8 Innovative Ways to Utilize LiDAR on iPhone and iPad Revealed

Your iPhone Pro and iPad Pro come equipped with a hidden gem that you might not be fully utilizing: the LiDAR scanner. This nifty feature, integrated into recent models, uses a laser to gauge the distance of objects around it, unlocking a variety of cool uses that can enhance your daily life and fun.

Oh, and by the way, if you're curious about the latest iOS updates, the iOS 18 public beta is now available for your iPhone. Here's how you can download it and give it a spin.

Sharper Photos in the Dark

Ever tried taking a photo in a dimly lit room and ended up with a blurry mess? The LiDAR scanner steps in to save the day. It quickly measures the distance to your subject, helping your camera's autofocus lock on six times faster than usual, according to Apple. So next time you're at a dimly lit dinner or a nighttime event, just point your camera and let the LiDAR do its magic—no special settings needed!

Measure Anything, Anywhere

Left your tape measure at home? No worries! With Apple's free Measure app, available on iOS and iPadOS or downloadable from the App Store, you can measure distances, sizes, and even check if a surface is level. Just open the app, place the starting point, tap the plus icon, and slide your device along what you want to measure. For a square, double-tap to mark each side until you've captured the whole object. And if you're into leveling, the app's got you covered there too—tilt your device until it hits zero and flashes green.

But why stop there? The App Store is brimming with other AR measuring apps like Tape Measure and AR Measure, waiting for you to explore.

Visualize Furniture in Your Space

Considering a new piece of furniture but unsure how it'll fit in your home? The IKEA app lets you see before you buy. Just browse their selection, select an item, hit "View in room," and move it around your space to find the perfect spot. Snap a pic when you're happy with the placement. And if IKEA isn't your style, check out apps like Wayfair, Housecraft, or Bob's Discount Furniture for more options.

Scan and Measure Entire Rooms

Planning a room makeover? The Canvas: LiDAR 3D Measurements app is your go-to. After setting up a free account, start a new project, name it, and scan the room. Move your device to capture every detail, then hit the checkmark to review, save, or share your 3D scan. It's like having a digital blueprint of your space at your fingertips!

Try on Glasses Virtually

Want to see how a new pair of glasses looks on you without leaving your house? The Warby Parker app has a virtual try-on feature. Browse their collection, select a pair, swipe down for the Virtual Try-On, and see how they fit on your face. It's a fun way to shop without the hassle of store visits.

Understand Your Surroundings

For those who are blind or have low vision, Microsoft's Seeing AI app is a game-changer. It uses your device's camera to describe what's around you. Just choose what you want to know about—text, people, products, or scenes—and the app will provide both visual and spoken descriptions. It's like having a personal assistant for your environment.

Create 3D Models

Fancy turning real-world objects into 3D models? The Scaniverse - 3D Scanner app makes it easy. Just launch the app, pick the object size, move your phone around to capture it, and then process the scan. You can view, edit, and share your 3D creation. If Scaniverse isn't your cup of tea, other apps like 3D Scanner App, Polycam, and ARama! are also worth checking out.

Dive into AR Gaming

Ready to mix reality with gaming? The iPhone and iPad have a ton of AR games that can transform your space into a playground. Here are a few to get you started:

• Angry Birds AR: Isle of Pigs - Fling birds at pigs in a virtual island that you can place anywhere in your room.
• ARia's Legacy - AR Escape Room - Solve puzzles in a virtual escape room overlaid on your real space.
• AR Robot - Watch robots battle it out in your home, customizing and controlling your own bot.
• Defend It! AR - Protect your living room from invading robots trying to snatch your magic crystal.

The LiDAR scanner on your iPhone Pro and iPad Pro is more than just a tech gimmick; it's a versatile tool that can make your life easier and more fun. Whether you're snapping photos, measuring spaces, or diving into AR games, it's worth exploring all the ways this feature can enhance your device's capabilities.