Apple patent suggests new camera features for iPhone 6

There was little fanfare around iPhone 5’s camera at launch, but could Apple be holding out for an iPhone 6 photography splash?

Of the many things Apple touted on its new iPhone 5, the camera wasn’t a highlight. In fact, it’s largely unchanged from the optics on the 4S, but that could be about to change.

While vague, this Apple patent – filed just days ago – suggests a future iPhone camera could have a number of new tricks up its zoom lens, including intelligent compositional aids and tap-to-edit in-camera retouching. There’s also mention of “location-based distortions”, possibly a hint that Apple will bake automatic scene modes into next-generation iPhone and iPad camera apps.
One thing is certain: as good as the iPhone’s camera is, it’s being threatened by more powerful optics from the Android camp, and Nokia’s proven photography track record could worry Apple’s picture boffins if the company’s PureView skills can live up to their promises.