Apple’s event invites always have little secrets in them. But just what secrets does this one hold? There’s just an Apple logo comprised of some kind of swirling ribbon? Maybe it’s 3D? Maybe it’s… augmented reality (AR)?
If you open the Apple Event website on your iPhone and tap the Apple logo on the invite, your camera will turn on and the AR program will begin.
The 3D animation it shows is the transition of the Apple Logo into “9.15,” the date of Apple’s event next week. I’ve included a video of the AR loop below. It’s a 3D animation, viewable from any angle.
What does it mean? It all but confirms LiDAR on the iPhone 12, at the very least on the Pro models.
LiDAR
LiDAR is a system that uses lasers bounced off of surfaces to create a 3D map. Along with a time of flight sensor and measuring intensity and direction of the reflected laser light, LiDAR can map out your surroundings. Automated cars use LiDAR to ensure they can detect and avoid obstacles. Apple recently added it to their iPad Pro, to improve AR on the iPad. On the iPhone, it’ll likely function to improve AR as well, though Apple may take its capabilities further.
LiDAR alone wouldn’t make for a good camera. However, if it’s combined with the depth data from the two cameras, as well as the image data from one of those cameras, it could help create a generated image with an incredibly accurate dept of field effect. This would work for portrait mode, as well as adding depth effects to all photos, not just portraits. Every photo the iPhone takes could potentially be depth-aware.
Which Devices?
We’re not sure yet if Apple will extend the LiDAR functionality to the iPhone 12, or if it’ll be an exclusive feature of the iPhone 12 Pro. People looking for a pocket-friendly device may have to choose between the smallest iPhone 12 or having the enhanced camera of the iPhone 12 Pro. We’ll know next week when Apple reveals the iPhone 12 at their event, but until then, current rumors seem to state that the 5.4-inch iPhone 12, while small and attractive, will not have all of the features of the iPhone 12 Pro. The largest differentiator, besides size, will likely be the inclusion of LiDAR and perhaps 5G.