Apple's iPhone 15 Pro to come equipped with upgraded LiDAR scanner, enhancing AR capabilities

The iPhone 15 Pro is reportedly set to feature an upgraded LiDAR scanner this year.

Since the release of the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max in October 2020, the iPhone series has been incorporating LiDAR scanners. These scanners are mostly utilized for Augmented Reality (AR) functions in smartphones such as the iPhone.

iPhone 15 Pro lidar — iPhone 12 Pro, with LiDAR scanner. (Apple)

By generating a 3D representation of the surroundings, the LiDAR scanner enhances the accuracy and realism of AR experiences by allowing virtual objects to be placed in real-world environments more precisely. Now, the iPhone 15 Pro models will reportedly be equipped with a better LiDAR scanner.

iPhone 15 Pro models will benefit from improved LiDAR scanner

The famous Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Sony will become the sole supplier of LiDAR Scanner components for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, taking over from the current exclusive suppliers Lumentum and WIN Semi.

In his Twitter post, Kuo stated that “the critical design of Sony’s ToF VCSEL solution in integrating VCSEL & driver IC, which can reduce power consumption or provide better ToF performance under same power consumption.”

So, what will be benefits of this new LiDAR scanner for the iPhone 15 Pro models users?

To enlighten, Sony's components could result in reduced power consumption of the LiDAR scanner on the upcoming iPhone models. Moreover, it is suggested that Sony's components could provide improved Time-of-Flight (ToF) performance, while consuming the same amount of power as the current LiDAR scanners. This could be beneficial for camera and potential Augmented Reality (AR) applications on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

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1. The critical design of Sony's ToF VCSEL solution is integrating VCSEL & driver IC, which can reduce power consumption (beneficial for battery life) or provide better ToF performance under same power consumption (beneficial for camera & potential AR applications).
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) February 24, 2023

If Apple incorporates the new ToF sensor from Sony into the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max without increasing power consumption, it could potentially result in further enhancements to features such as Night Mode, low-light photography, and Cinematic mode. Additionally, the new processor and display technology would contribute to a more power-efficient device overall.