While some iPhone apps just simulate thermal images with false-color effects, there are companies that make infrared camera accessories for the iPhone

An iPhone comes with really great photography features, but Apple hasn't included a thermal camera and likely won't in the near future. While there are several infrared photo apps, most simply apply a special, false-color effect that simulates the look of a thermal image. For those that need to capture actual infrared photos and temperature data, there are apps that connect to thermal imaging accessories that are compatible with an iPhone.

Apple's latest iPhone 13 Pro has the best camera array of any iPhone and is one of the best of any smartphone in the world. With a 13-millimeter ultra-wide camera, a 26-millimeter main, and a 77-millimeter telephoto, the iPhone offers a 6 times zoom range, with Night Mode available on all rear cameras and the selfie camera. While these are all visible light cameras, accessories are available for an iPhone to detect even more light spectrums.

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An iPhone can be made into a thermal imaging camera but it does require a separate hardware purchase before true infrared photos can be taken. The top name in thermal imaging is FLIR Systems and the FLIR One app captures not only infrared images but also displays temperature ranges that are associated with each color. Going beyond fun photography effects, this app turns an iPhone into a high-quality tool for professional use. Seek Thermal rivals FLIR with a similar iPhone app, both offering color palette selection and revealing temperatures related to each color. Naturally, each company requires its own brand of iPhone thermal imaging camera accessory to be attached to the Lightning port.

FLIR is one of the biggest names in thermal imaging and is hard to go wrong with. The company also has the most app development experience, currently offering ten apps in Apple's App Store. Three of the FLIR apps work with the FLIR One iPhone Thermal Imaging camera accessories. The FLIR One app covers most needs, while FLIR Tools Moblie can prepare reports for professional users right on their phone. FLIR Home Inspect helps users identify hidden problems with plumbing and heating within the home.

Seek Thermal tends to give the best value in terms of hardware specifications, offering higher resolution and covering a broader range of temperatures, even though the app selection is limited to just one. Seek Compact, the company's least expensive thermal imaging accessory costs $249. The competing solution from FLIR, the FLIR One thermal camera, starts at $200. There are more options but these are two of the best and will satisfy most needs with a relatively low-cost investment that gives an iPhone a true thermal camera.

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Source: FLIR One/App Store, Seek Thermal/App Store

Alan is a Tech Writer living in Nova Scotia, Canada. A tech-enthusiast since his youth, Alan stays current on what is new and what is next. With over 30 years experience in computer, video and photo equipment, you can expect useful tips and insights in his writing. Alan has a degree in programming, many years focused on design, editing, and animation. A period of managing logistics and e-commerce operations for a mobile accessories company rounds out a diverse background. Alan is a true jack of all digital trades in this ever-changing computer-enriched world. To stay flexible in mind and in body, he practices yoga, light cardio, and eats a whole food diet, based on minimally processed plants.