Apple continues to lean heavily into the iPhone camera, promoting its image and video-capturing capabilities. Yet the company continues to think about doing things, if not differently, but in a more efficient way. Recently published documents illustrate new hardware that will have a simple yet superbly practical impact.
The details come from a patent recently granted to Apple. “Adapter for charging and stabilizing cameras” (PDF Link) details an adaptor that connects the iPhone to a camera stabilizer. The obvious stabilizer used throughout the patent drawing is a tripod, but gimbals, piers, and drone attachments are also discussed.
This side of the adapter will undoubtedly look to use standard fixtures and fittings to retain as much compatibility as possible. What goes on with the other side, the iPhone side, illustrates some of Apple’s thinking.
The mounting system for the iPhone is obvious… MagSafe. The iPhone version of MagSafe launched in 2020 with the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro models, using rare-earth magnets to allow peripherals to be attached and detached easily to the rear of an iPhone. The patent suggests that a high friction surface, as well as the magnets, could be employed to increase the shear force required to separate the iPhone from the adapter.
MagSafe also allows the adapter to act as a power bank or a charger for the iPhone. Thanks to NFC, data can be passed between the two devices as required.
And in all of that, Apple notes the attachment can be folded for easier travelling or fixed for a more sturdy anchoring point. That should take care of the spectrum of users, from irregular vloggers to Hollywood Studios.
As with all patents, there is no guarantee that this iPhone Adaptor will reach the market, either from Apple directly or licenced to another manufacturer by Apple. Yet this product feels more viable than other patented products; hopefully, this Apple Adaptor will arrive sooner rather than later.
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