Future Apple devices will be able to take better panoramic shots, new patent reveals

Apple files patent for a foldable device with multiple integrated cameras that will help it take better panoramic shots.

Apple iPhone 11 (Unsplash)

Apple applied for a patent today that was published by the US Patent and Trademark Office. As per the details in the patent, it involves future foldable devices from the company that can support multiple integrated cameras.

As per the PatentlyApple report, the new patent is related to foldable devices we might see in the future. These devices might come with multiple cameras that are integrated into a flexible housing. This could help improve the panoramic photos the device can take. The cameras are going to be housed in different parts of the frame so they can provide different angles of view to the sensors as well.

Basically, the devices could sport multiple cameras that are mounted in different locations across the “flexible housing” and the cameras might be able to capture multiple images of a single scene. (PatentlyApple)

Basically, the devices could sport multiple cameras that are mounted in different locations across the “flexible housing” and the cameras might be able to capture multiple images of a single scene. (PatentlyApple)

Apple has noted in the patent that it is difficult to capture panoramic shots with a traditional wide angle camera on the iPhone. Slight movement in the user's hands also makes the photos blurry. There are also other factors like partially changing or moving scene/subject can also make the photo look bad. Apple is thus aiming to work on the problem on devices by giving them a “flexible housing formed from flexible fabric, flexible polymer, or other flexible materials”.

A few more pictures from the patent.  (PatentlyApple)

A few more pictures from the patent.  (PatentlyApple)

Basically, the devices could sport multiple cameras that are mounted in different locations across the “flexible housing” and the cameras might be able to capture multiple images of a single scene.

The sensors could also be panned outward to capture overlapping images of a scene that can then be stitched together to form a composite panoramic image, Gizmochina explains.

For now it is not known if Apple is actively working on such a device or is just filing the patent in advance.