Apple’s Latest Acquisition Could Mean Better Photography For Future iPhones

Apple has been striving to enhance its photographic capabilities on the iPhone. In a bid to make it even better, Apple has acquired a UK-based startup called Spectral Edge. Bloomberg reported that Apple's Spectral Edge acquisition that is believed to enhance iPhone photography.

Spectral Edge was established by researchers from the University of East Anglia to further enhance the quality of photographs. The startup develops computational photography tech, which is capable of blending data from a standard lens and an infrared lens. It uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to create crispier images and present accurate colors.

Apple already uses AI for its Camera app and the latest iPhone 11 series packs custom processors to assist in capturing images. Spectral Edge is expected to improve the iPhone's photo quality in low-light environments. It is also believed that the startup's tech can be applied via software or chips.

At the same time, Apple usually acquires companies for their talent. It could be possible that Apple will use the Spectral Edge team on certain photo-enhancing projects. But the iPhone maker has hardly ever explained why it acquired smaller companies and startups.

So far, the exact monetary terms of the acquisition haven't surfaced. Spectral Edge is believed to have raised more than $5 million in funding. Apple recently set up its offices in Cambridge, UK that would work on AI products like Siri. The UK-startup will likely join the Cambridge office, reports speculate. Apple hasn't commented on the acquisition, Bloomberg noted.

Smartphones have easily replaced several gadgets and camera is one of them. Today, photography has become a key highlight for every new smartphone launched in the market. The iPhone, which is believed to have one of the best cameras in the iPhone 11 Pro, is trying to make it even better. We'll see how the new acquisition will play out on the next iPhone.