A lot of information is being uncovered from iOS 14 code about Apple’s upcoming devices and features that will be making it to the OS. The OS update will reportedly bring an all apps screen and a new multitasking UI. As for products, code snippets have provided details on the supposed entry-level iPhone 9 and a larger sibling to that device, the 9 Plus, new iPad Pro models (which were accidentally listed by the company), and a new Apple TV remote.
Now, code uncovered by folks over at 9to5Mac suggests that the iPhone 12 Pro will sport a rear-facing time-of-flight (ToF) sensor for generating 3D models of the environment. This is the first time that an iPhone will come with this sensor. Android devices such as the Huawei P30 Pro and the Galaxy Note10 already sport ToF sensors for depth sensing.
The sensor on the iPhone 12 Pro models (including the 12 Pro Max) is expected to feature an infrared projector, similar to the one found on the front-facing TrueDepth camera in the current models. Reports suggest that the Cupertino giant is also working on a new augmented reality application of iOS 14. The ToF sensor will also help the device make accurate measurements of the real-world via the Measure app.
With other rumors pointing at a three-camera setup and the inclusion of a ToF sensor on the upcoming iPad Pro devices, it makes sense for the company to bring about the same capabilities to other Pro devices. It will be interesting to see what new features the company announces at its WWDC event later in June and if the rumored entry-level devices see the light of the day. As for the iPhone 12, the wait will be longer since those devices are unveiled later in the fall.