A dispute in court between the founders of Lux Optics, creators of the popular Halide camera application, has uncovered that Apple nearly purchased the firm. The Information initially broke the story, noting that Apple engaged in discussions to buy Lux Optics—responsible for apps like Kino, Spectre, and Orion—during the summer of 2025.
The Information reports that negotiations collapsed by September 2025, though the move might have allowed Apple to integrate external code to refine its stock camera software. With speculation swirling about variable aperture technology in the forthcoming iPhone 18 Pro series, it makes sense for the tech giant to seek sophisticated app capabilities to align with potential hardware advancements.
Even with Apple's overtures, Lux Optics leaders Ben Sandofsky and Sebastiaan de With decided that ongoing enhancements to Halide would raise the firm's worth, leading them to halt the process. Court documents from their internal legal battle indicate that Sandofsky began probing de With over suspected financial improprieties soon after the Apple discussions concluded. De With was subsequently dismissed from the company and eventually took a role on Apple's design staff. Although Halide continues as an independent option for iPhone and iPad users, enhancements to the default camera features appear on Apple's agenda moving forward.