Next iPad Air Again Rumored to Feature Landscape Front Camera

The next-generation iPad Air will be equipped with a landscape front camera, according to the leaker known as "ShrimpApplePro."

iPad Air 5 Colors
If this information is accurate, the front camera on the next iPad Air would be located in the bezel to the right of the screen when the device is held upright. As a result, the front camera would be positioned at the top of the iPad when the device is in landscape orientation, making it centered with the user's eyes during video calls. This change would be especially beneficial to those who use the iPad Air with a Magic Keyboard.

On the current iPad Air, the front camera is in the top bezel above the screen, resulting in it being off-center in landscape orientation.

The leaker does not expect the next iPad Air to have any other significant design changes. They also cast doubt on a larger 12.9-inch iPad Air, but that model has been widely rumored by multiple sources, so it would be surprising if it did not launch.

A landscape front camera had already been rumored for both the next iPad Pro and iPad Air, so it is becoming an increasingly likely design change. Apple already repositioned the front camera on the entry-level iPad 10 a few years ago, so it would make sense for the change to be expanded to the entire iPad lineup eventually.

"During ‌Face ID‌ setup, iPad needs to be in landscape with the camera at the top of the screen," read hidden code in iPadOS 17.4.

Apple is expected to unveil new iPads in late March or in April.

"ShrimpApplePro" has a mixed track record with Apple rumors over the past few years. The leaker accurately revealed details about devices like the iPhone 15 Pro and Apple Watch Series 9, but they were incorrect about the Apple Watch Ultra 2 being available in a Space Black finish and the iPad mini being updated in 2023.

Related Roundup: iPad Air
Buyer's Guide: iPad Air (Neutral)
Related Forum: iPad

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Top Rated Comments

xmarcuswildx Avatar
24 months ago
I just want a damn iPad mini with more ram and a nice screen. Throw an A17 in there and we’ll call it even.

(M1 would be glorious)
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
abatabia Avatar
24 months ago
No reason to update from an air 4 or 5, like at all. Unless that camera is that important to you.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
aknabi Avatar
24 months ago

But when will they rotate the Apple logo on the back and complete the transformation to landscape-first device? That’s what the people REALLY wanna know!
Just waiting for an Apple patent on a rotating metal logo on the back that orients itself to the landscape or portrait based on device rotation.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
torontotim Avatar
24 months ago

This is probably why no new products from Apple will ever have the freedom of macOS. Words can barely describe the anger this causes me.
If Apple's business strategy angers you beyond words, you should seek therapy.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MrGimper Avatar
24 months ago

Just waiting for an Apple patent on a rotating metal logo on the back that orients itself to the landscape or portrait based on device rotation.
Like the PS logo on the PS2 drive tray?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
transpo1 Avatar
24 months ago
These things are looking more and more like Macbooks every day. Time for Apple to put macOS on the iPad when in keyboard mode.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)