Apple may be planning to fix one of mobile photography’s long-standing problems with a patent that suggests future iPhones could feature an enhanced autofocus system. The new setup, described in patent US 12335613 B2, proposes a dual-laser system that would offer faster and more precise focusing. 
Unlike current models that rely on a single infrared dot projector, Apple’s new method uses two invisible laser beams that work together to lock focus more efficiently, even in challenging conditions like moving subjects or unstable environments.
The dual-laser system fires pulses of light at different angles, with sensors measuring how long it takes for the light to reflect back. If the two beams agree on the distance, the iPhone locks focus instantly. If they disagree, the phone defaults to the traditional autofocus method before trying again.
This innovation could be a game-changer for photographers. Apple’s proposed system stands out from other laser autofocus systems already in smartphones
. While LG, ASUS, Huawei, and OnePlus have used single-laser systems to enhance focus in low light, the two-laser design could drastically improve accuracy, especially when dealing with reflective surfaces such as glass, metal, or water.
While the patent shows promise, it’s unclear whether this technology will be incorporated into future iPhone models. Apple has yet to confirm whether the dual-laser autofocus will become a reality. However, the small size of the components and their solid-state nature make them a strong candidate for inclusion in upcoming devices like the iPhone or even the Vision Pro. If implemented, the system could offer advantages such as faster photo capture, improved focus accuracy, and better energy efficiency, potentially extending battery life.
If Apple rolls out this feature, we might see it branded as ‘instant laser focus’ or ‘dual-beam depth lock.’ For users, the main takeaway would be better, more reliable sharpness in everyday photos, especially in motion-heavy situations or when trying to capture fleeting moments.