Kuo: iPhone 15 Pro Models to Feature Improved LiDAR Scanner

[MacRumors]

Sony will replace Lumentum and WIN Semi as the exclusive supplier of LiDAR Scanner components for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, according to the latest information shared by reputable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

In a series of tweets today, Kuo said Sony's time-of-flight VCSEL has lower power consumption than those from Apple's existing suppliers. This would result in the LiDAR Scanner being more power efficient on the iPhone 15 Pro models, which Kuo said could either contribute to longer battery life or allow for the LiDAR Scanner to offer improved performance at the same level of power consumption as on existing iPhones.

Kuo said the improved LiDAR Scanner could benefit camera features, like Night mode and autofocus, as well as augmented reality uses. First introduced on iPhone 12 Pro models in 2020, the LiDAR Scanner can measure light distance and capture depth information, and the hardware is expected to remain exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro models.

Article Link: Kuo: iPhone 15 Pro Models to Feature Improved LiDAR Scanner

 

[macsplusmacs]

More and better computational photography.

Good for this stuff too: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photogrammetry

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

That is great! The only benefit I see is will be with the augmented reality headset.
But the main problem is there aren't many apps out there that are taking full advantage of the Lidar Scanner Sensor.

 

[windywalks]

The benefits of LiDAR on iPhone and iPad so far have been totally lost on me. The only real reason for the wide rollout for me has been a wider test for upcoming AR product lines and not much else.

 

[doolar]

The benefits of LiDAR on iPhone and iPad so far have been totally lost on me. The only real reason for the wide rollout for me has been a wider test for upcoming AR product lines and not much else.

I do 3D scanning with the Matterport software , the results are way better with LiDAR, I really don’t need the proprietary Matterport camera that often after the LiDAR in the iPhone came along. I realise that my use case isn’t everyone’s. 😊

 

[krspkbl]

Who cares.

It's just an excuse for Apple to increase the size of the camera bump which is completely out of hand.

 

[enterthemerdaverse]

Kuo ‘The next device will be more Kuo than last’s years Kuo’

 

[nerdAFK]

But... it is useless 😂

 

[gaximus]

Is it not currently used with the camera when taking night mode pictures? Curious how they would use it.

 

[dannyyankou]

I think people underestimate the role LiDAR plays on image quality. Being able to sense the distance of objects allows the camera to focus more accurately.

The measure app is also surprisingly accurate.

 

[macsplusmacs]

Yah seems to be unless a dialog is shown on the screen saying "I AM USING LIDAR RIGHT NOW OK????????" some people think its not being used.

 

[Paddle1]

The LiDAR Scanner should probably be added to all devices to encourage its use. Why develop for something so subtle that only a fraction of users have?

If they don't it might end up being the next 3D Touch.

 

[Bobcat32]

‎3d Scanner App™

‎3D Scanner App for Mac is a desktop tool for processing photos and videos into 3D models using the power of Photogrammetry. Perfect for 3D Design, CAD, Architecture, Games Assets, AR, VR, XR. Share USDZ models via iMessage to let friends and family see your models in Augmented Reality...

apps.apple.com

Free app works way better than the others. I like it for room scanning. Frankly a must have.

 

[Kylo83]

they should remove it, never needed it and doubt anyone would miss it

 

[dannyyankou]

they should remove it, never needed it and doubt anyone would miss it

And then people would be like "why is it taking so long for my camera to focus?"

 

[Apleeseed84]

And then people would be like "why is it taking so long for my camera to focus?"

This is actually a current problem with the iphone 14 pro, focus sucks balls and the camera settings is a completely different story. It takes a good 30 seconds for it to focus on my iphone and this is my second one I got replaced that still has the same issues.

I went from the 12 pro to the 14 pro and I can agree that the focus was instant on the 12, never had issues at all but the 14 is something else entirely.

 

[FrizzleFryBen]

For those that don't see any use - install Polycam and play with it for 5 min. Anyone that does any sort of home renovation, real estate agents, inspectors, home repair - It can be a game changer for them.

I can build a floor-plan for a 4k sq ft home in a matter of 20 min. With or without furnishings, and including windows and doors. It's wild!

 

[Cromulent]

Can someone explain what the LIDAR scanner actually does to me, like I'm 5?

 

[Kylo83]

And then people would be like "why is it taking so long for my camera to focus?"

It’s actually slower with the latest phone so not very useful

 

[goonie4life9]

I can hear it now: “Today, Apple is taking photography to the next level. The iPhone 15 includes the most advanced LiDAR sensor we’ve ever released in an iPhone. The new LiDAR sensor is 25% faster, allowing for even more precision in imaging and the most immersive portrait photos available on any mobile device. This advancement takes Apple’s already best-in-class image processing to the next level, offering customers pro-level photography in the most advanced mobile operating system, iOS 17.”

 

[cdsapplefan]

The iPhone 15 pro max will have a 6x or 10x periscope optical lense zoom so they will need a better LiDar system/technology to get light out that far

 

[svenning]

Can someone explain what the LIDAR scanner actually does to me, like I'm 5?

Had chatgpt do it for you
TLDR Version:
A LiDAR scanner is a tool that uses lasers to make a picture of things far away by bouncing the lasers off of them and measuring how long it takes for them to come back. Scientists and engineers use it to learn more about the world around us.

Long version:
Hello there! Do you like playing with toys that go "beep" and "boop"? Well, a LiDAR scanner is kind of like a toy that helps us see things far away!

A LiDAR scanner is a special device that sends out a bunch of little laser beams (kind of like tiny flashlights) and they bounce off of things like trees, buildings, and even people.
When the laser beams bounce back to the LiDAR scanner, it measures how long it took for the beam to go out and come back. That's called "time of flight" - like how long it takes you to run to one end of a room and then back to where you started.

The LiDAR scanner then uses all of that information to create a really detailed 3D picture of everything it can "see" with its laser beams. It's kind of like taking a really fancy picture, but instead of using a camera, we're using lasers!

Scientists and engineers use LiDAR scanners to study all sorts of things like mapping the terrain of the Earth or measuring how much ice is melting in the Arctic. So, you can think of a LiDAR scanner as a really cool tool that helps us learn more about the world around us!

 

[StoneJack]

I totally forgot about them

 

[giggles]

Can someone explain what the LIDAR scanner actually does to me, like I'm 5?

It allows your iPhone Pro, iPad Pro or Apple Reality Pro headset to see the world in 3D (as opposed to flat like a picture) by shooting lasers at things and measuring the time it takes for the lasers to bounce back.

 

[Sportpoz]

I haven’t used it even once