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iPhone LiDAR Explained: What It Does and How to Use It

iPhone LiDAR adds depth information for approximate measurements, compatible room scans and accessibility features. Here’s how to try it and what to expect.
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LiDAR on a compatible iPhone measures depth, giving the phone and supported apps information about the shape and distance of nearby surfaces. That helps with quick measurements, augmented-reality experiences, room scans and certain accessibility features. You can try it in Apple’s Measure and Magnifier apps, or in a compatible room-scanning app; the exact features depend on your iPhone model.

What LiDAR does on an iPhone

LiDAR is a depth sensor. Its readings help ARKit quickly retrieve depth information and estimate and reconstruct the shape of the real world around you. In practical terms, a compatible iPhone can use depth data alongside its camera view to understand nearby space for supported features and apps. Apple’s ARKit scene reconstruction documentation

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It is not a guarantee of survey-grade measurements or a stand-alone 3D camera that automatically produces a complete model. What it can do depends on the model, feature and app.

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How to measure an object with Measure

Apple’s Measure app can estimate an object’s dimensions automatically when it recognizes a rectangle, or let you mark a line manually. Apple describes the results as approximate and recommends measuring well-defined objects from 0.5–3 meters (2–10 feet) away for best results. That is recommended working distance, not a maximum sensor range or an accuracy guarantee. Apple Support: Measure dimensions with iPhone

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  1. Open Measure (usually in the Utilities folder).
  2. Slowly point the camera at the object and let the app detect its edges. Keep the object well defined in view.
  3. If Measure outlines a rectangle, tap it to see its dimensions.
  4. To measure a line yourself, tap the add control at the starting point, move the camera to the endpoint, then tap the add control again.
  5. Use the result as a quick estimate—for example, to check whether an item might fit. You can take a photo of the measurement in the app.

How to measure a person’s height

On supported iPhone models, Measure can show a person’s height from the floor to the top of their head, hair or hat, and can also measure someone who is seated. Frame the person head-to-toe in Measure and give the app a moment to identify them. This is not available on every iPhone; check Apple’s supported-model requirements before relying on the feature. Apple Support: Measure a person’s height with iPhone

How to scan a room

Apple’s RoomPlan framework lets compatible apps combine camera input, LiDAR readings, machine-learning models and RealityKit to capture an interior. It can identify features such as walls, windows, openings, doors, furniture and appliances. Apps using RoomPlan can produce USD or USDZ files containing dimensions and recognized component types, which can support floor plans and other room-capture workflows. Apple Developer: RoomPlan overview

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  1. Choose a room-scanning app that explicitly supports both your iPhone model and LiDAR.
  2. Start a scan in that app and follow its on-screen directions. The app may offer live guidance or a dollhouse-style view.
  3. Move the phone around the room as directed so the app can capture walls and furnishings.

RoomPlan is a framework for app developers, not a built-in scanning app that every iPhone owner automatically has. Features, supported models and steps vary by app. Apple describes uses across areas such as real estate, e-commerce, hospitality, architecture and interior design; the framework’s existence does not mean every scanning app supports every workflow.

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How to use Detection Mode in Magnifier

On supported iPhone models, Magnifier’s Detection Mode can provide information about nearby doors, people and furniture. Apple documents speech, sound and haptic feedback options. To start, open Magnifier, start Detection Mode, then touch and hold the Detection Mode control and choose the category you want. Keep the rear camera pointed toward the surroundings. Apple Support: Detect doors, people and furniture around you using Magnifier

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Apple says Detection Mode should not be relied on in high-risk or emergency situations, or for navigation. Treat it as an additional source of information, not a replacement for established mobility tools or your own judgment.

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Which iPhones have LiDAR?

LiDAR is not present on every iPhone, and individual features can have their own model requirements. Apple’s current iPhone 17 Pro specifications list a LiDAR Scanner; Apple identifies that model as introduced in 2025. This is a current example, not a complete compatibility list. Before buying a phone or planning a workflow, check the requirements for the specific iPhone feature and the app you intend to use. Apple Support: iPhone 17 Pro technical specifications

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