Apple released iOS 14.5 and Co. this evening. Now the company has also announced an update for its own AR application Clips.
With Clips version 3.1, users can scan a room with the LiDAR scanner on iPhone 12 Pro and iPad Pro models to apply fun, engaging video effects that change their world. The company has now explained this in a press release. announcement:
The cutting-edge LiDAR scanner on select iPhone and iPad models, first introduced on iPad Pro last year, enables groundbreaking depth sensing capabilities never before possible on a mobile device. This breakthrough technology measures the distance of light and uses a scene's pixel depth information to deliver faster, more realistic augmented reality (AR) experiences. Combined with tight integration between Apple's hardware and software, Clips 3.1 now enables users to capture amazing videos with magical effects that conform to the shape of a room and the objects within it.
Accordingly, the following devices benefit from the update:
- iPad Pro 2020
- iPad Pro 2021
- iPhone 12 Pro & iPhone 12 Pro Max
Clips 3.1 brings seven new AR effects

In version 3.1, AR Spaces allow users to scan a room and see a live preview of effects that bring dynamic lighting, falling objects and immersive scenes to life. According to Apple, seven AR effects are available:
- Prism: Bands of rainbow light scan the walls, floors and objects in a room.
- Confetti: Celebratory confetti showers fall and collect on flat surfaces.
- Disco: Bright lights reflect from the disco ball hanging from the ceiling of the room.
- Dance floor: Colorful light tiles dance in patterns across the floor.
- Sparkle: Golden glitter emoji and white glitter fill the room.
- Stardust: Magical trails of starlight orbit and follow a person in the video.
- Hearts: Floating heart balloons bubble in the room.
Apple is promising monthly updates in the future. The announcement states:
Clips now offers even more creative content options with monthly updates. Users can expect regular updates to the Clips library with filters, live titles, text, stickers, and posters related to seasonal events and cultural trends. Additionally, opt-in notifications are now available in Clips 3.1, keeping the user updated when new content is available.
Clips 3.1 is available today as a free update in App Store Available for iPhone and iPod touch with iOS 14.5 or later or iPad with iPadOS 14.5.

Since the version is currently being rolled out, it may take some time before it is available to all users. Below we have listed the update description verbatim. (Image: Apple)
Update description:
- Add a new dimension to your videos with AR Environments, an augmented reality (AR) feature that uses the LiDAR scanner to create realistic effects that conform to the contours of your space.
- Choose from seven AR environments including ribbons of rainbow light, festive confetti volleys, magical stardust, a pulsating dance floor, and more.
- Capture a person with AR Environments and watch animated effects adapt to them and the space.
- Combine AR environments with text labels, stickers and emojis to add an even more personal touch to your videos.
- When you use Clips on iPad and use mirroring to a second display, you can switch between viewing your video alone and the entire interface.
- Select multiple projects at once to quickly delete or duplicate them.
- Edit text in posters and labels when iPhone is in landscape mode.
- Get notified when new stickers, posters, and effects are released in Clips.
- AR environments require an iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, or iPad Pro (2020 or later).