A Small Change with Big Impact
Apple is reportedly addressing a long-standing user frustration with the iPad Pro: the awkward position of the front-facing camera. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in the latest Power On newsletter, the upcoming iPad Pro M5 could feature dual front cameras — one positioned for portrait orientation and another for landscape.
This subtle yet meaningful hardware change aims to accommodate users who prefer holding their device vertically — especially when taking selfies or unlocking the iPad using Face ID.
The Backstory: From Portrait to Landscape
Traditionally, iPads featured the selfie camera at the top bezel when held vertically. But with the iPad Pro M4 in 2024, Apple moved the front camera to the side — optimized for landscape usage, better suited for video calls and meetings.
“When Apple launched the iPad Pro M4 in May 2024, they made it thinner and shifted the FaceTime camera to the horizontal side. It was a welcome move for people like me who often hold the device sideways,” Gurman noted.
However, that adjustment came at a cost. Users who naturally hold their iPad vertically now find Face ID unlocking and selfies awkward, since the camera is not ideally positioned.
iPad Pro M5: Embracing Both Ways
Rumors suggest that Apple plans to bring back the portrait camera without removing the landscape one — meaning the iPad Pro M5 could feature two front-facing cameras for maximum flexibility.
“For users who prefer portrait mode, using the front camera and unlocking the device has become inconvenient. The solution seems simple: Apple may add a second front camera on the portrait edge,” Gurman emphasized.
While this isn’t a groundbreaking innovation, it signals Apple’s attention to real-world usability — something often overlooked in incremental hardware updates.
Not the First Time Apple Debated Orientation
Interestingly, Gurman recalls an internal Apple debate in 2010 during the development of the original iPad. The company considered placing the 30-pin charging connector on both the portrait and landscape sides — an idea Steve Jobs ultimately rejected.
In contrast, adding a secondary selfie camera in 2025 may not face the same pushback, thanks to invisible bezels that can discreetly house new hardware.
What Else to Expect from iPad Pro M5
Beyond the camera, the iPad Pro M5 is rumored to:
- Debut the new M5 chip, likely becoming the first Apple device to feature this processor
- Run iPadOS 26, which introduces the Liquid Glass UI, a redesigned interface with macOS-style multitasking and a dynamic menu bar
- Launch in late 2025, ahead of Mac models expected to adopt the M5 chip in 2026
According to 9to5Mac, this iPad Pro could be a milestone update — not just a spec bump, but a refinement in both hardware ergonomics and software design.
Final Thoughts: Small Detail, Big Delight
While adding a second front-facing camera might sound minor on paper, for millions of users who rely on iPads for video calls, selfies, unlocking, and content creation, this adjustment could significantly enhance daily usage.
It’s a reminder that innovation isn’t always about bold leaps — sometimes, it’s about fixing what should’ve worked better in the first place.
