Apple has just got another patent and this time it is about an image-sensor that can make future iPhones powerful as professional cinema cameras. In fact, the patent suggests that it can also match the abilities of the human eye. The patent is about a stacked sensor that is capable of capturing the dynamic range of 20-stops, light human eyes can see about the same period.

Well, what 20 stops? “Stops” is a word that is used to represent image sensors, lenses or a camera light collected capabilities. More light can capture a sensor, better it can display colors and clarity in the image. In other words, more “stop” means more dynamic range. Currently, depending on the amount of light in a scene, most cameras have no more than 13–14 stops of the dynamic range. And this is for large full-frame cameras. Mobile phone cameras are quite low.

In comparison, human eyes are close to 20 stops. This is why when you click on a brilliant sunset picture, you never capture the same kind of dynamic light and colors that are looking at your eyes.

Coming back to Apple, the company is working on the next-gene image sensor. Its patents, titled “Image sensors with stacked pixels and high dynamic range and low noise” were first seen by YMCINEma magazine. This gives details of the new sensor of Apple, which can capture up to 20 stops of the dynamic range. So, what is special about this new sensor?

Apple’s patent describes a “stacked” sensor architecture, which means that the sensor is made in two layers: one to capture the light (the sensor dying) and the other to handle electronics (logic dye).

This method allows apple to pack more advanced technology into a slimmer camera module, which is ideal for thin devices such as iPhones and AR/VR headsets.

For reference, 20 stops of the dynamic range are higher than the offering of some of the world’s best cinema cameras, and it is getting closer to human eye abilities. If Apple manages to bring this technique to the iPhone, the smartphone can handle everything from bright sunshine to deep shadow in a single shot, without expanding or noise.

In the patent, Apple’s design uses something called a lofic (lateral overflow integration capacitor), which enables each pixel to store and manage light at three different levels. Imagine taking a picture in a slow room with a bright window. This sensor can handle both extremes simultaneously, storing additional light without losing detail. This contributes significantly to the detailed dynamic range of the sensor.

Another impressive side of the sensor is the ability to make noise. According to the patent, each pixel has its own underlying noise-sensitive circuit, which detects and cancels unwanted noise in real time. As a result, the sensor can also capture clear, cleaner images in challenging the status of lighting.

If Apple manages to integrate this sensor in future iphones or even the next vision Pro, it may mean that users will potentially be able to shoot cinematic HDR videos, capture lifelik colors and fine details and get the results of professional levels directly from their phone. However, before you get your hopes, remember: this is just a patent. Apple files several patents, and not all of them make it in the final products.