LiDAR Sensor, one of the Newest Sensors on iPhones

Amazing new feature

If you don’t own an iPhone 12 Pro or 13 Pro series, you may not be aware of an amazing new feature on these devices. These devices have a new sensor near their cameras called a LiDAR Sensor. As a repair technician, this is an easily replaced component. Located right under the camera module you will find a small box-like component connected with an FPC connector. I have had many technicians call and ask about what this was as these repairs do not come in that often. So, I felt like this would be a great time to unpack what this sensor is and what the future may hold for this technology.

Light Detection and Ranging

LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a system that uses lasers to detect an item’s location, similar to Radar. Essentially this small sensor projects a number of lasers that can measure the position of an object within its range. It does this by measuring the time it takes for those lasers to return to the sensor. These lasers are not visible without the help of night vision, so don’t expect to see this process in motion. The question now becomes, how does this new capability differ from the already popular FaceID technology incomparable devices? Although this is a similar function it is a lot more precise information. One large difference is that the FaceID Dot projectors use significantly fewer lasers for facial recognition. LiDAR takes FaceID technology to a whole new level. It is my opinion that as Apple continues to acquire data in regard to LiDAR, they will be able to perfect the FaceID technology in future devices.

LiDAR feature

So, you may be wondering what you can do with this LiDAR feature. Currently, Apple is still perfecting this sensor and using user data to constantly make it better. There are some fun things you can do at this time though! The LiDAR sensor’s biggest advantage is the Portrait mode in the camera app. The laser technology it enables the iPhone to be able to better focus on the object you are trying to photograph. Although that is what most users will see a difference in, that is not all LiDAR is good for. Apple has also made measuring apps a lot more accurate using this sensor. Taking the measuring apps, a step further you can even map out a room using LiDAR for CAD programs. Now these features still have their bugs, but they are getting better and better. This sensor also helps with AR gaming which is becoming more and more popular. Objects appear more realistic in these games thanks to the accuracy of the projection.

What to expect?

At this point in time, I have not seen these sensors come in for repair, however, that is to be expected in newer devices. Typically, newer devices do not come in for repair for the first year or two as they are still under AppleCare. However, it’s only a matter of time until you start seeing these for repair.  Outside of repairing this, it is a fun new feature on the Pro series iPhones, starting with the 12. It can be a great selling point for those of you selling devices. As users are sure to take advantage of this handy new feature from Apple! We are excited to see how Apple continues to develop LiDAR technology in future generations of Apple products.

Thank you for reading my blog!

Tabitha Wanser

Cell Phone and Gaming Repair Trainer

CellBotics Atlanta