LiDAR is an excellent feature on iPhones that you may not even know about. You can use LiDAR to blend the real and virtual worlds if you have a compatible smartphone.

Since its introduction in 2020, we've seen a growing list of apps that use the iPhone's LiDAR scanner. Whether you're a game developer, interior designer, or tech enthusiast, there are many great ways to use LiDAR on your iPhone.

So, if you own an iPhone 12 Pro or newer Pro model, read on, as we'll discuss several ways to use its LiDAR scanner right now.

What Is LiDAR?

LiDAR is different from technologies like RADAR. LiDAR is short for "light detection and ranging." To make things short, LiDAR involves shooting an invisible laser into your surroundings. LiDAR sensors then use data from the laser to detect information about the shape of objects and their distance from you.

LiDAR is used in many industries, including aviation, satellites, and self-driving vehicles. But LiDAR technology entered the smartphone market in 2020 with Apple's Pro iPhones and iPads. Since then, all Pro models of iPhones and iPads, including the iPhone 15 Pro, have LiDAR sensors built in.

Unfortunately, no Android phone has a built-in LiDAR sensor at the moment. However, some models use time-of-flight (ToF) sensors instead, which offer a similar function. You can check out the difference between ToF and LiDAR to see how they work.

Now, without further ado, let's see how you can use the LiDAR scanner on your iPhone.

1. Taking Even Better Photos

iPhones have been taking great pictures for years now. Many people love using iPhones for photography because they take high-resolution, detailed, and color-accurate pictures. But one thing that smartphones, in general, struggle with is low-light photography.

Fortunately, iPhone 12 Pro and newer Pro models can use LiDAR to detect how far away people or objects are and then use that data to auto-focus more quickly and accurately. In fact, Apple claims iPhones with LiDAR can focus up to six times faster, even in low-light conditions.

Faster autofocus on your iPhone's camera means your pictures will have more detail and less blurriness, even if you don't have the best lighting.

2. Taking Accurate Measurements

One of the simplest but most valuable ways to use the LiDAR sensor on your iPhone is to take measurements without needing a ruler.

There are some great LiDAR apps for iPhone and iPad, but one of the best is a built-in app called Measure, which uses your iPhone's camera to approximate measurements.

A LiDAR-equipped iPhone can detect highly accurate information about how big objects are and their distance from each other. That lets the iPhone create much more accurate measurements.

So, if you're working on a DIY home improvement project or want to see if that new couch will fit through your doorway, LiDAR can be a lifesaver. Here's a step-by-step guide on using the Measure app on your iPhone to start measuring things with just your phone.

3. Immersive AR Gaming

In 2016, we saw Pokémon Go take the world by storm. The game used AR technology to bring virtual Pokémon to real-world locations. Pokémon Go was many people's first experience with augmented reality, but now, with LiDAR, you can take AR gaming to the next level.

Games like RC Club use your iPhone's LiDAR sensor to scan your surroundings to create an augmented-reality playground. Unlike most AR games, LiDAR lets the game build an incredibly detailed virtual world considering terrain, height, and physics. That lets virtual objects interact with the real world on screen.

We're still in the early days of LiDAR-enabled mobile games, and many still feel like tech demos. But expect to see more and more AR games take advantage of LiDAR in the future.

Download: RC Club for iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)

4. Redecorating Your House

Back in the day, a big home renovation involved a lot of imagination, planning, and luck. Thankfully, LiDAR allows you to visualize changes and explore ideas from your iPhone, cutting out much of the guesswork.

Apps like Room Planner use LiDAR to place virtual furniture and home decor models directly into your house. That way, you can see exactly how new furniture will look and fit inside your home before you pull the trigger on a big purchase.

Because LiDAR can accurately calculate size and distance, virtual furniture models will fit inside your house just like the real thing. LiDAR can make decorating (or redecorating) your home easier than ever.

Download: Room Planner for iOS (Subscription required)

5. Scanning 3D Models

In the last few years, some of the biggest blockbuster movies and AAA games have taken advantage of 3D scanning or photogrammetry. This technology lets developers scan real-life objects and bring them into the virtual world. But with LiDAR, you can now use the same techniques as the pros in your own projects.

Trying to recreate 3D models of real-world objects by hand can be an extremely time-consuming process. However, an app like RealityScan from Epic Games lets you use your iPhone's camera and LiDAR sensors to stitch together a 3D model on the fly. You can then transfer that model to your projects in Blender or Unreal Engine.

Using the power of your iPhone's LiDAR scanner to scan detailed 3D models can save you hours of development time and lots of money. So, if you're into game development or 3D modeling, LiDAR can significantly boost your creativity and workflow.

Download: RealityScan for iOS (Free)

6. Creating VR Worlds

LiDAR is excellent for creating 3D models of objects in the real world. But did you know you can also use LiDAR to create entire virtual spaces?

You can use LiDAR to generate virtual copies of real-life locations. You can create a 2D map of your room or even map an entire 3D world; the possibilities are almost endless.

LiDAR can help you bridge the gap between the virtual and real worlds. For example, if you're selling your house or want to rent it out, you can use LiDAR to recreate it as a 3D model. Potential buyers can take a virtual tour before setting up a real-life visit.

Furthermore, you can pair this tech with an AR/VR headset like the Apple Vision Pro, giving you an even more immersive experience.

LiDAR Has a Lot of Potential

We're still in the early days of LiDAR on iPhones, but the technology has great potential. Unfortunately, it's a pro-only feature for now. So, you might need to upgrade your iPhone before you can take advantage of it.

However, you can expect Apple to release more devices with LiDAR sensors in the coming years. From interior design to game development, there are already so many different ways to start using LiDAR right now, and this is just the beginning.