The simple answer to that question is: No, they did not.

In Alexander Wolfe’s article in Information Week on the iPhone patent just awarded to Apple he focuses on that the patent indicates that Apple is planning video conferencing for the iPhone. This is obviously interesting and very likely given that the phone described in teh patent has a user facing camera. However, the article also gives the impression that the camera and video conferencing are included in what is covered by the patent. To be clear, Alexander isn’t stating this as a fact but it makes sense to point out that so is not the case. Especially since there are several other similar reports making similar suggestions.

If you read the patent carefully you will find that the description of  video conferencing solutions is included in the “Description of Embodiments” part. As for all patents, what is actually patented is stated in the claims section where there is no mention of a video application. The claims are all about the touch screen functionality. Those claims are of course very interseting and can cause problems for competitors.