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The iPhone 12 leaks are heating up as we get closer to the launch of Apple’s next flagship line, and a rumored feature could have become a real one.
A new report from DigiTimes (via MacRumors) details the impact that the production and application of LiDAR components for the iPhone 12 will have on the adoption of the technology in the future.
DigiTimes does not state with certainty that a LiDAR scanner is included in the next-generation iPhone camera suite, but said “some” of the models will get the sensor, according to industry sources.
“Sources said Apple took the initiative to adopt the LiDAR ToF (time of flight) module for its iPad Pro launched in the first half of 2020 and will reportedly incorporate the technology into some of its new iPhone models.” DigiTimes said.
Apple’s LiDAR scanner, the company’s version of a time-of-flight sensor, uses the speeds of photons from a laser to measure distance. As seen in our iPad Pro 2020 review, the sensor is capable of recognizing depth and range when producing mixed reality images.
LiDAR can place AR graphics through your lens in a way that blends them with the natural environment captured by your camera. Instead of an AR image appearing front and center on your screen like in Pokemon Go, the ToF sensor can position it behind a couch or other objects in a realistic proportion.
IPhone 12 LiDAR Scanner: Is It Happening?
The DigiTimes report is good news for those interested in AR, or who saw LiDAR applied on the iPad Pro and want it on an Apple phone. However, it also confirms that not all new iPhone 12 models will receive the scanner.
Non-Pro iPhone 12 variants are believed to miss out on LiDAR. Instead, a LiDAR scanner will be one of the ‘Pro’ or premium features of the more expensive options in the lineup.
In fact, last week leaker Jon Prosser shared an alleged hands-on video of the iPhone 12 Pro Max showing its camera capabilities, including setting up for LiDAR-assisted focus. Prosser previously posted an overview of the iPhone 12 lineup that maps LiDAR to the smaller iPhone 12 Pro as well.
Prototyping for iPhone 12 devices is almost complete! The final details line up pretty well with what Kuo said last year! 🤯 Expect to see CAD renderings of the devices in the next month or two from your favorite leakers! 👀 Now let’s see if Apple can get them out before EOY! pic.twitter.com/nAfA7JHMx2April 6, 2020
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also expects a LiDAR scanner to be included in at least two iPhone 12 models, corroborating both the Prosser and DigiTimes reports.
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