Potential camera enhancement on upcoming iPad Pro may take an unusual functional turn
The tech giant Apple is set to unveil a series of significant upgrades in its next iPad Pro, due for launch in fall 2025. Among the most notable changes is the addition of dual front-facing cameras, one on the landscape side (existing) and a new one on the portrait side1. This move aims to provide native front camera support for both orientations, enhancing video call experiences and enabling new multi-camera features like Desk View.
Other key features expected in the 2025 iPad Pro include:
- Apple’s new M5 chip, bringing improved CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, and enhanced AI performance built on TSMC's advanced 3nm process for better speed and efficiency14.
- Standardization of 16GB RAM across all models (previously only available on higher storage tiers), supporting more demanding productivity and AI applications1.
- Wi-Fi 7 support for faster wireless connectivity1.
- The design itself is expected to remain similar to the 2024 model, with the slim chassis, OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, and brightness up to 1000 nits continuing2.
The dual-camera setup on the next iPad Pro is a strategic move, balancing the need for versatility in video communication with the device's design and usability3. The switch of the front camera on the larger 13-inch iPad Pro to landscape mode made sense due to its size and usual landscape orientation, while the shift on the smaller 11-inch iPad Pro to portrait mode was somewhat of a mixed bag, as it can be carried in one hand and is ideal for portrait mode usage1.
In addition to the hardware upgrades, the next iPad Pro is rumoured to introduce a macOS-like menu bar and an updated canvas system with iPadOS2. The Face ID hardware is likely to remain aligned with the landscape front camera1.
While the design language with a slimmer waistline and a single rear camera approach at the back was only introduced in the 2024 iPad Pro, the 2026 model is expected to be identical to the 2024 model4. Meanwhile, Apple is also rumoured to release an upgraded MacBook Air and MacBook Pro next year, with the MacBook Pro refresh launching earlier than usual1.
These details come from a report by Bloomberg, suggesting that the second front-facing camera on the next iPad Pro is for improved video calling and selfie capabilities in both orientations1. The report also indicates that Siri's AI enhancements in the next iPad Pro will allow it to interact with apps and get more done than it can accomplish with a hybrid ChatGPT system at the moment.
- The addition of dual front-facing cameras on the next iPad Pro not only provides native front camera support for both orientations, but also enables new features like Desk View, enhancing video call experiences and offering versatility in video communication.
- The 2025 iPad Pro is expected to include Apple’s new M5 chip, standardization of 16GB RAM across all models, Wi-Fi 7 support, and a design similar to the 2024 model, with the slim chassis and OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate continuing, indicating a focus on improved performance, connectivity, and design consistency.
