The days of recording your favourite band in concert with a mobile phone could be coming to an end if Apple has its way.

Details of a patent filed by the tech firm 18 months ago have emerged that show Apple is developing software that would be able to detect when iPhone users are filming live footage and to disable the recording function.

The move would no doubt please concert organisers and broadcasters who have exclusive rights to concerts and sporting events but it is unlikely to go down well with consumers.

According to the patent, which was uncovered by the website Patentlyapple earlier this month, the software uses infrared technology to trigger transmitters installed at venues which would inform it if filming is forbidden. The camera feature on the phone would then be temporarily disabled but other functions, such as making calls or sending text messages, would still operate as normal.

Alternatively, a device featuring the software could possibly apply a watermark to images as an alternative to completely restricting filming in establishments such as art galleries, Patentlyapple said.

Although consumers are unlikely to welcome such restrictive technology, it is possible the software could have benefits, such as offering additional information on exhibits to museum visitors using their mobile phone cameras.

The patent also indicates that retailers could gain from the technology by using it to inform consumers of item details such as discounts, availability and price.