Apple may want to hide the FaceTime camera (and its flash) on future iPhones

A patent application filed by Apple last year, and recently discovered by Apple Insider, suggests that the Cupertino company is looking at ways to make the iPhone designs even simpler. Titled “Electronic Device with Camera Flash Structures”, the patent application presents a front-facing camera and its flash, both of which can be hidden under the speaker grille mesh that’s found on the front of a device. This way, the front side of an iPhone could look cleaner.

As you may know, the FaceTime camera of current iPhone models does not have a flash at all - but, as the patent application described above implies, future versions might include a flash. It looks like smartphone manufacturers are paying increased attention to front-facing cameras: HTC, Huawei and Sony have all released handsets that offer very capable sensors for your everyday selfies.

We don’t really expect the iPhone 6 (which should be announced this September) to have a hidden FaceTime camera, but models coming after it may benefit from this invention. What do you think, is this an idea that would make iPhones look better?


source: FPO via Apple Insider