LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a technology that uses lasers to create a 3D environment map among other things.

It’s being used in various fields, from augmented reality(AR), gaming, professional architecture, design, medicine, etc.

iPads have this technology, but not all of them. In this article, I’ll tell you which iPads have LiDAR scanners, what it is, how it works, and what you can do with it.

Which iPads Have LiDAR?

Every iPad Pro Model launched after 2018 has a LiDAR scanner. iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later and iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and later.

iPad ModelRelease YearLiDAR?
iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen)2018Yes
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen)2018Yes
iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd gen)2020Yes
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th gen)2020Yes
iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd gen)2021Yes
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th gen)2021Yes
iPad Pro 11-inch (4th gen)2022Yes
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th gen)2022Yes

iPad Pro is the only model with this technology, but you can choose between a screen size of 11 inches or 12.9 inches and the release year. The older iPad will be cheaper. You can also buy a refurbished iPad to lower the cost even more.

What Is LiDAR & How It Works

LiDAR operates by emitting laser beams to create 3D maps of the surrounding environment. It precisely measures the distance to objects and captures their shapes by analyzing the reflected laser.

This cutting-edge technology elevates multiple facets of the iPad’s performance, resulting in crisper photos and significantly swifter auto-focus capabilities. It can scan and map objects in 3D. It enhanced gaming experience by enabling more accurate depth sensing and object recognition, making games more realistic among other things.

Here’s a video that shows how LiDAR can be used on iPads:

apple ipad lidar scanner demo

What Can You Do With LiDAR Scanner

You might be wondering why iPads need LiDAR, what are the use cases, and what you can do with it:

  • 🚀 Augmented Reality (AR): Make 3D objects blend in with your environment. Put a desk, chair, or closet in your room before you actually purchase it. (You can get AR IKEA furniture before you buy to see how it fits into your room or office)
  • 🎮 Play AR Games: You can play Angry Birds AR.
    You can view lifelike characters and the entire game blended into your real surroundings.
  • 📷 3D Scanning: Turn everyday objects(like your furniture) into 3D models.
  • 🌐 Spatial Mapping: Create virtual maps of your surroundings(your office, your room, garage, etc.).
  • 📏Measure distance: You can measure things on iPad. Your TV, your desk, wall, etc.
  • Take High-Quality Pictures: the LiDAR scan increases the speed of autofocus and brightens up the pictures in the dark.
  • Try out Clothes and Accessories: the scanner allows you to try out glasses, mustaches, hats, and other accessories and clothing and find out how they would look on you.

In the comments below, let me know some other ideas about what you can do with the LiDAR scanner on your iPad.

measuring my tv with ipad using lidar scanner
Measuring my TV with iPad LiDAR technology

LiDar Apps To Try

If you want to scan your room or objects or just play around with the LiDAR technology to understand it’s potential, there are some fun apps you can try:

SiteScape – allows you to capture and share 3D scans of rooms, buildings, objects, etc.

Pokemon Go – catch the Pokemons in real life.

Measure – it’s a default app on your iPad or iPhone. It turns your device into tape measure. Ihelp you measure the size of real objects, figure out how tall someone is, and even give you the measurements of rectangular objects automatically. It’s like having a smart measuring tool right on your device.

EyeMeasure – It’s an app that helps you measure the distance between your eyes (Pupillary Distance) and the height of certain parts of your glasses.

Polycam – this app allows you to quickly scan a room and map it out. When you are done scanning a room it will show you measurements. Wall height, width. Distance between walls, etc. It allows you to put a pinpoint into the room to see the distance between points or objects. (you can share it and export it as well, even in high definition)

Best AR games for iPad

FAQ

Where Is the LiDAR scanner on iPads?

The LiDAR scanner is located near the rear camera. It’s a small, circular component. It’s right under the flashlight.

Related Articles:

iPads with Face ID
iPads with 120Hz Displays

ernests embutnieks wolfoftablet
Founder & Chief Editor | +37122300405 | ernests@wolfoftablet.com | + posts

I'm a writer and editor in iPads & Android Tablets, Windows Tablet section. I'm passionate about technology, especially about tablets. I'm on a mission to assist people in discovering their ideal tablets. In addition, I'm dedicated to producing helpful how-to guides and sharing top-notch tips and tricks. In my early carrier I founded and became and editor at worldoftablet and have been a guest author at many other tech blogs. In wolfoftablet I'm focusing on iPads, Tablets, Apple Pencil, Apps, Reviews, Buyers Guides and Tablet Accessories. In free time I like to play games on my PS5 or iOS.