Next iPad Air Again Rumored to Feature Landscape Front Camera

[MacRumors]

The next-generation iPad Air will be equipped with a landscape front camera, according to the leaker known as "ShrimpApplePro."

If this information is accurate, the front camera on the next iPad Air would be located in the bezel to the right of the screen when the device is held upright. As a result, the front camera would be positioned at the top of the iPad when the device is in landscape orientation, making it centered with the user's eyes during video calls. This change would be especially beneficial to those who use the iPad Air with a Magic Keyboard.

On the current iPad Air, the front camera is in the top bezel above the screen, resulting in it being off-center in landscape orientation.

The leaker does not expect the next iPad Air to have any other significant design changes. They also cast doubt on a larger 12.9-inch iPad Air, but that model has been widely rumored by multiple sources, so it would be surprising if it did not launch.

A landscape front camera had already been rumored for both the next iPad Pro and iPad Air, so it is becoming an increasingly likely design change. Apple already repositioned the front camera on the entry-level iPad 10 a few years ago, so it would make sense for the change to be expanded to the entire iPad lineup eventually.

"During ‌Face ID‌ setup, iPad needs to be in landscape with the camera at the top of the screen," read hidden code in iPadOS 17.4.

Apple is expected to unveil new iPads in late March or in April.

"ShrimpApplePro" has a mixed track record with Apple rumors over the past few years. The leaker accurately revealed details about devices like the iPhone 15 Pro and Apple Watch Series 9, but they were incorrect about the Apple Watch Ultra 2 being available in a Space Black finish and the iPad mini being updated in 2023.

Article Link: Next iPad Air Again Rumored to Feature Landscape Front Camera

 

[abatabia]

No reason to update from an air 4 or 5, like at all. Unless that camera is that important to you.

 

[adamw]

Landscape front camera is a must for Apple to keep customers happy! Many today are making podcasts and doing Zoom calls which need them focused on the center of the screen, plus having Center Stage is essential for many users. Keeping direct eye contact helps the viewer of the video or podcast feel like the content creator cares about them and desires to engage directly with them.

 

[xmarcuswildx]

I just want a damn iPad mini with more ram and a nice screen. Throw an A17 in there and we’ll call it even.

(M1 would be glorious)

 

[transpo1]

These things are looking more and more like Macbooks every day. Time for Apple to put macOS on the iPad when in keyboard mode.

 

[LoveToMacRumors]

I just want a damn iPad mini with more ram and a nice screen. Throw an A17 in there and we’ll call it even.

(M1 would be glorious)

Sadly in fall, i can’t wait that long

 

[Lyrics23]

I suspect I’m in the minority, but I always use my tablets in portrait mode, never landscape. I much prefer the camera in portrait to match.

 

[xmarcuswildx]

These things are looking more and more like Macbooks every day. Time for Apple to put macOS on the iPad when in keyboard mode.

But how do you sell macs? Thats why I doubt we ever see a hybrid.

Foldable would be dope.

 

[Nautilus007]

I just want a damn iPad mini with more ram and a nice screen. Throw an A17 in there and we’ll call it even.

(M1 would be glorious)

This.
But Apple won't do this , they are afraid of product cannibalization.

 

[tomtad]

According to "ShrimpApplePro"

They are right though, there's no way this ships without a landscape-orientated camera given it's been two years now since it was introduced by the base iPad.

 

[UMHurricanes34]

But when will they rotate the Apple logo on the back and complete the transformation to landscape-first device? That’s what the people REALLY wanna know!

 

[twintin]

These things are looking more and more like Macbooks every day. Time for Apple to put macOS on the iPad when in keyboard mode.

And loose controle of app installations through AppStore ? Not a chance. 😊

 

[darngooddesign]

These things are looking more and more like Macbooks every day. Time for Apple to put macOS on the iPad when in keyboard mode.

Can you image wanting to do something in MacOS but you cant because you didn’t bring your keyboard case. LOL

 

[EF1799]

It is not a rumor, but a certainty. Look at ESR screen protectors..

 

[User 6502]

And loose controle of app installations through AppStore ? Not a chance. 😊

Thankfully they’ll lose it anyway once the EU extends to iPad the side loading requirement currently only applies to iPhones.

 

[darngooddesign]

Moving the camera is trivial; interested in what this means for the Pencil charging. Maybe there will be two small charging pads, on either side of the camera..

 

[anthogag]

Let the Air have a landscape camera, not the Pro. It could be one differentiator between Air and Pro. The keyboard zombies can use Air.

 

[JapanApple]

another assumption of release? need wait to see...........when it is. good grief

 

[harold.ji]

WOW, what a big innovation, again. Next gonna be some Pro colors and textures.

 

[darngooddesign]

Landscape front camera is a must for Apple to keep customers happy! Many today are making podcasts and doing Zoom calls which need them focused on the center of the screen, plus having Center Stage is essential for many users. Keeping direct eye contact helps the viewer of the video or podcast feel like the content creator cares about them and desires to engage directly with them.

I dont disagree with you, but that reads like Chat GPT.

 

[darngooddesign]

WOW, what a big innovation, again. Next gonna be some Pro colors and textures.

Users: Apple sucks because it won’t give us the feature we want.
Apple: Here is the feature you want.
Users: Apple sucks.

Apple users are the worst.

 

[contacos]

How would this work with the magnetic pencil? I was always told the "iPad" has this ridiculous dongle solution because there is no room to put both magsafe + camera on the side

 

[gleepskip]

And loose controle of app installations through AppStore ? Not a chance. 😊

This is probably why no new products from Apple will ever have the freedom of macOS. Words can barely describe the anger this causes me.

 

[torontotim]

This is probably why no new products from Apple will ever have the freedom of macOS. Words can barely describe the anger this causes me.

If Apple's business strategy angers you beyond words, you should seek therapy.

 

[aknabi]

But when will they rotate the Apple logo on the back and complete the transformation to landscape-first device? That’s what the people REALLY wanna know!

Just waiting for an Apple patent on a rotating metal logo on the back that orients itself to the landscape or portrait based on device rotation.