DSLR Quality From Our Smartphones? Apple Acquires LinX To Help Make It Happen

Apple’s iPhone has long been praised for its excellent camera, and it’s clear that the company would like that praise to continue. So, it’s of little surprise that it’s scouting for companies it can snatch up that will help it continue its optical domination, and one such example has just come to fruition: an acquisition of LinX.

Never heard of LinX? Don’t feel bad – I don’t think most people have. Based in Israel, LinX produces a range of cameras for use in tablets and smartphones, including cool multi-aperture models. When TechCrunch asked Apple for confirmation, it plainly said, “Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans.”

It doesn’t take much brainpower to figure out Apple’s future use of LinX. It’s being reported that the deal was worth $20 million – a modest sum in the grand scheme – but I am sure Apple wanted in before one of its competitors mulled a purchase.

LinX’s camera modules could serve a range of purposes, and it’s hard to speculate which one Apple would want to implement into a future iPhone. Those offering lower-light performance could be preferred, or one that has background defocus. Or, perhaps one that lets people choose their focus post-capture would be best.

One thing’s for certain: cameras on mobile devices are not going to be getting worse. In fact, the future is exciting.