Introduction
In today’s digital age, smartphones have become essential devices that provide various functionalities.
Among the many features users often look for is an infrared (IR) blaster, which enables the phone to control electronic devices such as televisions, air conditioners, and more.
However, when it comes to iPhones, the presence of an IR blaster has been a topic of interest and confusion for many users.
In this article, we will explore which iPhones have an IR blaster and provide answers to related questions.
What is an IR blaster?
Before diving into the iPhone’s compatibility with IR blasters, let’s understand what an IR blaster is.
An IR blaster is a device or component that allows your smartphone to emulate an infrared remote control.
By using the IR blaster, your phone can send infrared signals to control various appliances that typically rely on remote controls for operation.
Does the iPhone 14 have an IR blaster?
The iPhone 14 does not have an IR blaster. If you want to use your iPhone 14 as a universal remote control, you will need an external device that connects to your phone via the Lightning port or Bluetooth and emits IR signals.
Does the iPhone 13 have an IR blaster?
The iPhone 13 does not have an IR blaster. This means that you cannot use your iPhone 13 as a universal remote for your TV, DVD player, air conditioner, or other appliances that use IR technology.
However, you can still use your iPhone 13 as a remote for some devices that support wireless connectivity, such as Apple TV, HomeKit accessories, or smart TVs with compatible apps. You can also use Siri to control some of these devices with voice commands.
Does the iPhone 12 have IR?
Similar to previous iPhone models, the iPhone 12 does not have an integrated IR blaster. However, there are external devices available that can provide IR functionality when connected to the Lightning port.
In this case, a dedicated app must be downloaded from the App Store to facilitate IR control with the compatible device.
Does the iPhone 11 have an IR blaster?
No, the iPhone 11 does not have an IR blaster. iPhones, including the iPhone 11, do not come with integrated IR blasters.
However, there are IR dongles available on the market that can be plugged into the Lightning connector to enable IR control.
Does the iPhone Xs have an IR blaster?
No, the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max do not come with an IR blaster. Apple did not include this feature in these models.
Does the iPhone X have an IR blaster?
The iPhone X does not have an IR blaster. The iPhone X does have a TrueDepth camera system that uses infrared light, but this is not the same as an IR blaster.
The TrueDepth camera system is used for Face ID and Animoji, and it cannot be used to control other devices.
Does the iPhone 8 have an IR blaster?
The iPhone 8 does not have an I.R. blaster, nor does any other iPhone model. Apple has never included an I.R. blaster in its iPhones, preferring to use other technologies such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity and control.
Does the iPhone 7 have an IR blaster?
The iPhone 7 does not have an I.R. blaster, nor does any other iPhone model. This means that you cannot use your iPhone 7 to control other devices with infrared signals.
Can I use my iPhone 6 as a TV remote?
Unfortunately, the iPhone 6 does not have an IR blaster. Apple did not include this feature in the iPhone 6 or any subsequent models.
Therefore, you cannot use an iPhone 6 as a TV remote without additional hardware or software.
Does the iPad have an IR blaster?
The iPad does not have a built-in infrared receiver or an IR blaster. However, there are third-party accessories available that can provide IR capability to the iPad, allowing it to function as a remote control for compatible devices.
Can an iPad control a TV?
Despite the absence of an IR blaster, an iPad can still control a TV and other connected audiovisual equipment.
By utilizing compatible apps and technologies, such as mirroring or casting, an iPad can serve as an effective remote control for your television and other devices.
How can I use my iPhone as a remote without an IR blaster?
If your phone does not have an IR blaster, there are alternative methods to control devices without one.
For example, you can use apps that utilize other wireless technologies like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to control compatible devices.
Additionally, devices like the Belkin Miracast™ Display Adapter enable you to cast videos, pictures, and other content from your phone to your TV, providing remote control functionality.
Do all phones have an IR blaster
Not all phones have an integrated IR blaster. The availability of an IR blaster varies across different smartphone models and manufacturers.
It is important to check the specifications of a specific phone model to determine if it includes an IR blaster.
How do I know if my phone has infrared?
To determine if your phone has an infrared (IR) blaster, you can check the specifications provided by the manufacturer.
Alternatively, you can search online for the specific phone model’s features and look for information about the presence of an IR blaster.
If you are unsure, contacting the manufacturer or referring to the phone’s user manual can provide you with the necessary information.
Why did Apple not include an IR blaster in any of its iPhones?
There are a few reasons why Apple might have chosen not to include an IR blaster on any iPhone.
- One reason is that IR blasters are not very common on smartphones anymore. Most people use their smartphones to connect to the internet and use apps, and an IR blaster is not necessary for these tasks.
- Additionally, IR blasters can be a security risk, as they can be used to control devices without the user’s knowledge.
- Another reason is that Apple prefers to use other technologies, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, to control smart devices and accessories.
- Also, Apple may not see much demand or value for IR blasters among its customers. IR blasters are more common on Android phones, especially from Chinese manufacturers.
Which iPhones use any infrared technology?
Infrared technology is a type of electromagnetic radiation that has a wavelength longer than visible light but shorter than radio waves.
It can be used for various purposes, such as thermal imaging, night vision, remote sensing, and biometric recognition.
Even though there isn’t an I.R. blaster on any iPhone model, some of them do use infrared technology for unrelated purposes. The iPhone models that support infrared technology include:
The iPhone X
This was the first iPhone to introduce Face ID, a facial recognition system that uses an infrared camera and a dot projector to create a 3D map of the user’s face.
It also uses its infrared sensor for Animoji, a feature that allows the user to create animated emojis that mimic their facial expressions.
iPhone XS, XS Max and XR
These models have the same infrared features as the iPhone X, but with improved performance and accuracy.
iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max
These models have an upgraded Face ID system that works at wider angles and in more lighting conditions.
They also have a new Night Mode feature that uses infrared technology to capture brighter and clearer photos and videos in low-light situations.
iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max
These models have a similar infrared technology as the previous models, but with a faster and more secure Face ID system.
iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max
These models have an enhanced Face ID system that includes a more advanced TrueDepth camera, an IR projector, and an IR camera.
iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max
Just like its predecessors, the iPhone 14 series also uses infrared technology in its front facing camera for Face ID unlock.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an iPhone with an integrated IR blaster, you’ll be disappointed, as no iPhone model comes with this feature.
However, there are external adapters and apps available that can provide IR functionality when connected to an iPhone.
It’s important to check the specifications of a specific iPhone model if IR blaster compatibility is essential to you.
Despite the absence of an IR blaster, iPhones have other technologies, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, that allow for wireless control of smart devices.
So, while iPhones may not have an IR blaster, they still offer various ways to interact with and control compatible devices.
