Top iOS Devices for 3D Scanning in 2026

iPhone 15 Pro Max running the 3D scanning app Dot3D.

3D scanning technology has advanced significantly, and many iOS devices now offer impressive capabilities. Here are the current top picks for 3D scanning using Apple hardware:

  1. iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max
    ​    These flagship models feature the powerful A19 Pro chip and advanced LiDAR scanners, making them ideal for high-quality 3D scans. The larger Pro Max offers a slight edge in processing power.

  2. iPad Pro (Latest Gen) With its LiDAR scanner and M5 chip, the iPad Pro is excellent for 3D scanning, especially when mobility and a larger screen are priorities.

  3. iPad Pro (Prior Generations)
    iPad Pro models from 2020 onwards include LiDAR scanners. The 4th generation 12.9-inch and 2nd generation 11-inch models were the first to feature this technology, making them suitable for 3D scanning tasks.

  4. iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max
    Still highly capable, these models offer LiDAR and strong performance for 3D scanning applications.

  5. iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max
    These older models remain solid choices for 3D scanning, featuring LiDAR and the A17 Pro chip.

  6. iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max
    ​    Despite being older models, they still perform well for 3D scanning tasks, equipped with LiDAR and the A16 Bionic chip.

Key factors to consider:

  • LiDAR scanner presence

  • Processing power

  • Camera quality

  • Device portability

  • Compatible 3D scanning apps

​While newer models generally offer better performance, older devices can still produce good results, especially when paired with the right software. Remember, for iPad Pro models, LiDAR was introduced in the 2020 versions, so any model from that year onward will support 3D scanning capabilities.