New Delhi: Apple may soon take mobile photography to a whole new level. A newly published patent reveals that the company is developing an advanced image sensor that could deliver up to 20 stops of dynamic range—a figure comparable to high-end cinema cameras like the ARRI Alexa 35.
Currently, flagship iPhones such as the iPhone 15 Pro Max offer around 12 to 13 stops of dynamic range. Pro cameras like the ARRI Alexa 35 reach about 17 stops. Apple’s proposed sensor goes even beyond that.
The patent is titled ‘Image Sensor With Stacked Pixels Having High Dynamic Range And Low Noise’. It suggests a stacked sensor design with an ultra-high contrast ratio of 1,048,576:1. This would allow for extreme detail in both highlights and shadows—with no need for aggressive software HDR correction.
The innovation hints that Apple might soon develop its own sensors, instead of relying on suppliers like Sony. The report was first highlighted by Y.M. Cinema Magazine.
The sensor design features a two-layer structure: one part captures the light (sensor die), while the other processes it (logic die). Apple plans to use LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor) technology to hold a wide range of light intensities per pixel. This, combined with a real-time current memory circuit, aims to cancel thermal noise immediately, unlike current methods that reduce noise after the photo is taken.
Interestingly, the sensor uses a 3-transistor (3T) pixel structure—a simpler layout than the common 4T systems used in pro sensors. Despite the simpler design, the performance is expected to match or even exceed current pro-grade tech.
If this patent becomes reality, the implications are massive:
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Pro-level image quality in ultra-thin devices
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Zero-noise low-light photography
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Natural-looking cinematic HDR video
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Potential use in AR/VR devices or Apple’s own camera systems
Apple could use its Neural Engine and deep integration of hardware and software to push real-time image optimisation even further. This may be the next phase in computational photography—going beyond anything smartphones currently offer.
However, this is still just a patent, not a confirmed product. Many patents never make it to market, and technical challenges remain. Some experts have already raised doubts about the feasibility.
Yet if Apple manages to deliver, the new sensor could debut in future devices like the iPhone 17 Pro or Apple Vision Pro 2. It may change the future of mobile and professional imaging.
For now, the tech world is watching closely.
