Do iPhones Have Thermal Cameras and What You Need to Know

iPhones have been a staple in many people's lives for years, but do they have thermal cameras? The answer is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no.

The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max have a feature called "LiDAR" (Light Detection and Ranging) that allows for advanced depth sensing, but it's not a thermal camera. However, the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max are the first iPhones to have a thermal camera-like feature called "thermal imaging" in the Pro camera system.

But what exactly is thermal imaging, and how does it differ from a traditional thermal camera? Thermal imaging is a technology that captures images based on the temperature of an object, allowing you to see heat signatures.

The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max can detect temperatures in the range of -20°C to 120°C (-4°F to 248°F), but it's not as accurate as a dedicated thermal camera.

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iPhones have thermal cameras available as third-party modules, not as a built-in feature. These modules can be attached to the iPhone and used to capture thermal images.

The Flir One (Gen 3) thermal camera iPhone module has a 80 x 60 image sensor and can detect temperatures ranging from -20 to 120 degrees C. It's available for purchase.

The Flir One Pro module has a higher resolution image sensor at 160 x 120 and can detect temperatures from -20 to 400 degrees C. It's also available for purchase.

Here's a comparison of some thermal camera iPhone modules:

The Seek thermal camera iPhone modules have higher resolution image sensors and can detect a wider range of temperatures. The Seek Compact module has a 206 x 156 image sensor and can detect temperatures from -40 to 330 degrees C.

If you're interested in exploring thermal imaging capabilities beyond iPhones, there are some great alternatives and accessories to consider.

One option is the FLIR One, a portable thermal imaging camera that can be attached to an iPhone or Android device.

The FLIR One has a high-resolution thermal sensor and can detect temperature differences as small as 0.1°C.

For those who want to take their thermal imaging to the next level, there's also the FLIR Duo Pro, a more advanced thermal camera that can be used with an iPhone or iPad.

Apps play a crucial role in enhancing the functionality of thermal imaging cameras for iPhone. The FLIR ONE Pro comes with its own app, which allows for seamless image and video capture, as well as the ability to save, share, or send thermal photos or videos.

You can also use the Seek Compact XR iPhone IR module with its own app, which offers improved functionality compared to the previous model. The app allows for easy image and video capture, as well as the ability to adjust settings for optimal results.

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The FLIR ONE Pro app offers advanced features, including MSX imaging, which combines thermal and visual range images for a more refined view. This is particularly useful for clarifying what you're looking at in the thermal image.

Some thermal camera apps, like the one for the Seek Compact XR, may have a different lens appearance compared to other models. However, this shouldn't affect the overall performance of the app.

Here's a comparison of the thermal camera apps available for iPhone:

Keep in mind that the Seek Compact Pro has a higher resolution and wider temperature range compared to the FLIR ONE Pro. However, the FLIR ONE Pro's MSX imaging feature provides a more refined view of thermal images.

If you're looking to buy an IR camera online, you'll want to get the iOS version, as the connections and workings are different from the Android version.

The iOS thermal camera version is what you need, so make sure to look for that specifically when shopping online.

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To take a normal photo alongside your iPhone thermal image, you'll need to use the thermal camera app, which is necessary for assistance.

You can use your phone's camera to take a normal photo image, which will be kept alongside your iPhone thermal image.

The thermal camera app is essential for helping you with this process.

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The FLIR One thermal imaging camera attaches directly to iPhones to bring Predator-like thermal imaging to your mobile device.

This high-tech case plugs directly into the Lightning port and feeds real-time thermal images into its free iOS app.

The FLIR One uses long-wave infrared to detect anything hotter than absolute zero.

You can use the FLIR One to locate overloaded circuits, a real commercial application mentioned by reps.

The FLIR One can also gauge real-time emotions based on how hot someone's face appears, a feature that sounds both fascinating and a bit unsettling.

The FLIR One is up for pre-orders now, with a retail price of $349.

The company expects shipments to go out later this year, so you won't have to wait long to get your hands on one.

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In conclusion, iPhones do not have thermal cameras, unlike some Android devices that come equipped with this feature.

The iPhone's lack of a thermal camera is a notable difference from some high-end Android phones, which often include this feature as a standard or optional add-on.

The iPhone's thermal camera absence is likely due to the fact that it's not a necessary feature for the average user, as most people don't need to measure temperature levels in their daily lives.

However, for professionals who require temperature measurement, such as electricians or HVAC technicians, a thermal camera can be a valuable tool.

The iPhone's focus on other features, like its advanced camera system and AI capabilities, may be a reason why it doesn't include a thermal camera.

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