You're standing in the middle of a room, holding an iPad, and trying to figure out if that weird little black circle next to the camera lens is actually doing anything. Or maybe you're looking at a used listing on eBay and the seller is being vague about the "sensor array." I get it. Apple’s naming conventions are a mess. They’ve got "generations" that don't match the year, and "Pro" models that look identical to the naked eye but have completely different guts.
The short answer? If it isn’t a "Pro," it doesn’t have it. Basically, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is Apple’s "premium" toy. They haven't let it trickle down to the iPad Air or the Mini yet, even in 2026. If you want that laser-scanning goodness, you’re looking at a specific subset of the Pro lineup.
The Definitive List: Which iPads Have LiDAR?
Honestly, don't let a salesperson tell you that the new M3 iPad Air has it because it "looks pro." It doesn't. LiDAR is reserved for the high-end machines.
Here are the specific models that actually have the hardware:
🔗 Read more: Apple Maps AI Search Update: What Most People Get Wrong
- iPad Pro 11-inch: 2nd Generation (2020), 3rd Gen (M1), 4th Gen (M2), 5th Gen (M4), and the latest 6th Gen (M5).
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch / 13-inch: 4th Generation (2020), 5th Gen (M1), 6th Gen (M2), and the newer M4 and M5 13-inch models.
Notice a pattern? It started in 2020. If your iPad Pro has a "home button," it definitely doesn't have LiDAR. If it’s an 11-inch 1st Gen (the 2018 model), it’s got the FaceID on the front, but just a single camera on the back. No laser.
Does the 2026 iPad Air M4 have it?
Nope. Even with the M4 chip upgrade that hit the Air lineup recently, Apple kept the LiDAR sensor exclusive to the Pro. It’s a classic Apple move. They give you the speed, but they keep the "specialized" hardware behind the more expensive door.
Why Does LiDAR Even Matter?
Most people never touch the LiDAR sensor. Seriously. You could own an iPad Pro for three years and never technically "use" it—at least not intentionally. But it’s working in the background.
LiDAR works by shooting out tiny pulses of light and timing how long they take to bounce back. It builds a 3D "point cloud" of your environment.
1. Instant AR (Augmented Reality)
Remember the early days of AR where you had to "wave your device around" to find the floor? LiDAR killed that. On a supported iPad Pro, the IKEA Kreativ app or any AR game just knows where the floor and walls are instantly. No calibration dance required.
2. Low-Light Photography
It’s not just for 3D maps. The sensor helps the camera focus in the dark. It acts as a rangefinder, telling the lens exactly where the subject is even when there isn't enough light for the standard contrast-based autofocus to work. Apple claims it can focus up to six times faster in low light because of this.
3. Professional Scanning
This is where it gets cool. I've seen architects use apps like Polycam or Canvas to scan an entire kitchen in about 90 seconds. It spits out a 3D model that’s accurate within about 1-2%. It’s not "engineering grade" (don't build a bridge with it), but for floor plans and furniture layouts, it's a godsend.
The "Secret" 2026 Sensor Upgrade
There’s been some chatter in the tech community, specifically from folks like Arboreal Tree, about the LiDAR sensors in the M4 and M5 iPad Pros. While Apple hasn't bragged about it much, the range has actually improved.
Older models (2020-2022) were pretty much capped at 5 meters. If you tried to scan a ceiling in a high-ceilinged warehouse, it would fail. The newest M4 and M5 models have been tested to reach closer to 10 meters in indoor conditions. That’s a massive jump for anyone doing professional site surveys.
Is It Worth Buying an iPad Just for LiDAR?
Kinda. It depends on your paycheck.
If you are a contractor, an interior designer, or a hardcore 3D hobbyist, then yes. The time you save not pulling out a physical tape measure is worth the "Pro" tax.
But if you’re just a student who wants to take notes, or someone who wants to watch Netflix on a nice screen? Honestly, skip the LiDAR. You’re paying for a specialized laser system that you’ll probably only use once to measure how tall your dog is (yes, the Measure app can do that).
✨ Don't miss: Apple Store 14th St New York: Why This Meatpacking Landmark Still Hits Different
Quick Checklist Before You Buy:
- Check the Camera Bump: LiDAR looks like a small, flat, black circle (similar in size to the flash).
- Check the Model Number: Go to Settings > General > About. Tap on the Model Number to see the "A" code. Compare it to the 2020-and-later Pro list.
- Don't Buy the 2018 Pro: It looks modern, but it's the only "all-screen" Pro without the sensor.
What to Do Next
If you’ve realized you definitely need LiDAR, your best bet right now is actually a refurbished M1 or M2 iPad Pro.
Why? Because the LiDAR sensor on those models is 95% as good as the brand-new M5, but you'll save about $400. Unless you need the absolute maximum 10-meter range of the 2025/2026 models for forestry or large-scale construction, the older "M-series" Pros are the sweet spot.
Grab the Measure app (it’s pre-installed) and try scanning a room. If the "Area" feature pops up and lets you automatically detect a rectangle on the floor, you know you've got the goods.
Actionable Insight: If you're buying used, always ask for a photo of the back of the device. If you see two lenses and a black circle, it’s a 2020 or newer Pro. If you see one lens, it's either an older Pro or a newer Air—neither of which will help you with 3D scanning.