If you’re a TikToker, you want an iPhone 12 Pro «Next Reality

Most iPhones are more than capable of recording crunchy, high-quality videos, perfect for any TikTok account to use. But if you’re serious about the platform, especially in the long run, you don’t want just any iPhone. Instead, you’ll want to buy an iPhone 12 Pro or 12 Pro Max.

The reason we recommend the more expensive iPhones for TikTok users is not because there is anything wrong with the iPhone 12 or 12 mini. Those iPhones shoot 4K video with Dolby Vision, just like the Pros. Rather, our specificity is due to something the Pros have that the regular iPhone 12s don’t: LiDAR sensors.

Apple introduced LiDAR sensors in its devices last year, starting with the iPad Pro and followed by the iPhone Pro models. Working in conjunction with ARKit, the sensors enable the devices and apps they use to measure the depth of an environment and more accurately anchor 3D content.

On Thursday, TikTok announced that its platform would take advantage of the iPhone̵

7;s LiDAR sensors, introducing the company’s first LiDAR augmented reality effect. When activated, you’ll see a New Year’s Eve ball appear on your ceiling (sure, 2021 is already here, but celebrates the end of 2020 is currently quite popular). After a short countdown, the ball will open up throughout the room for litter confetti. Thanks to LiDAR, the confetti ends up in the room, exactly as you would expect from real confetti, and sticks to furniture, people and other visible objects.

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Since that announcement, TikTok appears to have also launched a second AR effect. This effect turns your floor into a koi pond, complete with fish and water lilies. You can even tap the screen to change the color of the water lilies from green to fluorescent orange.

These effects are probably just the first of many, and if you don’t have an iPhone 12 Pro or 12 Pro Max, you won’t be able to take advantage of them. If you are serious about TikTok and don’t want to compromise your experience, you just need a “Pro” iPhone.