Overview
- Apple reportedly explored acquiring Lux Optics in summer 2025 to speed upgrades to the iPhone’s built‑in Camera app for the iPhone 18 Pro, according to The Information.
- Talks ended in September after Lux’s cofounders concluded future Halide updates could raise the company’s value, subsequent reports say.
- Lux CEO Ben Sandofsky has filed a civil suit in California Superior Court of Santa Cruz alleging de With used more than $150,000 in company funds for personal expenses since 2022.
- The complaint also claims de With transferred confidential materials and source code to Apple; Apple is not named as a defendant or accused of wrongdoing.
- De With’s legal team calls the case meritless, denies any transfer or use of Lux intellectual property, and says the filing followed his requests to review Lux financial records.