iPad Pro 2024 : For years, Apple has followed a predictable pattern – affordable iPads inherit features from their pricier Pro siblings. But a recent leak suggests the 2024 iPad Pro might break tradition by borrowing a design element from the budget-friendly iPad 10: a landscape-oriented front camera.
This exciting rumor comes courtesy of Apple insider Instant Digital, who shared evidence on Weibo, a popular Chinese social media platform. MacRumors first reported on the leak, which includes an image hinting at the new iPad’s potential design. The image suggests Apple plans to relocate the entire TrueDepth camera system to the right side of the tablet, with the microphone remaining at the top but centered.
The possibility of a landscape camera has been brewing since January when iPadOS 17.4 beta code hinted at a shift in the iPad Pro’s Face ID sensors. The code mentioned that “During Face ID setup, iPad needs to be in landscape with the camera at the top of the screen.” Earlier in March, Instant Digital suggested a similar redesign for the upcoming iPad Air 6.
Why the Shift? Aligning with Modern Usage Trends
Since its 2018 debut on the iPad Pro, Face ID has been positioned on the shorter edge, catering to a portrait-first design philosophy that’s been a hallmark of iPads since their inception. However, this approach no longer aligns with how people use tablets today.
Horizontal use has become increasingly common, with many users preferring tablets for video calls and streaming content. Several competitors on our “Best Tablets” list have already adapted their camera placements to reflect this trend. The 10th-generation iPad, released in 2022, was the first iPad to feature a side-mounted selfie camera, a feature absent on other Apple tablets.
A Welcome Change: Benefits of a Landscape Camera
While Apple isn’t known for bringing features down from standard models to premium ones, this potential shift is a positive development. In his review of the iPad 10, Mark Spoonauer, our global editor-in-chief, praised the side-mounted camera as a “welcome shift” that “makes for more natural video calls in landscape mode, especially when your iPad is docked in the Magic Keyboard Folio.”
A Big Year for iPads: What to Expect
The iPad family is poised for a significant year in 2024, especially after 2023 saw no new models – the first such year since the iPad’s debut in 2010. Both the new iPad Air and iPad Pro are expected to launch in the coming weeks.
Beyond the Camera: Other Anticipated Upgrades
While the landscape camera is a noteworthy change, rumors suggest several other potential upgrades for the 2024 iPad Pro:
- M3 Chip: The next-generation M3 chip is expected to power the new iPad Pro, delivering a significant performance leap over the M2 chip found in the current model.
- OLED Display: The biggest display upgrade might be the switch to OLED technology. This would deliver deeper blacks, richer colors, and potentially even variable refresh rates for smoother visuals.
- MagSafe Support: Rumors suggest the iPad Pro could finally join the iPhone family in supporting MagSafe for wireless charging and accessory attachment.
- Thinner Bezels: Leaks also hint at slimmer bezels around the display, offering a more immersive viewing experience.
A Turning Point for the iPad Pro?
The potential design shift and rumored upgrades suggest the 2024 iPad Pro could be a game-changer, particularly for users who primarily utilize their tablets in landscape mode.
With a more natural video calling experience, a potentially stunning OLED display, and the power of the M3 chip, the 2024 iPad Pro could solidify its position as the ultimate productivity powerhouse for creative professionals and multitasking masters alike.
Stay Tuned!
With the expected launch just around the corner, Apple fans won’t have to wait long to see if these rumors become reality. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the official details as soon as they become available.
