Apple may be preparing a major iPhone camera upgrade, and this time it’s not just about the hardware. Accordingly The informationApple has been exploring acquiring Lux Optics, the studio behind the popular Halide camera app, as part of its efforts to improve the iPhone 18 Pro’s camera experience.
The talks reportedly took place in 2025 but did not result in an agreement. Still, the intent is clear: Apple wants its standard camera app to compete with pro-level tools, especially as hardware continues to improve.
Why is Apple suddenly focusing on camera software?
Let’s face it: hardware alone is no longer enough. Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro is expected to be closer to professional camera hardware, but that also raises the bar for software. Currently, many advanced users rely on third-party apps like Halide to unlock manual controls, RAW shooting, and deeper exposure settings.
Halide, in particular, is known for offering precise manual control of the iPhone camera hardware, something Apple’s standard app still lacks. By potentially integrating similar features directly into iOS, Apple could eliminate the need for third-party apps and make professional photography more accessible to everyday users.
What does this mean for iPhone users?
Apple hasn’t confirmed anything yet, but the direction is pretty clear. If Halide’s influence comes to fruition, the iPhone could feature manual focus, exposure control, advanced RAW shooting, long exposure shooting, and professional video tools. Basically, it’s about switching the camera app from “tap and pray” to “dial like a pro.”
What makes things even more interesting is the fact that Halide co-founder Sebastiaan de With is now at Apple, which feels less like a coincidence and more like a gentle introduction of ideas. The iPhone camera could soon think less like Apple… and more like a photographer. This could be a big change for users. Instead of resorting to third-party apps for serious shooting, the default camera app could finally do it all. And if Apple finds the right balance, the iPhone 18 Pro could stop playing catch-up and start setting the pace again.
