Which iPhones Have LiDAR? [2025 Guide]

Apple's LiDAR scanner is one of those rare iPhone features that actually changes what your phone can do. First introduced in 2020, it opened up new possibilities for AR apps, 3D scanning, and faster focusing in low light. But not every iPhone gets LiDAR - Apple only puts it in specific models. If you want an iPhone with LiDAR in 2025, you need to know exactly which ones have it before you buy.

This guide covers every iPhone with LiDAR support, how the tech works, why Apple limits it to premium devices, and what you can do with it right now.

What Is LiDAR and Why Does It Matter on iPhone?

LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging. On iPhones, it's a small sensor (looks like a black dot) near the rear camera module. The LiDAR scanner sends out pulses of invisible infrared light and measures how long they take to bounce back. This lets your iPhone create an accurate 3D map of your surroundings in real time.

The benefits are real. With LiDAR, your iPhone can focus much faster in low light, power advanced augmented reality (AR) apps, and capture detailed 3D models of objects or rooms. Apps like 3D Scanner App, Lidar Scanner 3D, and Apple's own Measure app use this sensor. LiDAR is also used by some camera features, improving portrait mode edge detection and Night Mode portraits. It's not just a tech demo - for the right user, LiDAR is a must-have.

List of iPhones with LiDAR (2020-2025)

Only certain high-end iPhones have LiDAR. As of 2025, here are the models that include a rear LiDAR scanner:

• iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max (2020)
• iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max (2021)
• iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max (2022)
• iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max (2023)
• iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max (2024, expected based on Apple’s pattern)

Standard iPhones (like the iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, and upcoming 16 non-Pro models), SE models, and all iPhone minis do not have LiDAR. If you want LiDAR, go for a Pro or Pro Max.

LiDAR on iPhone: What Can You Actually Do With It?

LiDAR unlocks features many users overlook. The most visible one is AR - apps that anchor virtual objects precisely in the real world, like IKEA Place or AR measuring tools. LiDAR allows these apps to instantly understand your room’s layout and place 3D objects realistically on floors or tables, not just floating awkwardly in space.

Camera performance is another area. With LiDAR, Night Mode portraits are possible, and autofocus is much faster in dim settings. App developers use LiDAR for 3D scanning, which lets you create digital models of furniture, rooms, or even people. Professionals in architecture, design, and real estate rely on these capabilities to capture spaces quickly and accurately.

Why Doesn't Every iPhone Have LiDAR?

Apple limits LiDAR to its Pro and Pro Max iPhones for a few reasons. First, the sensor and supporting hardware add to the cost and complexity of the device. Pro models have larger camera modules and the physical space to fit the LiDAR scanner. Apple also uses exclusive features like LiDAR to differentiate its most expensive phones from standard models, justifying the higher price point.

LiDAR is also a niche feature for now. While it improves AR and some camera modes, most day-to-day users don’t need it. By keeping LiDAR on premium iPhones, Apple can manage costs and encourage tech-savvy buyers to step up to the Pro line.

How to Check if an iPhone Has LiDAR

If you’re buying a used or refurbished iPhone and want to make sure it has LiDAR, there are a few simple checks. Look at the rear camera module - on Pro and Pro Max models, you’ll see three camera lenses plus a small black circle near them. That circle is the LiDAR scanner, usually below or to the side of the rightmost lens.

You can also check in iOS: go to Settings > General > About and look up your model number. Cross-reference it with Apple’s official Pro/Pro Max list to confirm LiDAR support. Finally, the model name in Settings > General > About will say "Pro" or "Pro Max" if it has LiDAR.

LiDAR on iPhone vs. iPad: Are They the Same?

Apple first introduced LiDAR on the 2020 iPad Pro, a few months before it came to the iPhone 12 Pro. The LiDAR hardware and performance are similar across iPad Pro and iPhone Pro models, but there are differences in how apps use them. For example, the larger iPad display is better for some 3D design apps, but the iPhone's portability and always-with-you camera make LiDAR scanning more practical in the field.

Both devices get the same AR and 3D scanning benefits, but if you need LiDAR for work, consider which device fits your workflow. iPhones with LiDAR are smaller, shoot better photos, and support the same pro-level AR tools as iPads.

Should You Get an iPhone With LiDAR in 2025?

If you use AR apps, do 3D scanning, or want the best autofocus and portrait performance, LiDAR is a real reason to choose a Pro iPhone. The technology has matured - more apps use it, and native camera features rely on it for faster focus and better edge detection in photos.

If you just want a great iPhone for web browsing, messaging, and photos in good light, you don’t need to pay extra for LiDAR. But for professionals, tech enthusiasts, or anyone excited by AR, LiDAR is worth having. In 2025, expect new apps to continue pushing what this sensor can do.

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