Infrared rear camera flashing

Question

Infrared rear camera flashing

I’ve realize on pretty much all newer iPhones (and some iPad Pros) that if a non-infrared filtering camera is pointing at the rear camera of an iDevicr, it will pick up light flashes from it.

Now I know that infrared light flashes are used for mapping your face with the front camera. and the rear LiDAR sensor is used for depth mapping.

But why would it be flashing when in standby (locked)?

What need does the device have to map while not in use?

thanks

iPhone XR, iOS 15

Posted on Jan 22, 2023 1:19 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

dawid294

Level 1

8 points

Jan 22, 2023 5:13 AM in response to Questionsnoabswers

Yes , that's draining battery life , it has to have some reason behind .... it's all the time ? Even when you leave phone facing down for 1h ?

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Answer 2

Jan 22, 2023 4:09 AM in response to Questionsnoabswers

Questionsnoabswers wrote:

Now I know that infrared light flashes are used for mapping your face

My knowledge says it is the display light which facilitates capturing FaceID in the dark.

Try to unlock your device using FaceID with a completely dimmed display in the dark, it won't work.

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Answer 3

Jan 22, 2023 5:04 AM in response to SravanKrA

Thanks for the response and discussion. I can understand the front facing camera flashing while trying to read your face to unlock the display but the rear camera continuously going while not in use is of some concern.

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Answer 4

dawid294

Level 1

8 points

Jan 22, 2023 4:32 AM in response to SravanKrA

Good question i need to check it out , maybe is trying to detect your hand coming to pick up phone i quess or lidar is going to scan your face to help unlock faster maybe ?

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Infrared rear camera flashing

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