Apple is probably working on improving the quality of underwater images in the iPhone

There are many theories about Apple's next iPhone, including improving their water resistance. A new patent from Apple suggests that the company is currently working on a new camera that will improve the quality of images taken under water using an iPhone. It should be noted that this patent not only describes how to improve the performance of the camera used to take pictures under the water, but that it highlights some advanced methods allowing for the camera to take great pictures when the phone is immersed in the water.

It is very difficult to take pictures under the water compared to the ground because of the different visual properties of the air and the water. There is also a problem of deep blur in the natural aquatic elements.

This patent, entitled "Electronic Diving Device", explains how to use several advanced sensors to detect underwater conditions, then transfer this information to the control circuit. This control panel will then adjust information such as color balance and contrast to the appropriate levels. The sensors used will include a light sensor capable of measuring ambient light above and below the water. The depth sensor will be used to determine the depth below where the image is taken.

There may also be a light source in the camera that can be used with a sensor that measures light to detect water fog. All this information will be used to balance the image correctly. All of this can be possible at depths up to over 160 feet.

It is obviously too early to determine when or if we will see this technology on the iPhone. Technologies registered as patents do not all tend to end up on consumer devices.