Bloomberg News‘ Mark Gurman reports that Apple’s M5 iPad Pro will feature a key upgrade beyond a faster chip: dual front cameras, one for landscape and another for portrait orientation.
Mark Gurman for Bloomberg News:
When Apple rolled out the M4 iPad Pro in May 2024, it made the device thinner and (finally) moved the FaceTime camera from the portrait orientation to landscape. This was a nice change for those, like me, who live on landscape mode and rarely ever move into portrait orientation. The switch made it easier to use Face ID without issues and was a big improvement for both selfies and videoconferencing.
On the other hand, fans of portrait mode suddenly found it harder to unlock the device and use the front camera. So, what’s the solution?
Pretty simple actually: Apple is apparently adding a second, portrait-side front-facing camera to the upcoming M5 iPad Pro, presumably so FaceTimers and selfie fans can use the device equally well in either orientation. This isn’t particularly revolutionary, but it’s a nice enhancement.
MacDailyNews Take: A nice addition that’s been a long time coming. Camera modeules are now inexpensive enough, especially with Apple’s ability to buy in massive bulk, that it won’d add much, if anything to the cost of the M5 iPad Pro when it hits the market. A rough estimate for Apple’s cost per front-facing camera module for recent iPad Pro models is likely US$10–$25, with newer models leaning toward the higher end due to advanced features.
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I’ve never had a problem with FaceID in either orientation. I can see it being an improvement in video calls but I never use my iPad in portrait mode for FaceTime or Zoom. I’d be much more interested in a green indicator light that draws attention to where the camera is hidden in the bezel. I don’t know if they still use the software green dot but that’s practically invisible and useless for focusing your eyes at the camera.