As the launch of Apple's next flagship lineup approaches, iPhone 12 leaks are heating up, and a rumored feature may become a reality

A new report from DigiTimes (via MacRumors) details how the production of LiDAR components and their application to the iPhone 12 could impact future adoption of this technology

DigiTimes does not state with certainty that LiDAR scanners will be included in the camera array of the next generation iPhone, but industry sources say "some" models will feature the sensors

"Sources say Apple is reportedly taking the lead with a ToF (time-of-flight) LiDAR module in the iPad Pro to be released in the first half of 2020, and will also incorporate the technology in some new iPhone models," DigiTimes said

Apple's LiDAR scanner (the company's version of the Time of Flight sensor) uses the photon speed of a laser to measure distance As we saw in our iPad Pro 2020 review, this sensor can recognize depth and range when creating mixed reality images

LiDAR can place AR graphics through the lens so that they blend into the natural environment captured by the camera Instead of AR images appearing in the front center of the screen as in Pokémon Go, the ToF sensor can place them in realistic proportions behind sofas and other objects

The DigiTimes report is good news for those interested in AR and those who have seen LiDAR applied to the iPad Pro and would like to see it on Apple's mobile devices However, it was also confirmed that not all new iPhone 12 models will have the scanner

It is believed that no iPhone 12 variant other than the Pro will feature LiDAR Instead, the LiDAR scanner will be one of the more expensive optional "Pro" or premium features in the lineup

In fact, last week leaker Jon Prosser shared what is believed to be a hands-on video of the iPhone 12 Pro Max showing off its camera capabilities, including settings for LiDAR-assisted focusProsser previously outlined the iPhone 12 lineup post and assigned LiDAR to the smaller iPhone 12 Pro as well

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also expects at least two iPhone 12 models to feature LiDAR scanners, confirming both Prosser's and DigiTimes' reports