Apple’s ambition to significantly upgrade the iPhone 18 Pro camera app led to acquisition talks with Lux Optics, the creator of Halide. After negotiations fell through, tensions escalated into a high-profile legal dispute between the startup’s co-founders.
Apple’s efforts to elevate the camera capabilities of its upcoming iPhone 18 Pro reportedly included plans to acquire Lux Optics, the company behind popular iPhone photography apps such as Halide, Kino, and Spectre. However, negotiations ultimately broke down—leading to a legal conflict between the startup’s co-founders.
According to reports, Apple entered discussions with Lux Optics in mid-2025, viewing the company’s technology and intellectual property as a key asset in strengthening its native Camera app. The move aligns with Apple’s broader strategy to make the Camera app a top priority, with the iPhone 18 Pro expected to deliver features that rival professional-grade cameras.
Despite the potential deal, Lux Optics reportedly chose not to proceed, believing it could secure a better offer in the future following further product improvements. Shortly after talks ended, Apple began recruiting talent from the company, including co-founder and designer Sebastian de With.
In December, Lux CEO and co-founder Ben Sandofsky allegedly dismissed de With over claims of financial misconduct. A month later, de With publicly confirmed his move to Apple’s design team.
The situation has since escalated into a lawsuit filed by Sandofsky in California’s Superior Court in Santa Cruz. The complaint accuses de With of misusing over $150,000 in company funds for personal expenses and sharing confidential materials, including source code, with Apple.
Apple is not named as a defendant in the case and has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
De With’s legal team has strongly denied the allegations, stating that he did not use or transfer any Lux intellectual property in his role at Apple. They argue the lawsuit is unfounded and claim it was filed in retaliation after de With raised concerns about financial irregularities within Lux Optics and requested access to company records.
The dispute highlights the growing importance of advanced mobile photography, as Apple continues pushing to make the iPhone 18 Pro a leader in professional-level imaging technology.
