EVERY iPhone has a seriously handy built-in app that you’ve probably missed.
It can be useful for just having fun – but it’s great if you’re doing a bit of DIY too.
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In fact, it’s technically two iPhone hacks: you’ve got a measuring tool and a spirit level.
They’re both in the same app, and will make it much easier when you’re doing a bit of home renovation.
The app is free and comes pre-installed on every iPhone running iOS 12 or later.
You’ll almost certainly be using an iOS more recent that, but you can check by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
You can find the app by pulling down into search on your iPhone, and then typing Measure.
It may also be on your Home Screen.
The Measure app became available as part of the Apple iOS 12 update a few years ago.
It uses clever camera technology to determine distances, giving you reasonably accurate read-outs of how long or wide objects are.
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To use it, simply point the camera at the object you’re trying to measure.
If it’s a easily-trackable shape, Measure will automatically measure the width and length, and even calculate the object’s surface area.
Alternatively, you can create your own lines and shapes by using the big Plus button on the screen.
This will let you drag end points around your viewfinder, letting your measure objects that aren’t picked up automatically.
You can also use the Circle icon to take pictures of what you’re measuring.
The Measure app is even more accurate on newer iPhone models that have a LiDAR sensor built in.
It works by sending out light beams to the person in question and timing how long they take to return.
The phone can map out what it’s focusing on and measure what’s in front of it.
You’ll have LiDAR on the iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
But that’s not all.
The Apple Measure app also features a spirit level function.
Yes, your iPhone has a built-in function that can work out if a surface is level, so you can do away with your giant, clunky spirit level.
tap the Level tab in the bottom left of the screen.
It’ll show the angle-degree of the surface that your phone.
The feature will also use two white circles to highlight the angle at which the surface is crooked.
If you wiggle your phone to line the circles up, the degree counter will set to zero.
The screen will also (helpfully) turn green, indicating that it’s a completely level surface.
If you have vibration turned on, you’ll also feel a small vibration once your surface is level.
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
