Next iPad might offer better video calls

Next iPad might offer better video calls

• News

It's possible iPad 10 will have its front camera moved to the right edge.
Concept: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple may be making one of the most-requested iPad changes. In Apple’s upcoming budget tablet, the front-facing camera is reportedly moving from a short edge of the display to a long edge, which would put it near the top of the tablet in landscape mode.

Just about anyone who makes FaceTime calls on an iPad can see the advantage.

iPad front camera might move to right edge

For many years, Apple designed the various iPad models to be primarily used in portrait mode. That’s why the front-facing camera is on a short edge – it’s at the top of the tablet when it’s held in portrait mode.

But many people actually hold their iPad in landscape mode. It’s the screen orientation they’re accustomed to with their Mac. And it’s the only option with a clip-on keyboard attached. For these people, the iPad’s front-facing camera is way off to one side in video calls.

But that could change in the iPad 10, which is expected to launch this autumn. “There are also reports that the FaceTime HD camera will be significantly different, with one source saying that the FaceTime HD camera could be on the right side,” reports Mac Treasure Tracing Club (AKA MacOtokara).

According to previous leaks, the upcoming iPad 10 will have a larger screen and the flat edges Apple includes in its other tablets. Leaked CAD drawing show it will hold onto its Home button, but lose the headphone jack. This drawing contradicts the new report that the FaceTime camera is moving.

Monday’s unconfirmed report makes no mention of whether the 2022 iPad Pro models will also have a repositioned front-facing camera. They’re also expected this autumn.