Apple’s Next iPad Pro to Feature Dual Front Cameras and M5 Chip

News Desk

Islamabad: Apple is reportedly planning a practical design update for its upcoming iPad Pro lineup. According to Bloomberg, the next-generation iPad Pro, powered by Apple’s upcoming M5 chip, may include not just one but two front-facing cameras.

This unusual development is being described as a “weirdly practical” enhancement. Sources familiar with the matter say the additional camera will be positioned to support video calls in portrait orientation, while the current landscape-oriented camera will remain in place.

This change reflects Apple’s aim to accommodate both traditional laptop-style use and handheld tablet interactions—especially for the 11-inch iPad Pro, which is often used in portrait mode due to its size and portability.

A new approach to camera placement

Traditionally, Apple placed the front-facing camera along the portrait edge of iPads. That shifted in 2024 when Apple moved the camera to the landscape edge with the M4 iPad Pro lineup, aligning with increased use of iPads with keyboards and stands, particularly the 13-inch model.

The new dual-camera setup seems to address user feedback about the inconvenience of having a front camera only on the landscape edge when holding the device in portrait mode.

While both cameras are expected to be used for video calls, Face ID functionality will likely remain linked to the landscape camera, indicating the portrait camera is an added feature to boost versatility rather than replace the existing sensor.

Under the hood: M5 chip and AI enhancements

The next iPad Pro is expected to feature Apple’s upcoming M5 chip, promising a notable performance boost. However, insiders do not expect a major physical redesign. The current look—introduced in the 2024 refresh—includes a slimmer body and a minimalist single-camera module on the back, moving away from earlier dual-lens designs.

Apple appears to be focusing more on software innovation. With iPadOS gaining more Mac-like features such as an updated canvas system and a persistent menu bar, the company is also heavily investing in AI capabilities.

Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, is anticipated to undergo a significant upgrade with generative AI features. Although details are limited, reports indicate Siri will be able to handle complex tasks across apps, evolving into a more integrated AI agent, similar to ChatGPT but tailored to Apple’s ecosystem.

A wider M5 rollout

The iPad Pro won’t be the only device to get the M5 chip. Apple is also reportedly preparing an early release of refreshed MacBook Pro models, while the MacBook Air is expected to receive an upgrade sometime next year.

If confirmed, the dual-camera system on the iPad Pro could be the first major tablet to feature orientation-specific hardware designed to support different usage modes—another example of Apple’s careful yet purposeful design evolution