Polycam offers multiple capture types, each optimized for different scanning scenarios and supported by specific device configurations. Use the tabs below to view supported devices for each capture mode.
Capture Types and Compatible Devices
Space Mode with LiDAR
Space (LiDAR) capture mode allows you to perform real-time 3D scanning of interior and exterior spaces using advanced LiDAR depth sensing hardware.
Supported Devices
iPhone Models with LiDAR
- iPhone 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max
Identifying feature: Circular black LiDAR sensor near the rear camera module.
Requirement: iOS 17 or later
iPad Models with LiDAR
- iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation and later)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation and later)
- iPad Pro 13-inch (M4)
Requirement: iPadOS 17 or later
Space Mode without LiDAR
Space (Non-LiDAR) capture mode allows you to scan spaces and environments using photogrammetry on devices without LiDAR hardware. Creates 3D models by analyzing multiple photos taken from different angles.
Supported Devices
iPhone Models (without LiDAR)
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 12, 12 mini
- iPhone 13, 13 mini
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus
- iPhone 16, 16 Plus
Non-Pro iPhone models rely on advanced camera systems and computational photography. Newer models with better cameras produce higher quality results.
Requirement: iOS 17 or later
iPad Models (without LiDAR)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation, 2018)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation, 2018)
- iPad (8th generation and later, 2020+)
Requirement: iPadOS 17 or later
Object Mode (Photogrammetry & Gaussian Splat)
Object capture mode allows you to create detailed 3D models of individual objects using photogrammetry or Gaussian Splatting techniques.
Supported Devices
iPhone Models
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max
Object Mode benefits from high-quality cameras regardless of LiDAR availability. Newer models with computational photography features produce superior texture quality.
Requirement: iOS 17 or later
iPad Models
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later, 2018+)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later, 2018+)
- iPad Pro 13-inch (M4)
- iPad (8th generation and later, 2020+)
Requirement: iPadOS 17 or later
Android Devices
Recommended flagship models:
- Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer
- Google Pixel 6 and newer
- Other flagship devices with advanced camera systems
Minimum Android Requirements:
- At least 3.5GB RAM
- 64-bit architecture
- Cannot have Imagination Tech PowerVR GE8320 GPU
- Cannot be a 702 device
- High-resolution camera with good color accuracy
AI Capture
AI capture mode allows you to generate 3D models from text prompts or reference images using artificial intelligence. Processing occurs on Polycam's cloud servers, requiring no physical scanning or device-specific hardware capabilities.
Supported Devices
iPhone Models
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max
Requirement: iOS 17 or later
iPad Models
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later, 2018+)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later, 2018+)
- iPad Pro 13-inch (M4)
- iPad (8th generation and later, 2020+)
Requirement: iPadOS 17 or later
360 Mode
360 capture mode allows you to create panoramic images that capture the entire surroundings from a single point. Uses your device's sensors to track orientation as you rotate, then stitches multiple photos together into a seamless 360° panorama that viewers can explore interactively.
Supported Devices
iPhone Models
Requirement: iPhone 12 or newer, iOS 17 or later
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max
Does My Device Have LiDAR?
How to Identify LiDAR Capability
Visual identification: Apple devices with LiDAR feature a distinctive circular black sensor positioned near the rear camera module. This small, dark circle is separate from the camera lenses and is typically located to the side or below the camera array.