What is LiDAR sensor? What effect is LiDAR on iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max?

What is LiDAR sensor?

If you are interested in self-driving car technology, you may understand that LiDAR (short for Light Detection and Ranging) plays a very important role in helping the car to steer itself.

The job of the LiDAR sensor is to map the area around the vehicle by measuring the distance between the vehicle and objects through reflected light rays.

LiDAR sensor on iPhone 12 Pro / Pro Max

Apple has just introduced the LiDAR sensor in the high-end iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max models to enhance the camera experience. This isn't the first time Apple has used a LiDAR sensor. In March, the company released LiDAR and a new iPad Pro model. However, on the iPad Pro, LiDAR only supports augmented reality (AR) technology.

Here's how LiDAR on the new iPad Pro:

What effect is LiDAR on iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max?

With the newly released high-end iPhone 12 Pro models, Apple claims LiDAR will help improve three factors: visual and sound effects, the exact position of AR objects, scanning objects and surrounding space. .

The two factors behind are largely for developers and businesses if they need to develop room mapping applications . Meanwhile, for consumers, the ability to improve photo and video effects of LiDAR is the most attractive thing.

LiDAR sensor helps to focus quickly and improves the quality of portraits in low light

Apple can use LiDAR to improve autofocus on the iPhone 12 Pro because this sensor can work in all light conditions by firing a laser to calculate the distance.

Apple claims that thanks to LiDAR, the iPhone 12 Pro / Pro Max can autofocus in low light six times faster. In addition, the LiDAR sensor also allows the iPhone to take better portrait mode photos in low light conditions.

Apple also hopes that LiDAR sensors will encourage developers to find more interesting ways of using AR technology. The Snapchat app has announced that they will soon launch wools and filters that use the LiDAR sensor to enhance quality or create fun effects.

Jessica Tanner

Update 15 October 2020