Best apps for testing and experiencing LiDAR on your new iPhone 12 Pro

The second-generation 11-inch iPad Pro, fourth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and now the iPhone 12 Pro/Pro Max offer a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) Scanner that will play a huge role in Apple's augmented reality initiatives in the years to come.

Here's more about LiDAR and apps you can use right now on your new iPad Pro to test the technology.

What is LiDAR?

LiDAR uses light to measure distance using invisible pulsating green spectrum lasers. These pulses (which occur thousands of times per minute) measure how long it takes for the light to get back to the sensor. By doing so, it paints a "picture" of the environment in front of the scanner.

As Russell Holly initially explained, "in larger deployments, like cars and airplanes, LiDAR systems can offer a living snapshot of things at multiple depths in order to offer a computer a similar perception of depth we have in human eyes."

In doing so, "This makes it possible for the computer to 'see' far enough away that it's safe to use while the vehicle is in motion, which is great. But it's efficacy is determined by power output and size, so the smaller the sensor the shorter its effective distance of measurement."

It's almost certain Apple's long-term plans for LiDAR will eventually extend well beyond the iPad Pro. In the meantime, the high-end tablet will nicely serve as a hardware testing ground for developers and users alike.

At the heart of this testing is ARKit 3.5, which was released soon after the new iPad Pro was announced. The update takes advantage of the LiDAR Scanner and depth-sensing system on the iPad Pro to support a new generation of AR apps.

Test LiDAR with these apps

Here are some impressive LiDAR apps you can use right now to test the new LiDAR Scanner on your 2020 iPad Pro or iPhone 12 Pro/Pro Max:

Apple previewed Snapchat's new LiDAR features during its October 13 iPhone 12 event. Check it out here:

You can use Measure's new horizontal and vertical guidelines when measuring large objects for more comfortable and more accurate measurements. The app also can instantly measure a person's height from the floor to the top of their head, hair, or hat. You can also save measurements from a single session and complete with screenshots, so they're easy to access and share whenever you need them.

The world's most accurate, most advanced, and best-selling 3D anatomy platform uses new technology, models, and content. It's not just an atlas as it is also an anatomy learning platform with unique collaboration and learning tools. On the iPad Pro, you can now study and take measures with a real human being and use that information to visualize and understand muscle movement and more.

The RoomScan LiDAR 2.0 update takes advantage of iOS 14 to create stunning 3D experiences. See your whole home as a scale model on your desk, or walk through it in AR.

Engineers, industrial designers, architects, and creators have long considered Shapr 3D for CAD modeling on a mobile device. LiDAR pushing this into fun, new directions.

Most of the other apps on this list focus on business use for LiDAR. IKEA Place, however, is all about consumers making their homes look better. Use the app to virtually place true-to-scale 3D models in your very own space. Combining the latest AR technology and IKEA's smart home solutions, you can experience IKEA like never before.

Hot Lava uses AR to transform the space around you into game challenges. Along the way, you don't have to avoid the lava. There's also toxic waste, bottomless pits, and many more obstacles that look real, especially next to your family pet or television!

Other opportunities

As a new iPad Pro owner, there are other resources you can use to experience the LiDAR Scanner. You should also check out Apple's Reality Composer, which lets you quickly prototype and produce content for AR experience.

For something else, check out this Apple webpage directly from your device and watch the objects comes to life right before your eyes.

Questions?

As more LiDAR apps are discovered that show promise, we'll update this post. In the meantime, let us know if you have any questions about the new tool below.

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Updated: Includes information on iPhone 12 Pro/iPhone 12 Pro Max.