Smart Connector and FaceID Placement Point to Portrait-Centered iPad

[Tapiture]

It's baffling, but based on where the smart connector is rumored to be placed on the new iPad Pro models and the addition of FaceID in the top bezel, it seems that Apple is telling us that this is meant to be used mainly in portrait mode.

https://www.macrumors.com/2018/10/12/2018-ipad-pro-models-dimensions-no-headphone-jack/

 

[muzzy996]

I'm not sure why people keep assuming that the new connector on the back is a full replacement of the smart connector. Is there any official word on the deletion on the long edge of the original connector?

I can't read the text in the photos but seems to me that there is still something on the long edge where the original smart connector is typically located.

 

[Tapiture]

I'm not sure why people keep assuming that the new connector on the back is a full replacement of the smart connector. Is there any official word on the deletion on the long edge of the original connector?

I can't read the text in the photos but seems to me that there is still something on the long edge where the original smart connector is typically located.

I believe that’s the SIM tray for cellular models. Everything I’ve read says the smart connector has been “moved,” not that one has been “added.” It seems hard for me to believe, maybe it’ll turn out to be one of those weird persistent rumors that never panned out.

 

[muzzy996]

I believe that’s the SIM tray for cellular models. Everything I’ve read says the smart connector has been “moved,” not that one has been “added.” It seems hard for me to believe, maybe it’ll turn out to be one of those weird persistent rumors that never panned out.

Ah ok. Wasn't thinking it was a SIM slot, was used to seeing the SIM slot lower on the long edge rather than centered along it.

 

[profets]

What’s baffling is that people are assuming a potential change to the location of the smart connector would mean that the iPad will only work docked in portrait.

Seriously - have you not thought that maybe they have a newly designed keyboard that attaches to the new connector at the back and allows the iPad to sit in landscape?

Also - what looked like a SIM card tray was rumored to be possible magnetic connector & charging spot for the new Pencil.

 

[darkarn]

Also, there's always the option of using a much cheaper Bluetooth keyboard like the Logitech one that I have...

 

[Bravia3d]

I wouldn’t doubt if they have a new keyboard that don’t need to be attached to be used. But is magnetic and sticks on the side still.

 

[allonym]

I can't read the text in the photos but seems to me that there is still something on the long edge where the original smart connector is typically located.

That seems to be on the same edge as the volume buttons though, which suggests its not for connecting a keyboard. Seems more likely that this would be the top edge when a keyboard is docked.

 

[muzzy996]

That seems to be on the same edge as the volume buttons though, which suggests its not for connecting a keyboard. Seems more likely that this would be the top edge when a keyboard is docked.

Excellent point, I missed that.

I’m still in the camp with most of you that there’s going to be a way to have a Smart Keyboard in landscape orientation. How remains to be seen. Makes no sense to come all this way to support multitasking and split screen only to throw it all away.

 

[ericwn]

Also, there's always the option of using a much cheaper Bluetooth keyboard like the Logitech one that I have...

Exactly. Any iOS device can make use of Bluetooth keyboards for what, 5 or more years already? There’s some seriously good keyboards out there (if you can read past the marketing bla for smart connector extra expensive keyboards).

 

[ctg7w6]

What about this: if it has to dock in portrait mode how will you plug it into a charger that is on the bottom?

So I doubt the rumor.

 

[Tapiture]

What about this: if it has to dock in portrait mode how will you plug it into a charger that is on the bottom?

So I doubt the rumor.

Yeah it’s a good point. Seems extremely weird to me, but I guess all will be clear when it’s announced.

 

[anthony13]

I’m still wondering if Apple has designed a clam shell like case with a keyboard that the new iPad will lay down in.

 

[Tapiture]

I’m still wondering if Apple has designed a clam shell like case with a keyboard that the new iPad will lay down in.

Seems like the only likely explanation if they did in fact move the smart connector. One would think they’d then have to include the case with the iPad because nobody would buy it without buying the case, although I’m sure they won’t!

 

[darkarn]

Exactly. Any iOS device can make use of Bluetooth keyboards for what, 5 or more years already? There’s some seriously good keyboards out there (if you can read past the marketing bla for smart connector extra expensive keyboards).

This was why I went with such keyboards. Sure, it means one more thing to carry but it allows more flexibility in terms of upgrading to a different iPad. The keyboard I am using even allows it to be used on other devices, something the ASK cannot do

 

[subjonas]

What about this: if it has to dock in portrait mode how will you plug it into a charger that is on the bottom?

So I doubt the rumor.

Unless the keyboard plugs into the wall and delivers charge to the iPad.

But I still don’t think it will dock only in portrait.

 

[anthony13]

Actually a dock where the iPad is the keyboard and there’s an extra screen would be a nifty idea. Like a super large Nintendo ds

 

[kasakka]

Actually a dock where the iPad is the keyboard and there’s an extra screen would be a nifty idea. Like a super large Nintendo ds

Nobody would want that!

To be honest the most sensible option would be to have just a compact Bluetooth keyboard with the iPad using either smart cover or something else to prop it up. The ASK is a piece of crap IMO and only works on the iPad.

 

[Tapiture]

Nobody would want that!

To be honest the most sensible option would be to have just a compact Bluetooth keyboard with the iPad using either smart cover or something else to prop it up. The ASK is a piece of crap IMO and only works on the iPad.

The idea of Apple switching to an OEM Bluetooth keyboard is fantasy, in my opinion.

I love the ASK because it doesn’t require Bluetooth. Don’t know if you’ve noticed, but Bluetooth is a huge battery killer.

 

[fokmik]

since faceID is in iOS code working also in landscape for "ipadfall2018"....i guess that "portrait cantered" is out of the question

I guess with ios12.1 the new ipads pro are coming

 

[ericwn]

The idea of Apple switching to an OEM Bluetooth keyboard is fantasy, in my opinion.

I love the ASK because it doesn’t require Bluetooth. Don’t know if you’ve noticed, but Bluetooth is a huge battery killer.

Bluetooth keyboards hardly consume any battery anymore. This was different 15-10 years ago maybe but times have changed, a lot.

 

[chasonstone]

I'd argue that iPad's have always kind of been portrait centered. The camera has always been where it's at, the logo on the back, the home button where it's at.

However, I don't think there's really a chance they won't have a solution for landscape keyboard usage, I think it'll make sense when they show it off.

 

[muzzy996]

I'd argue that iPad's have always kind of been portrait centered. The camera has always been where it's at, the logo on the back, the home button where it's at.

However, I don't think there's really a chance they won't have a solution for landscape keyboard usage, I think it'll make sense when they show it off.

Agree. I’m not married to having to have the ASK be physically connected by a smart connector in landscape. If reasonable battery life can be given to a Bluetooth foldable Smart Keyboard in the same form factor but still be magnetically connected to minimize bulk I’d be down for that.

 

[Tapiture]

I'd argue that iPad's have always kind of been portrait centered. The camera has always been where it's at, the logo on the back, the home button where it's at.

However, I don't think there's really a chance they won't have a solution for landscape keyboard usage, I think it'll make sense when they show it off.

The Apple logo orientation is something I’ve always found interesting about iPad. I wonder if they will ever rotate it to landscape, finally embracing that’s it’s more of a laptop than a large phone.

 

[sracer]

I'd argue that iPad's have always kind of been portrait centered. The camera has always been where it's at, the logo on the back, the home button where it's at.

However, I don't think there's really a chance they won't have a solution for landscape keyboard usage, I think it'll make sense when they show it off.

In addition, Apple's first and only keyboard dock used the iPad in portrait mode. I bought one on day-1 of the iPad 1. It was a terrific dock. It was very enjoyable to work on documents in portrait mode.

With all of the rumors floating around, it is a bit difficult to merge them all into a single device that makes sense. SOME of those rumors are not going to come to be reality.

I think it is possible for Apple to have redesigned the smart keyboard to be modeled after Google's Pixel (C and Slate) keyboards... utilizing magnets to allow multiple angles and even orientations... provided there were smart connectors for portrait and landscape modes.

Either way, it'll be interesting.