Apple launched the iPhone 12 Pro in October 2020, as part of its two-event launch strategy forced by Covid-19 pandemic production delays. Apple marketed the 12 Pro around three things: a new stainless steel and frosted glass design, a LiDAR Scanner for AR and low-light autofocus, and Apple ProRAW — a new file format giving photographers far more control over their images.
The LiDAR Scanner was the headline feature. In short, it’s a sensor that allows the phone to better focus in low light and more accurately measure depth and distance when using AR apps. It had appeared on the iPad Pro earlier that year, but the iPhone 12 Pro was the first iPhone to include it. Reviewers praised its effect on Night mode portraits and AR performance, with publications like The Verge calling it "a meaningful upgrade for photographers."
In 2026, the iPhone 12 Pro is a strong pick for anyone who wants a genuinely capable camera phone at a refurbished price, without stepping up to a newer generation.