Apple tried to buy the camera developer Halide, but disagreements drove the project away from its founders.

Brief Summary

Apple tried to improve the iPhone 18 Pro Camera app and considered buying the startup Halide. Negotiations were unsuccessful, and co‑founders of Lux Optics—a supplier of camera apps—sparked a legal dispute. Neither Apple nor any party in the case is charged.

1. What Happened
Phase Event Summer 2025 Apple negotiates an acquisition of Lux Optics—a startup with three camera apps (Halide, Kino, Spectre). After the Halide update The developer offers more favorable terms. However, two months later the deal falls through. Transition to Apple Apple hires co‑founder of Lux—Sebastian de Vita, a designer. Termination and conflict Ben Sandofsky (CEO) fires de Vita for financial violations; in January 2026 he announces his move to Apple.

2. Legal Dispute
* A lawsuit in the California Supreme Court – filed by Sandofsky against de Vita.

* Allegations:
* Improper use of $150,000 of Lux funds for personal expenses since 2022.
* Transfer of confidential materials and source code of the startup to Apple.

* Response by de With:
* The claim is unfounded; denies any intellectual‑property violations.
* States that S. de With’s actions were a response to Sandofsky’s requests for financial documents and an attempt to control the company.

3. Why Apple Was Interested in Halide
Apple stated that a key factor in evaluating Lux Optics is its intellectual property. The company aimed to strengthen the iPhone 18 Pro Camera app, making it more professional through Halide’s capabilities.

4. Current Status
* Apple is not a defendant and is not charged.
* The legal proceeding continues; outcome remains unknown.