- By Prateek Levi
- Fri, 04 Jul 2025 05:15 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Apple may be eyeing a major leap in smartphone camera tech, one that could bring iPhones closer to professional cinema cameras—or even rival the human eye. A newly filed patent hints at exactly that.
The patent, spotted by Y.M.Cinema Magazine and titled “Image Sensor With Stacked Pixels Having High Dynamic Range And Low Noise”, details Apple’s work on a new image sensor design. And not just any sensor—this one’s reportedly capable of capturing 20 stops of dynamic range, a feat that very few cameras, even high-end cinema ones, can claim. For context, most DSLRs and mirrorless cameras top out around 13–14 stops, while phone cameras usually sit well below that.
ALSO READ: Oppo Reno 14 Pro 5G Is Here: Top 10 Features That Set It Apart! Check Specs, Features And Price
What does 20 stops mean in real-world use? Essentially, “stops” refer to the range of light a camera sensor can capture—from the darkest shadows to the brightest highlights. Human vision handles around 20 stops, which is why a stunning sunset looks incredible to the naked eye but often falls flat when photographed. With this kind of sensor, an iPhone might actually preserve all of that beauty in a single frame.
The tech behind this breakthrough? A stacked sensor architecture. Apple’s design uses two separate layers—one for light capture (the sensor die) and another for processing (the logic die). This setup not only boosts performance but also keeps the camera module slim, which is crucial for compact devices like iPhones and possibly Apple’s Vision Pro headset.
The patent also references something called a LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor), which allows each pixel to handle light at three levels. Imagine trying to take a photo indoors near a bright window—normally you'd lose detail in either the shadows or highlights. With this design, both could be perfectly exposed.
Noise reduction is another focus here. Each pixel includes a real-time noise detection circuit that cancels out unwanted interference, helping produce cleaner images even in low light.
Of course, as with all patents, this doesn’t guarantee the technology will land in the next iPhone. Apple files many such patents, and only a fraction become reality. But if this one makes the cut, future iPhones could be capable of cinematic HDR video, truer-to-life colours, and astonishing clarity—all from a pocket-sized device.
In short: Apple’s working on a sensor that could change what smartphone photography looks like. Whether or not we see it in action soon remains to be seen.