Apple Developing OIS & Improved Autofocus for Next iPhone Camera

The march for the continued evolution of camera tech in our smartphones continues, and as usual, Apple is at the forefront. According to a new patent filed by Apple with the USPTO, they are working on some pretty advanced stuff for future iPhone cameras. According to the patent filing Apple is developing a VCM OIS actuator module, which will offer both Optical Image Stabilization and improved auto-focus to Apple’s camera tech. Here’s a quote with more of the details, Actuator module may have integrated therein a mechanism to provide the AF function and a mechanism to provide the OIS function. The AF mechanism is configured to both move the lens along the optical axis and actively tilt the lens. The lens tilt may be used to compensate for parasitic lens movements due to, for example, tilting of the device within which actuator module is implemented. The OIS mechanism is configured to move (e.g., shift) the lens in directions orthogonal to the optical axis to correct for handshake motions in the center of the image. By shifting, as opposed to tilting the entire camera (e.g., the lens and image sensor together as a rigid body), the associated image sensor substrate can remain stationary, substantially simplifying both camera manufacture, size and packaging in the mobile electronic device. Apple has always been wise with their camera technology by focusing on things that matter like better lenses and sensors, as well as advanced image processing algorithms. They realized that a phone camera with a huge MegaPixel count doesn’t necessarily take a great picture. Because of this, cameras in the iPhone have traditionally been at the top of the heap, easily beating out most Android devices. Despite Apple’s lead in this category, it’s great to see they are continuing to push forward to continue improving it. We aren’t sure how soon this new tech they are working will make its way into our devices, but we will keep you updated as more details emerge.