Apple Acquires Israeli Camera-Technology Company LinX; Can We Expect SLR-Quality Camera in iPhone Soon?

Apple has acquired Israeli camera-technology company LinX Computational Imaging Ltd. The unofficial acquisition price is being quoted to be about $20 million.

Apple confirmed the acquisition without disclosing the further plans. "Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans," said an Apple spokesman, according to WSJ.

LinX develops and markets miniature cameras for tablets and smartphones. It uses an array of sensors that capture multiple images at the same time and with the help of its proprietary algorithm, its cameras can gauge depth and create three-dimensional image maps.

Last year, the company said its tiny camera modules allow for better-quality pictures in low light and faster exposure at standard indoor conditions. It said the technology offers single-lens-reflex (SLR) camera image quality without the need for a bulky device, WSJ noted.

Some other Israeli acquisitions from Apple include a flash-memory company Anobit Technologies Ltd and PrimeSense, a company that powered the first version of the 3D-sensing capabilities used in Kinect game controller for Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox game machine.

LinX was founded in 2011.