Can laser from barcode and QR code scanners damage LTPO displays on iPhone?

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Can laser from barcode and QR code scanners damage LTPO displays on iPhone?

Sometimes, I need to scan barcodes and QR codes from my iPhone display (LTPO) in stores. I heard that the scanners use laser, and I also see red lines when putting the phone under the scanner. Does the laser from the barcode and QR code scanners damage the LTPO displays in any way? Also, can it harm the front camera, Face ID, and other sensors on the front of the phone?

I would appreciate some clarification on why or why not the scanners cause any issues.

Thank you.

Posted on Aug 27, 2023 8:41 PM

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Answer 1

TANBG Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 28, 2023 12:41 PM in response to SravanKrA

Thank you for your response and clarification! I'm just curious, so why do some scanners include descriptions/warnings such as 'Class II laser" and "do not look directly into the beam"?

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Answer 2

Aug 28, 2023 1:34 AM in response to TANBG

The red light you see when scanning barcodes and QR codes is typically not a laser but rather an LED light source that helps the scanner capture the information from the codes. Traditional barcode and QR code scanners use LED lights to illuminate the codes and then use a photosensitive sensor to capture the reflected light. This process doesn't involve lasers and is generally safe for your iPhone's LTPO display, front camera, Face ID, and other sensors.

The "laser" that you are referring to is actually infrared light, which is invisible to the human eye. It is also not powerful enough to damage the display or sensors. The red lines you see when you put your phone under the scanner are actually just a reflection of the infrared light.

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Can laser from barcode and QR code scanners damage LTPO displays on iPhone?

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