Could New Apple Patent Prevent Future Cell Phone Use in Theatres?

Patti LuPone is having a good day. That's because Apple has just patented technology that could prevent cell phone recording in certain areas, such as concert venues or (you guessed it) Broadway theatres. According to CBS news, Apple explains in the patent:

"An infrared emitter can be located in areas where picture or video capture is prohibited, and the emitter can generate infrared signals with encoded data that includes commands to disable the recording functions of devices. An electronic device can then receive the infrared signals, decode the data and temporarily disable the device's recording function based on the command."

Cell phone use has been a growing problem on Broadway. It was just last summer that Patti LuPone snatched a phone from a distracting audience member, and that came just days after an audience member at Hand to God climbed onto the Booth Theatre stage to charge his phone using a set 'outlet'. Hamilton's own Lin-Manuel Miranda has also been very vocal about the use of cell phones at the theatre, urging fans to be respectful and turn them off.