re a designer, architect, or hobbyist, Canvas enables you to capture accurate 3D models of real-world objects and spaces. This has applications in fields ranging from architecture and interior design to 3D modeling and prototyping. The app’s precision and ease of use make it an invaluable tool for anyone looking to digitize the physical world.

Polycam: Elevating 3D Scanning and Photography

Polycam takes advantage of the LiDAR scanner to provide a seamless and accurate 3D scanning experience. This app goes beyond static objects, allowing you to capture dynamic scenes, people, and even pets in full 3D. The resulting scans can be used for creative projects, animations, AR experiences, and more. Polycam’s integration of LiDAR technology ensures high-quality scans with minimal effort, making it accessible to both professionals and enthusiasts.

SiteScape: Simplifying Construction and Space Planning

SiteScape is tailored for professionals in construction, architecture, and interior design. With the LiDAR scanner, the app streamlines the process of creating accurate floor plans, measuring spaces, and visualizing design concepts. SiteScape’s ability to generate detailed measurements and layouts makes it an indispensable tool for professionals working with precise spatial data.

How to use LiDAR on iPhone 14 pro or iPhone 13 pro

Using LiDAR on iPhone requires an app that supports LiDAR scanning since iOS doesn’t allow direct access to the feature. For instance, you can use LiDAR through the Camera app. iPhone 13 runs on iOS 15 or 16, which comes with improved camera specs compared to the previous generation. iOS 15 offers bigger sensors and other enhancements and improves how the Camera app uses LiDAR.

When taking low-light photos, you’ll more precisely use LiDAR since iOS 15 automatically triggers LiDAR scanning in such conditions. LiDAR scanning allows your iPhone’s camera to offer better-contrasted images and auto-focus much faster at night. Another way you can use LiDAR on the iPhone is through Apple’s Measure app. The app converts your iPhone 14 or iPhone 13 into a tape measure.

Apple’s Measure app is compatible with a wide range of iPhones, where it relies on their camera systems. However, LiDAR-equipped iPhones offer more accurate and much faster measurements of the physical environment. 

Final Thoughts

As Apple continues to pave the way for technological innovation, the inclusion of LiDAR in the iPhone 14 Pro showcases its commitment to enhancing user experiences. The seamless integration of this technology into the camera, AR applications, and utility tools opens up a realm of possibilities for creativity, accuracy, and engagement. For iPhone enthusiasts, embracing LiDAR means embracing the future of depth sensing, one that promises to reshape how we interact with our surroundings through the lens of a smartphone.