According to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Apple has a patent application for a device that features a removable back panel, allowing for easily replaceable parts. What's the device? Apple's not saying.
It could be for anything from a camera, iPod, or even (be still my beating heart) the new iPhone. The patent details methods of upgrading a device with "supplementary optics." As reported on patentlyapple.com:
"The digital imaging subsystem is typically enclosed within the case of the device to protect the digital imaging subsystem. The enclosure generally prevents direct access to the lens of the digital imaging subsystem for the purpose of providing any sort of supplementary optics, especially if the supplementary optics must be precisely aligned with the image sensor... It would be desirable to provide a structure for a compact device that allows the end user to reconfigure the optical arrangement of the device while retaining the benefits of assembling the device using a pre-assembled digital imaging subsystem. Apple detailed several features that could be added through the easily swappable supplementary optics, including: improved zoom capabilities, better shutter control, removable close-up lenses, and the addition of motion sensors, flashes, or a lens baffle. As an example, the report explained a removable IR cut-off filter that would allow "capturing black and white images at very low light levels. Without the IR-cut filter the camera's light sensitivity may extend to 0.001 lux or lower."
What remains to be seen is, will this new panel be implemented in the new iPhone or some other device, or will it even be implemented at all? Apple has a history of filing for patents, but never implementing them. Why? Good business according to Michael Harper, who said, "Patents are more about running a good business than actually plans for future products. Apple can file patents for good and bad ideas alike. When they release a good product (as they're wont to do) they have the patent for it. If some bonehead somewhere decides to create a product that touches you back, guess who has the patent for it? That's right, Apple. Should this bonehead believe so deeply in his product that he decides to shell out some bucks, Apple gets paid and the bonehead gets his product. It's a win-win."
Apple addicts are waiting with bated breath to hear something, ANYTHING about the new iPhone. But with today as the last day of Apple's WWDC, and Apple showing no signs of providing any details, let's hope those addicts aren't holding their breath.