Motion Capture via iPhone X Is Available to Animators Now Through Live Face App

Animated orange character with facial features displayed on a computer screen, while a person holds a smartphone showing their own face.

While 3D motion capture via iPhone X is coming soon from Unity, software maker Reallusion offers similar functionality to 3D model animation producers today.

With CrazyTalk Animator 3, users can now add animation to virtually any image, bringing it to life with motion effects and templates on a PC or Mac. When connected to an iPhone X, the Live Face app can give those animations their own facial expressions and emotive performances.

Reallusion/YouTube

Thanks to the iPhone X's TrueDepth camera, Live Face can track up to 57 face signals and precisely track facial expressions, including head angle, brow height, and eyeball position. At the same time, the app can capture mouth movements for live performances or audio lip synching.

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The resulting animations can be edited into videos or displayed on live broadcasts via YouTube, Facebook, or Twitch.

Reallusion/YouTube

Using the TrueDepth camera for motion capture is something we've been expecting since Apple unveiled the iPhone X and the Animoji app.

We've seen numerous experiments from developers and some consumer-focused apps emerge, but, between Unity and Reallusion, it looks like the iPhone X is evolving into a legitimate device for professional creators.

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Cover image via Reallusion/YouTube

Apple's iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 updates are packed with new features, and you can try them before almost everyone else. First, check Gadget Hacks' list of supported iPhone and iPad models, then follow the step-by-step guide to install the iOS/iPadOS 26 beta — no paid developer account required.