Published on October 25, 2023
Unlocking the Future of 3D Scanning with iPhone 12 Pro
Last October, Apple unveiled its latest generation of iPhones, including the iPhone 12 Pro, which boasts a unique feature with the potential to revolutionize the world of additive manufacturing: a LiDAR sensor. While the importance of this technology might not be immediately evident, it holds immense promise for the future of 3D scanning applications on mobile devices.
For years, the possibility of 3D scanning on mobile phones has been the subject of speculation. Apple’s acquisitions of 3D scanning companies and Google’s Project Tango hinted at the potential, but the implementation lagged behind expectations. The introduction of the AR Kit in 2017 brought excitement with features like object recognition and image reconstruction, which could benefit 3D printing.
However, the practical use of these technologies was slower to materialize than many had hoped. But the iPhone 12 Pro is here to change that. With billions of these devices worldwide, 3D scanning on smartphones could finally become a technology integrated into our daily lives.
The Power of LiDAR in Your Pocket
The iPhone 12 Pro marks a significant step forward with its support for various scanning features. In 2017, Apple introduced the iPhone X, which featured Face ID, a biometric security feature using 3D scanning. While most apps used this technology for security purposes, there were some rudimentary 3D scanning apps available. However, their performance left much to be desired.
Fast forward to the latest iPhone Pro models, and you get not only three cameras (main, wide, and telephoto) but also a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor, also known as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). The 2020 iPad Pro shares a similar camera setup but without the telephoto lens.
LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, has been around for some time and is used in various applications, such as self-driving cars, robotics, drones, and augmented reality headsets like the HoloLens 2. It utilizes lasers to bounce off objects and measure distances by timing the light pulse’s travel. In the iPhone 12 Pro, the LiDAR scanner can accurately measure distances and capture scenes within a five-meter range.
Unlocking New Dimensions with LiDAR
LiDAR’s applications are vast, from improving in-game environments for realistic movements to virtually trying out products in the comfort of your home. The latter can be a game-changer for e-commerce, allowing you to see how that new TV you’re eyeing online would fit in your living room or how a standing desk could complement your workspace.
When it comes to 3D printing and reverse engineering, the level of detail from the iPhone scanners might not be sufficient yet. It remains uncertain whether the scanners can produce solid, detailed objects suitable for 3D printing. However, it’s only a matter of time before someone can extract enough detail from iPhone scans to unleash creativity in 3D printing.
Comparing with Traditional Scanners
While the iPhone 12 Pro’s LiDAR scanner is promising, it may not replace high-precision metrology solutions. Its current capabilities may not be adequate for demanding 3D scanning tasks. Nonetheless, it’s a fun and accessible tool that can serve as a base for various 3D modeling and design applications.
Apple’s Innovation and the Road Ahead
Apple isn’t the first to explore 3D scanning on a phone; Google initiated this concept with Project Tango, though it had limited success. Apple’s implementation in the iPhone 12 Pro appears to be a more advanced successor, offering numerous possibilities. As technology evolves, the potential for 3D scanning and additive manufacturing will continue to expand, unlocking new horizons of creativity and functionality.