The TrueDepth camera on the iPad Pro is primarily designed for facial recognition, Portrait mode, and other features like Animoji and Memoji. It uses a structured light technique to project and analyze thousands of invisible dots, creating a depth map of the face, which allows for advanced facial recognition and 3D modeling of the face[3][6]. However, this technology is not optimized for general 3D scanning of objects or environments beyond facial recognition.
For 3D scanning and modeling of objects or spaces, the iPad Pro's LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) scanner is more suitable. The LiDAR scanner uses reflected light to measure distances up to five meters away, enabling detailed 3D scans of rooms and objects. It works well for room-scale scenes and is faster than photogrammetry, though it may not provide high-quality scans for detailed or small objects[2][9].
If you need to perform 3D scanning with an iPad Pro, using the LiDAR scanner with apps like Polycam can provide a more effective solution for creating high-quality 3D models of spaces and objects[5]. However, for precise facial 3D modeling, the TrueDepth camera is highly effective.
In summary, while the TrueDepth camera on the iPad Pro is excellent for facial 3D modeling, it is not designed for general object or environmental 3D scanning. For such tasks, the LiDAR scanner is more appropriate.
Citations:[1] https://support.apple.com/en-us/111841
[2] https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2020/03/apple-unveils-new-ipad-pro-with-lidar-scanner-and-trackpad-support-in-ipados/
[3] https://myfit-solutions.com/en/blog/truedepth-camera/
[4] https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/ipad-pro/
[5] https://apps.apple.com/us/app/polycam-3d-scanner-lidar-360/id1532482376
[6] https://support.apple.com/en-us/102381
[7] https://www.apple.com/ipad-pro/specs/
[8] https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7080/9/2/25
[9] https://www.reddit.com/r/photogrammetry/comments/xrnna0/how_does_the_ipad_pros_lidar_perform_for_3d/