The LiDAR Scanner, a small sensor that uses 3D sensing to measure the distance to objects up to five meters away, enables enhanced augmented reality experiences and other unique capabilities, such as the ability to instantly measure a person's height.
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Apple introduced the LiDAR sensor in the iPad Pro in March 2020 and later expanded it to the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max. Since then, there have been conflicting rumors about whether Apple will bring the feature to all iPhone 13 models in 2021.
A report by DigiTimes in January first suggested that this was part of Apple's plans for its next flagship, and that we could expect LiDAR in the iPhone 13 mini and the standard iPhone 13. Apple often introduces new features or specifications in higher-end devices before finally putting them in low-end devices in recent years.
However, two months later, trusted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that the rear LiDAR scanner would remain exclusive to the iPhone 13 Pro models, a claim that was quickly confirmed by sources who spoke to analysts at Barclays.
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Despite this drawback, Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives claimed twice this year that all iPhone 13 models will feature LiDAR, but support for this idea now seems more vague than ever.
Leaker “Dylandkt,” who has been accurate about details of Apple products before their release, said today that LiDAR is “only coming to the iPhone Pro models,” despite hints earlier in the year.
Even if LiDAR doesn't come to the non-Pro variants of the iPhone 13, it's expected that other camera-related features will expand across the entire iPhone lineup. There's also a chance that all iPhones will get an upgraded Ultra Wide camera lens with a wider f/1.8 aperture, though Kuo believes that this upgrade will be exclusive to the Pro models.
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Finally, analyst Ross Young believes that the entire 2021 iPhone lineup will use the same camera sensors as the iPhone 12 Pro Max, bringing overall improvements to the low-end models.
