Show HN: I Turned My iPhone into a Night-Vision Device

#1

Post by darkce » Thu, Nov 13, 2025, 1:01 AM UTC

The idea for the Night Vision App began with a simple moment of curiosity. When I first got my iPhone 14 Pro Max, I noticed a small, unfamiliar dot beneath the rear camera — the LiDAR sensor. It made me wonder: could this be used to see in the dark? If LiDAR can map a scene, why not try turning that data into real night-vision imaging?

That question sparked the creation of the Night Vision App. By combining the iPhone’s LiDAR scanner with the TrueDepth camera, it delivers detailed low-light imaging and transforms your phone into a capable night-vision tool.

If you own an iPhone Pro model, it’s definitely worth trying.

Show HN: I Turned My iPhone into a Night-Vision Device
apps.apple.com

Re: Show HN: I Turned My iPhone into a Night-Vision Device

#2

Post by cairnechou » Thu, Nov 13, 2025, 2:19 AM UTC

This is fantastic. I was looking at your App Store page (congrats on 430+ ratings, by the way), and one of your reviews is incredibly compelling:

"Older eyes lose color cones after dark... this app allows me vision..."

This is more than a tech demo or a "ghost-hunting" toy. You've accidentally built a powerful assistive tech (accessibility) tool for people with low-vision.

You've genuinely given someone a "superpower" they were losing. This is the best kind of 'Show HN.' Amazing work.

Re: Show HN: I Turned My iPhone into a Night-Vision Device

#3

Post by darkce » Thu, Nov 13, 2025, 5:15 AM UTC

In fact, I also built an app specifically for blind and low-vision users. It was inspired by my Night Vision app, and it’s called Obstacle Detector: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6461118479