Whether it's the market for smartphones, tablets, media players or wearables, Apple's production team is always trying to stay on top of the game. It may not be first in the market, but it always leaves a mark on the market. It's no surprise, then, that Apple is exploring the extreme camera/GoPro market.

Apple had submitted a patent in 2012 for an active camera/device to the US Patent Office (which Apple released today), Patently Apple reported. The camera will have a camera module, wireless functionality and a remote control. The patent also includes a diagram for how to a build a compatible helmet mount and bar mount for the camera.

If a device like this ever came to market, it would most likely cut into the sales of GoPro, which is No. 1 in the "active camera" market.

It's not clear if Apple intends to pursue creating this camera in the near future or if it was just a plan for a non-existent gadget. Apple has submitted patents for cool gadgets in the past that it never built, BGR noted. But others have interpreted it as a sign of the future. Many investors sold their stock in GoPro after seeing the patent the San Jose Mercury News reported. BGR, meanwhile, doesn't think investors should be worried.

GoPro is currently one of the most popular cameras in America. While the intended market is the athlete, the GoPro has also been used by teens, creators, marketers and even the military.