Laser Time of Flight Camera iPhone: What It Is

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

An iPhone’s laser time-of-flight camera is a sensor that measures the distance to objects by bouncing a laser beam off them and timing its return, enabling features like portrait mode, AR, and faster autofocus. It is not a separate camera for photos but a depth-sensing module that works alongside the main cameras. This article explains what it does, which iPhones have it, how it works, and how to use it effectively.

What Is a Time-of-Flight (ToF) Camera?

A time-of-flight camera is a depth sensor that emits a laser pulse (usually infrared, invisible to the human eye) and measures the time it takes for that pulse to reflect off an object and return to the sensor. Because light travels at a known speed, the round-trip time directly gives the distance. In iPhones, this technology is implemented as the LiDAR scanner (Light Detection and Ranging), which Apple introduced in 2020. The LiDAR scanner is a type of ToF sensor, but it uses a different measurement method: it measures the phase shift of the reflected laser light rather than the absolute time, which allows for faster and more accurate depth mapping at short ranges.

Which iPhones Have a ToF Camera?

The LiDAR scanner is available on the following iPhone models:

iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max
iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max
iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max

Standard iPhone models (e.g., iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) do not have LiDAR. They use a different depth-sensing method for Face ID and portrait mode, which relies on a dot projector and infrared camera (the TrueDepth system) on the front, and software-based depth estimation on the rear cameras. The rear ToF sensor is exclusive to the Pro lineup.

How the iPhone LiDAR Scanner Works

The LiDAR scanner emits a grid of laser pulses and measures the time it takes for each pulse to bounce back. The sensor then creates a depth map of the scene, showing the distance to every point. This depth map is used in several ways:

Portrait mode: The depth map allows the camera to blur the background more accurately, especially in low light, because it knows exactly which objects are in the foreground and which are in the background.
AR (Augmented Reality): The depth map helps AR apps place virtual objects on real surfaces with realistic occlusion (e.g., a virtual chair appears behind a real table).
Autofocus: In low light, the LiDAR scanner helps the camera focus faster by providing distance information to the lens.
Measurement apps: The Measure app uses LiDAR to measure the dimensions of real objects and rooms more accurately.

The LiDAR scanner has a range of about 5 meters (16 feet) and works in the dark because it emits its own light.

How to Use the ToF Camera on iPhone

You don’t need to switch to a special mode to use LiDAR; it operates automatically when needed. However, you can use it explicitly in certain apps:

Measure app: Open the Measure app, point your iPhone at an object, and tap to place measurement points. LiDAR improves accuracy, especially for vertical surfaces.
Portrait mode: In the Camera app, select Portrait mode. The LiDAR scanner will help create a depth map, and you can adjust the depth effect after taking the photo.
AR apps: Apps like IKEA Place or AR Measure use LiDAR to place virtual furniture in your room with realistic scale and occlusion.
Third-party apps: Apps like Polycam or 3D Scanner App use LiDAR to create 3D scans of objects and rooms.

Common Misconceptions and Problems

Misconception: LiDAR is a camera. It is a sensor, not a camera. It does not capture images; it only measures distances. The photos you take come from the regular wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto cameras.

Misconception: LiDAR improves photo quality. It improves depth-related features (portrait mode, AR) and autofocus, but it does not directly improve color, sharpness, or brightness of photos.

Problem: LiDAR not working. If the Measure app or AR apps seem inaccurate, check that the lens is clean and that you are within the 5-meter range. Also, very dark or very bright scenes can affect accuracy. Restart the app or iPhone if issues persist.

Problem: LiDAR drains battery. LiDAR is only active when needed (e.g., in AR apps or low-light autofocus). It does not run constantly, so battery impact is minimal.

ToF vs. Other Depth Sensors

Not all depth sensors are the same. The iPhone’s TrueDepth camera (front) uses a structured light method: it projects a grid of dots and measures how they deform on the face. This is different from ToF. Structured light is more accurate at very short ranges (less than 1 meter) but has a shorter range and does not work well outdoors. ToF (LiDAR) has a longer range (up to 5 meters) and works better in various lighting conditions, but it is less accurate at very close range. For rear cameras, Apple chose ToF because it is better for AR and portrait mode at typical distances.

Costs and Alternatives

LiDAR is only available on Pro models, which cost more than standard models. If you don’t need AR or advanced depth features, you can save money by choosing a standard iPhone. Alternatives to LiDAR for depth sensing include:

Dual-camera depth: Some Android phones use two cameras to estimate depth by comparing the images (stereo vision). This is less accurate than ToF.
Software depth estimation: Many phones, including standard iPhones, use AI to guess depth from a single image. This works well for portraits but not for AR.
External LiDAR sensors: For professional 3D scanning, you can buy external LiDAR sensors that connect to an iPhone via Bluetooth or cable, but they are expensive and not needed for most users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the iPhone 11 have LiDAR? No, the iPhone 11 series does not have LiDAR. It was introduced with the iPhone 12 Pro.

Can I use LiDAR to measure a room? Yes, the Measure app can measure the dimensions of a room by tapping corners. LiDAR makes this more accurate than using the standard camera alone.

Is LiDAR safe for eyes? Yes, the LiDAR scanner uses Class 1 laser light, which is safe for eyes under normal use. Apple designs it to be harmless, and it operates at low power.

Does LiDAR work in the dark? Yes, because it emits its own infrared light, it works in complete darkness. That’s why it helps with autofocus in low-light photos.

Can I add LiDAR to an older iPhone? No, you cannot add LiDAR hardware to an older iPhone. It is built into the device and cannot be retrofitted.

Does LiDAR affect photo file size? No, LiDAR depth data is not stored in normal photos. It is used in real-time for processing, but the final photo is a standard JPEG or HEIC file.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.