There is no doubt that Apple files a lot of patents for the technology that it sees fit will and can be incorporated into its products. However, it is not always necessary that the techniques discussed in the patent will see daylight any time soon. Now, the company has been granted a new patent that aims to add a periscope zoom camera to the iPhone. This is not the first time that we are hearing details on Apple’s attempts to add a periscope lens to its iPhone lineup.
Apple Might Incorporate a Periscope Lens on the iPhone According to the Latest Patent
It was previously rumored that Apple will introduce the 2022 iPhone with 10x or 100x zoom capabilities. What this means is that next year’s iPhone 14 could be the first one from Apple to feature a periscope lens. Spotted by Patently Apple, the Apple patent was granted by USPTO. The patent is titled “Foldable Camera” which discusses the integration of multiple lens systems into mobile devices for capturing images with enhanced brightness and hi-res images from a smartphone.
Take note that the Samsung Galaxy S20 series also houses a periscope lens that allows the device to zoom as much as 100x. However, the technology discussed in the Apple patent is different than that of Samsung. At this point in time, the iPhone can only zoom up to 2x or 2.5x due to the limitation imposed by Apple. The reason for using the periscope lens is because it can bend and save space. Otherwise, the camera bump on the iPhone would be a lot bigger than it would be with the periscope lens. The periscope lens bends the light by making use of the prism which will ultimately enhance optical zoom and also boost image quality.
While the Apple patent describes two prisms working together, Samsung uses a “ball-type actuator” which allows 100x zoom. The two prisms are placed in opposing directions with the lens in between. The lens in between can move freely for focus adjustments.
Lastly, it was previously rumored that the iPhone with a periscope lens will debut in 2022 or 2023. However, Apple has not officially commented on the scenario, so we are only speculating at this point. We will let you guys know as soon as there is further information on the Apple patent. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
