What is the purpose of the black dot on the back of the iPhone?

Having used iPhones for many years, many people are probably wondering what the round hole next to the rear camera is for? What is its purpose, what is its function, or is it simply a design element that is a trademark of Apple?

The black dot on the back of the iPhone 11 Pro Max

The black dot on the back of the iPhone 11 Pro Max is the key feature for the Secondary Microphone. This is the second microphone, also known as the auxiliary microphone, integrated into the device.

The function of this black dot is to help absorb noise and filter sound during phone conversations.

When you receive a call on your iPhone, the main microphone at the bottom edge of the phone picks up your voice and transmits it. Meanwhile, the secondary microphone in the black dot focuses on eliminating unwanted background noise, helping to ensure clearer sound and better call quality.

Additionally, this black dot plays a crucial role in the process of recording audio or video on the iPhone. It helps improve the quality and fidelity of the recorded sound.

Typically, this secondary microphone is located between the flash and the rear camera of the iPhone. It's shaped like a small, inconspicuous black dot. Therefore, without prior knowledge, users often don't realize the important role this black dot plays in improving the device's audio quality.

Black dot on the back of iPhone 12, 13 Pro/Pro Max

The black dot on the back of the iPhone 12, 13 Pro/Pro Max is called the LiDAR scanner.

LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging, a technology that allows measuring the distance to objects using infrared light.

The primary function of the LiDAR scanner on the iPhone is to create a depth map of the surrounding environment. It's widely used in photography features such as background blurring and faster autofocus.

Thanks to LiDAR technology, iPhones are capable of capturing photos and videos with more beautiful and impressive effects.

Furthermore, LiDAR scanners also open up many innovative applications. For example, some applications allow users to scan and create 3D files of objects, edit, measure, and share them with others.

It also assists in measuring spaces such as houses quickly and accurately, saving time and effort.

LiDAR technology isn't new, but Apple has included it in iPhones since 2020 with the iPhone 12 Pro/Pro Max series and continues to use it in the iPhone 13 Pro/Pro Max series.

Since then, it has opened up many creative opportunities and improved the user experience when using functions related to images and space.

Khanh Son (Compiled)

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