Apple's Next-Gen iPad Pro Could Have A Landscape FaceID Camera: What It Means

Apple iPads have always incorporated the FaceID “TrueDepth” camera system within the portrait orientation. However, recent evidence suggests a potential shift in this design approach. Code discovered in the latest iOS 17.4 beta version indicates the development of a landscape FaceID system, potentially destined for the upcoming iPad Pro models.

As discovered by MacRumors, a code segment found in the beta reads: “During FaceID setup, the iPad needs to be in landscape with the camera at the top of the screen.” This suggests that Apple could position the TrueDepth camera system sideways, instead of at the top, reminiscent of the iPad 10th generation’s design, for the upcoming iPad Pro models.

Also when you think about it, the majority of iPad owners use them in a horizontal orientation for the majority of the time, regardless of whether they are consuming content or engaging with creative applications such as LumaFusion or ProCreate. In fact, most iPad cases, including Apple’s own Smart Folio Keyboard require you to place your iPad sideways if you want to use the keyboard, or keep it upright.

Furthermore, this adjustment would facilitate users in achieving a more visually appealing frame for FaceTime calls and other applications, as the current positioning of the camera at the top of the device can result in an awkward-looking frame when the iPad is held in a horizontal orientation.

That said, this information was revealed in code, and it may not be a full-fledged indicator of the change. More should be revealed when Apple officially unveils the iPad Pro and iPad Air later this year.