Next iPad Pro May Have An Unusual Camera Upgrade

Next year, Apple will begin releasing its new line of M5-equipped devices. This includes an upgraded MacBook Air and an early refresh of the MacBook Pro. Additionally, the iPad Pro is set to receive a silicon upgrade, along with an exciting new feature aimed at enhancing the experience for those who frequently engage in video calls.

As reported by Bloomberg, Apple plans to introduce two front-facing cameras on the upcoming iPad Pro. One will be located in its typical landscape orientation at the top, while the second will be on the adjacent edge, enabling users to make video calls in portrait mode.

Why is this significant?

According to the report, Apple is expected to introduce this dual-camera setup on the new M5 iPad Pro to better cater to users who utilize FaceTime or enjoy taking selfies in either orientation.

Historically, Apple has positioned the front camera in portrait mode on iPads. This changed with last year’s M4 generation, which saw the camera shift to landscape.

The shift in camera placement was logical, especially for the 13-inch iPad Pro, which is typically used in landscape mode atop a stand. However, the smaller 11-inch model, being easily handheld, presented a mixed usage experience between portrait and landscape.

What other updates can we expect?

Apple’s decision to add a dual-camera setup looks like a balanced approach, though it’s likely that the Face ID technology will still align with the main landscape camera rather than the new portrait-side sensor.

Furthermore, the iPad Pro slated for 2026 will boast the M5 silicon, while the overall design will likely remain unchanged, considering the new look was just implemented in 2024.

Major software updates are also expected, particularly with AI advancements. With the integration of macOS-like elements and an updated canvas in iPadOS, there are rumors that Siri will receive significant AI upgrades, allowing for enhanced interaction with applications and more advanced functionalities compared to its current capabilities.