It's Apple Style

This patent work might be seen in future apple products. Here it is how it works, We know that camera flashes are typically fixed in a single spot on a device, Apple's attempting to patent a flash redirector that could whip them around, letting you frame a dimly-lit picture the way you want and automatically adjust the intensity and direction of the flash to get better results.

This patent application suggests that devices would have a dedicated lens for the flash, and then a pivot on either that lens or the flash itself to aim, plus an "evaluator" that figures out what needs to be lit and by how much.

By this you might be able to just select an area on a touchscreen camera device with your finger and aim the flash yourself.

-Engadget inputs via patentlyapple via USPTO