Smartphone cameras have improved tremendously over the years, offering image quality and dynamic range to rival some dedicated cameras. However, innovations for smartphone camera lenses are rarely seen, and for a good reason- a thin smartphone simply doesn't have the space for a larger or more elaborate lens setup. But with recent Apple patents, this might soon change.
Apple's recent patents reveal an intriguing lens setup
Apple has recently filed patents for a "folded lens system" (via AppleInsider). The patents describe a complex system of lens elements and prisms to redirect light into the sensor, which would sit below. The patent also mentions a full-frame equivalent focal length of 80-200mm. Why is this important?
Camera lenses with longer focal lengths can better capture details from far-away objects. But in order to achieve a longer focal length, the lens generally needs to grow longer physically as well. This is bad for anyone who doesn't want a huge camera bump on their smartphone. But if the technology in Apple's new patent can be put to use, future iPhones could offer powerful telephoto lenses, without the camera bump.
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Of course, this is all speculation for now, as the patent doesn't guarantee that a new feature will arrive on the next iPhone. But if it does, this could easily be one of the coolest innovations in smartphone photography.
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