LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) has long been a valuable tool in coastal monitoring, enabling high-resolution mapping of terrain and detecting subtle changes in elevation and coastline dynamics (South West Coastal Monitoring). Traditionally, these systems have been airborne or satellite-based, providing data over large areas with great accuracy (Guo, 2011). Smart phones are becoming ubiquitous devices that can be exploited for citizen science applications, including coastal monitoring (Splinter,2023). With the release of the Apple iPhone and iPad models equipped with LiDAR sensors, it raises the question of whether this consumer-grade technology can be applied to coastal monitoring tasks. A hand-held personal laser scanning approach and traditional forest inventory equipment already demonstrated a high detection rate of tree stems above a threshold of 10 cm diameter (Luetzenburg,2021).

The LiDAR sensor in iPhones is designed primarily for augmented reality (AR) applications and enhanced photography, working by emitting infrared light pulses and measuring their return time. This enables the iPhone to create detailed 3D models of its immediate surroundings (Mappedin). However, unlike airborne LiDAR systems used in environmental studies, the iPhone’s LiDAR operates within a limited range, usually effective up to five meters, and is not capable of the large-scale, high-resolution mapping required for coastal monitoring (Tondo, 2023).

Furthermore, the data density produced by iPhone LiDAR is significantly lower compared to professional LiDAR systems (Teo, 2023). Coastal monitoring often requires the capture of millions of data points across vast regions to accurately detect changes in shoreline positions, erosion, and sediment transport (Hastuti, 2023). The iPhone’s LiDAR, while suitable for close-range scans, cannot replicate the scale or precision necessary for comprehensive coastal analysis. Additionally, the sensor’s performance may be affected by environmental conditions such as wind and water, which are commonly encountered in coastal areas (Burchi, 2024).

In conclusion, while the iPhone’s LiDAR is a powerful tool for localized 3D scanning, its current limitations in range, resolution, and environmental robustness prevent it from being suitable for extensive coastal monitoring. More sophisticated and specialized LiDAR systems remain essential for accurately monitoring coastal dynamics and assessing environmental changes (Günen, 2023). The LiDAR sensor in iPhones is designed primarily for augmented reality (AR) applications and enhanced photography, working by emitting infrared light pulses and measuring their return time. This enables the iPhone to create detailed 3D models of its immediate surroundings. However, unlike airborne LiDAR systems used in environmental studies, the iPhone’s LiDAR operates within a limited range, usually effective up to five meters, and is not capable of the large-scale, high-resolution mapping required for coastal monitoring.

The Apple lidar, a novel tool in coastal science, balances the cost, resolution, and logistical constraints of data collection in com-parison to sUAS-SfM making it an effective and accessible approach for monitoring coastal geomorphic change over time.The ability to quickly map geomorphic changes resulting from coastal processes is becoming increasingly important and decisionmakers can utilize the Apple lidar to help build resilient manage-ment strategies and preserve coastal communities.