Apple Patents Camera Shutdown Software

Artists have differing opinions about phones with cameras and video capability, with many despising them. The same goes for concertgoers who don’t want phones blocking their view. But if one patent for the iPhone is implemented, those days may come to an end.

The Times of London obtained an Apple patent filed in California 18 months ago that would install software on the iPhone that would shut down its camera features during a live event. Anyone holding up the device at a concert, sporting even or the like would trigger infrared sensors installed in the venue and render the camera useless. Other features, like calling and texting, would be unaffected.

The Times characterized it as a boon for what some consider to be a nuisance at public events and others consider to be a theft of material. However, other media has noted that the feature could be abused if it kept citizen watchdogs from capturing unlawful behavior in public spaces.

It’s unclear whether iPhone users would be able to avoid the shutdown by switching to a different smartphone platform.