Apple is constantly working to improve the camera settings on its devices, mainly the iPhone. With the release of the latest iPhone 13s, we’ve seen some improvements in both hardware and software. Apple was actually working on something called a “Foldable Camera”and the patent was approved for it back in July. More or less, it’s an advanced folding periscope zoom lens system that will help Apple achieve better optical zoom.
Back then, the patent application showed two prisms and a periscope-like lens system that some smartphones already have, and the new updated camera system has five refractive lenses. Reports last month showed that Apple is partnering with LG Innotek to develop and manufacture a new camera system, while both tech giants continue to develop Liquid Lens.
The iPhone 13, especially the 13 Pro models, has greatly improved image quality.
This technology is disputed due to claims from Samsung and its partner. For now, Xiaomi is the only company that uses Liquid Lens, where the engine precisely controls the fluid package to switch between telephoto mode (optical zoom or hybrid zoom) and macro mode (up to 3cm). Xiaomi may license this technology to either LG Innotek or Corning or both.
So Apple is trying to be smart, leaving a few routes open when building camera systems for future iPhones. A key sequel patent has recently been published with twenty new claims to protect this patent. The new claims explain the workings of a new folded-periscope lens system that could improve the zoom capabilities of future iPhones as a battle has already flared up between the top three phone makers – Apple, Google and Samsung.
However, this isn’t the first time the tech giant has applied for a patent on a folded periscope zoom lens; In early 2021, Apple filed a patent application for a dual light path through a camera with a folding lens. In another patent application, Apple has indicated that the iPhone may go beyond optical image stabilization (OIS), and future camera systems on the iPhone may even include camera bumpers.