Apple Looks Set to Boost Low-Light iPhone Photography With InVisage Acquisition

In what appears to be an obvious bid to improve the photography experience on its devices, Apple has acquired InVisage Technologies, a company known for developing image sensor technology QuantumFilm. The terms of the deal were undisclosed.

Apple confirmed the acquisition in its traditional statement about buying smaller companies from time to time, to TechCrunch. Founded in 2006, InVisage Technologies operates as a fabless semiconductor company. The Menlo Park, California-headquartered firm gained popularity following the development of its QuantumFilm image sensor that works as a "photosensitive layer" to absorb light using materials based on quantum dots. Unlike a traditional image sensor that comes with multiple layers and absorbs limited amounts of light into its silicon structure, Invisage's QuantumFilm is touted to absorb the full spectrum of light even in a layer that is ten times thinner than the standard model. This innovation helps to enable ultra-thin camera modules along with better light absorption - perfect for low-light photography chops.

The development of QuantumFilm is appeared to be the reason that influenced Apple to buy InVisage. As TechCrunch notes, multiple InVisage employees have already updated their LinkedIn profiles to highlight their new employer. The company even didn't make any public announcements through its blog and social media channels since November last year.

The resources from InVisage would help Apple enhance camera sensors on future iPhone models, especially in terms of low-light photography. The iPhone maker might be able to expand the battery pack on its next-generation mobile devices by shrinking down the camera modules through QuantumFilm technology. Furthermore, InVisage's acquisition is expected to give Apple a chance to test new connected devices with image-taking features.

As Apple hasn't announced any official details about the new acquisition, it is unclear how the company would utilise InVisage in the future. Believing some recent reports, the iPhone models in 2018 would not be the piece of innovation with inputs from InVisage. The Tim Cook-led team, however, may have something to preview at the iPhone launch next year.