Which iPhone models do you support?

Xshielder currently supports the iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and iPad Pro 11, with plans to support additional models in the future.

Can I use my iPhone's features when it's inside the enclosure?

Yes. Our enclosures are designed to maintain full usability, including the camera, touchscreen, Face ID, and buttons. The phone can be charged wirelessly while inside the enclosure.

Is the enclosure permanently attached to the phone?

No, the device can be returned and the iPhone extracted for resale or re-use outside hazardous areas

Is it possible to make phone calls while using the enclosure?

Yes. The design allows sound transmission, and you can use Bluetooth headsets or speakerphone functionality as needed.

What certification does the enclosure have?

Our enclosures are certified according to ATEX and IECEx Zone 1/21 standards. They are also IP65/IP66 rated and compliant with ISO 9001:2015.

Where can I purchase or get a quote?

You can request a quote via a partner or our website at https://xshielder.com/get-a-quote or contact us at apb@xshielder.com.

Use case

3D Laser Scanning in Hazardous Areas, From Your Pocket

With LiDAR on an explosion-proof iPhone 17 Pro Max or iPad Pro 11", whoever is already in a Zone 1 area can capture point clouds and measurements during a routine round. Engineering gets current geometry the same day instead of waiting for the next scanning campaign.

Get a quote See the iPhone 17 Pro Max

Technician pointing an explosion-proof iPhone at process equipment in a hazardous area

Technician capturing a 3D LiDAR scan of process pipework in a Zone 1 area with an explosion-proof iPhone

Scan an area before the next shift, not the next campaign

Any technician carrying an iPhone Pro Max or iPad Pro can scan during normal work. On a refinery unit modification, the engineer planning a new spool sees the existing pipe run and clearances within hours, with no separate entry just to measure. It is a quick win for any connected worker program.

Terrestrial laser scanner and an iPhone with LiDAR used for as-built capture in a hazardous area

Focused scans without waiting for the tripod

Save the terrestrial laser scanner for engineering-grade as-built surveys, and use LiDAR on an iPhone or iPad for focused scans within about 5 meters. Typical intrinsically safe handsets have no depth sensor, and a search for an intrinsically safe laser scanner mostly turns up Ex housings for tripod units.

Measured accuracy of iPhone LiDAR scans through an Xshielder explosion-proof cover

Sub-millimeter results through the cover window

Scanning through the cover window made no measurable difference to iPhone LiDAR accuracy in Xshielder's test, where average deviation was 0.72 mm bare and 0.75 mm through the window, with an identical standard deviation of 0.57. The method and charts are in the LiDAR accuracy test.

Point cloud of an offshore module reviewed on an explosion-proof iPad Pro

Gaps filled before you leave the module

Check coverage on screen as you capture, then export a mesh or point cloud for scan to BIM or reality capture. On an offshore module tie-in, the A19 Pro chip and 12GB of RAM process the scan on the device, so gaps are filled before leaving. Our partner VISCO carries scans into a digital twin.

Xshielder explosion-proof iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPad Pro 11 with LiDAR

LiDAR on three Zone 1 devices

The iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPad Pro 11" have LiDAR, and the iPhone 17 does not. The iPhone 17 Pro Max leads for scanning teams, with 48MP Fusion cameras and 8x optical-quality zoom. The iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPad Pro 11" also scan.

Pick one scanning task your team repeats, such as recording pipework before a modification, and run it on an explosion-proof iPhone 17 Pro Max or iPad Pro 11". Get a quote for a pilot set to get started.

Get a quote

3D laser scanning FAQs

Can you use LiDAR scanning in Zone 1 hazardous areas?

Yes, with Zone 1 protection, such as an iPhone Pro Max or iPad Pro in an explosion-proof cover, used under the site's permit to work and gas testing.

How accurate is iPhone LiDAR for as-built surveys in hazardous areas?

Point-level noise is under 1 mm on cooperative surfaces, and Xshielder measured 0.72 mm average deviation bare against 0.75 mm through the cover. It suits focused as-builts, while survey-grade deliverables still need a terrestrial scanner.

Do intrinsically safe phones have LiDAR scanners?

Most do not. A typical intrinsically safe handset has a 13MP main camera, a 5MP front camera and 1080p video, with no depth sensor or optical zoom.

Can an iPad Pro be used for 3D scanning in Zone 1?

Yes. The iPad Pro 11" has a LiDAR scanner and works in Zone 1 inside an Xshielder explosion-proof cover, and its larger screen suits reviewing the point cloud on site.

What file formats do iPhone LiDAR scans export for scan to BIM?

Depending on the app, scans export as point clouds in E57, LAS or PLY and as meshes in OBJ, FBX or USDZ. E57 and LAS import into most scan to BIM software.

More use cases