• TechCrunch, Tuesday, August 9, 2011 12:35 PM

Some upcoming changes in Apple's iOS 5 point to a bright future for the iPhone as a camera, TechCrunch suggests. "We're likely to see an explosion of photo apps as a result." In particular, iOS 5 is expected to include Core Image, which will give all iOS 5 developers access to many advanced tools. "Simply put, it should make image/photo processing much simpler to implement and execute," TechCrunch explains.

Already, apps like Instagram, Hipstamatic, and Camera+ are already exploding in usage, despite being supported on by the iPhone. Going forward, the market will likely see more apps that focus on video as a result of new additions to iOS. "And there should be many more that focus on 'crazy' photo effects," TechCrunch adds.

"Of course, the next iPhone itself may have an even bigger impact in the space." Rumored to have an 8 megapixel camera with a new sensor, the device will also likely be much faster when it comes to processing power. "Combine this with the changes in iOS 5 and we're likely going to see another leap forward in mobile photography."

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