Apple's efforts to enhance its iPhone camera capabilities are evident as it seeks to integrate advanced features into the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro. The company has expressed interest in acquiring Lux Optics, known for its well-regarded Halide photography app, to boost its built-in camera app, which currently offers only basic controls. This information emerged following a lawsuit against cofounder Sebastiaan de With, filed by fellow cofounder Ben Sandofsky.
Discussions regarding the acquisition reportedly took place last summer, but they concluded in September, when Lux's leaders decided to focus on enhancing Halide's value through future updates. The lawsuit claims that Apple was particularly interested in Lux Optics’ intellectual property, specifically the technology that enables precise manual control over the iPhone camera.
In December, de With was terminated from Lux amid allegations of fund misuse and retention of confidential materials, including the Apple Design Award won by the studio. The ongoing situation highlights significant trust issues within the company, raising concerns about the future trajectory of the beloved Halide app.