Apple’s Failed Halide Acquisition & Legal Battle Over iPhone 18 Pro Camera Tech

A lawsuit filed in California Superior Court in Santa Cruz has revealed that Apple explored acquiring Lux Optics, the developer of popular iPhone camera apps Halide, Kino, and Spectre, during the summer of 2025. The discussions, which ultimately failed, came as Apple seeks to significantly enhance the camera capabilities of its upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models.

According to court documents and reports by The Information, Apple viewed Lux Optics’ intellectual property as a key asset in improving its built-in Camera app, a project described as a “top priority” for the company. The iPhone 18 Pro is anticipated to feature advanced camera features intended to rival professional-grade equipment, necessitating substantial software upgrades.

The acquisition talks concluded in September 2025 without a deal. Shortly thereafter, Apple began recruiting Sebastian de With, a co-founder and designer at Lux Optics. De With subsequently joined Apple’s design team in January 2026.

The recruitment of de With triggered a dispute with Ben Sandofsky, the other co-founder and CEO of Lux Optics. Sandofsky fired de With in December 2025, alleging financial misconduct. The lawsuit filed by Sandofsky accuses de With of misusing more than $150,000 in company funds for personal expenses dating back to 2022, and of sharing confidential Lux Optics source code and materials with Apple.

De With’s legal representatives have denied the allegations, calling the lawsuit “meritless.” They claim the suit is a retaliatory measure stemming from de With’s inquiries into financial irregularities at Lux Optics and his request for access to the company’s financial records. According to a statement, de With did not “utilize, transfer, or disclose any Lux intellectual property” in his latest role at Apple.

During the acquisition discussions, Apple reportedly communicated to Lux Optics that its intellectual property was a primary factor in evaluating the potential purchase. While Apple is not a defendant in the lawsuit, the events suggest a strategic interest in acquiring the technology and talent behind the Halide suite of apps. Apple has not commented on the lawsuit or the prior acquisition discussions.

The legal battle between the co-founders remains ongoing, with the outcome potentially impacting the future development of both Apple’s built-in camera app and the Halide ecosystem.