Next iPhone could have an interchangeable camera lens system

When it comes to rumours about Apple’s next iPhone, nothing is off the table. Every little spec of information, be it a leaked chassis or even a patent application, becomes the focal point of the next big feature in the iPhone 5 or whatever they choose to call it. An increased screen size is the first big rumour and according to various leaks, this might just be true. Then again, we thought the 4S would have a larger screen, but that clearly didn’t happen.

If we go by this patent filed by Apple back in 2010, then it is possible that the next iPhone could come with a mechanism wherein the user can change the lens or add filters for different types of photography needs. An abstract from the patent reads, “A portable electronic device includes a digital imaging subsystem with a lens having an optical axis. A case encloses and supports the digital imaging subsystem in a first defined positional relationship to the case. A removable panel is coupled to the case and held in a second defined positional relationship to the case that covers the digital imaging subsystem without the removable panel being directly connected to the digital imaging subsystem. An optical component is supported by the removable panel such that the optical component is aligned with the optical axis and alters optical characteristics of the digital imaging subsystem. The device may include a power supply and an electronic control system coupled to the digital imaging subsystem and the power supply enclosed in and supported by the case.”

The patent talks about a removable back panel in order to swap filters to the lens. Could this be the first iPhone to come with a removable back cover? And if so, will we get a microSD card slot? Seeing how Apple is adapting to the general notebook segment by adding USB 3.0 and HDMI to their new MacBook Pros, there is a possibility that they could offer a user replaceable battery and memory expansion in their next iPhone. As for the patent, Apple could do something with the camera, but they’ll have to do it in a way that an average user wouldn’t accidentally damage the lens when adding a filter. How they tackle this is yet to be seen. As for the sensor, it will either be the same 8MP sensor but with added features like burst mode or they could go with a 12MP sensor. We still have a few months left before they unveil it, so let's just wait and watch.