You may have noticed that the iPhone Pro models have a black dot on the camera module. All models launched after 2020 have this dot. Today, we'll learn why this dot exists and what its function is.

Why is there a black dot near the iPhone camera?

If you've noticed, the iPhone Pro models have a black dot near the camera. In the iPhone 17 Pro models, it's placed below the flashlight in the camera module. Have you ever wondered why this black dot exists and what its purpose is? Today, we're going to tell you about this black dot and its uses.

The sensor is located in the black dot.

This black dot in the iPhone Pro module is a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor. It helps the iPhone detect its surroundings, which improves photo quality, runs augmented reality apps, and measures objects. It can also detect the presence of people, serving as an accessibility feature for the visually impaired. It's worth noting that this sensor isn't included in all iPhones. Apple introduced it with the iPhone 12 Pro in 2020 and has been continuously upgrading it since. This sensor operates in the background, and you can't manually turn it on or off.

How does this sensor work?

This sensor consists of a light emitter and a receiver. Light from the emitter travels toward the object and is reflected back to the receiver. This allows the algorithm to determine the distance between the camera and the object. This is especially useful for taking photos in low-light conditions and using AR apps. The black dot on the sensor is a protective layer that absorbs visible light but allows near-infrared light to pass through.