A recently published patent filing by Apple under the name 'Back Panel for a Portable Electronic Device with Different Camera Lens Options' has opened the door (or rather, the back cover) to a new series of rumors and possibilities concerning the iPhone 5.
The patent provides the details for a removable back panel, which would allow for the switching of optical lenses, giving photography majors and amateur snapshooters alike the chance to take photos in a variety of formats (such as wide angle); a feat previously only possible through expensive stand-alone cameras.
An interesting feature of the back plate design is the two optical components on opposite corners of the plate, though the actual product would have only one optical lens. So not only would the back cover be removable, it could flipped around and refastened to quickly replace the optical lens with a different optical component.
As stated in the patent filing: "The removable panel may include two optical components...each of which provides different optical characteristics of the digital imaging subsystem according to which of the two optical components is aligned with the optical axis."
Possible optical components, as cited in the patent filing could include better zoom capabilities, motion sensors, and better shutter control. The device would also have stroboscopic flash, which regulates the power and control signals of the device (whatever that device may be).
While the design of the back cover shown in the patent filing could certainly be for the iPhone 5, it's also possible the design is for a different product entirely, possibly a stand-alone camera, iGadget, or even an iPod Touch.
Though just published Thursday by the U.S Trademark and Patent Office, the patent was actually filed by Apple in December of 2010. As such, it's certainly possible that products making use of it could appear in the not-too-distant future. Only time, or an insider source, will tell.
The iPhone 5 is expected to have a 4" screen, and an 8 megapixel camera when it launches later this year.
