All iPads Apple need to put the camera on the long side

[Seanm87]

With all the keyboard cases we have as well as normal cases it makes no sense to me that apple insist on having the camera at the top. It just means you're always looking off at an angle instead of at the person. At least on the iPad Pro where the bezel is the same size all the way around.

Thoughts?

 

[secretk]

I have issues with the front camera. Not sure how someone thinks that this camera can be used for calls. It cannot. It is kind of normal to use split screen with apps like Webex, Zoom and to have on one side and on the other side to have some writing app to write notes. With the current placement people would see like my cheek basically. I don't see myself using iPad in portrait mode for video calls. Like it does not make sense. So why is this front camera put there? The usage is rather minimal.

Also Face ID fails like 70 % for me. And it is not because the camera is covered. It just does not work. Quite annoying.

In terms of the rear camera I would use it only for taking photos of documents so I have no issues with its placement.

 

[cambookpro]

I’d like to see two lenses on the front, one for each orientation. Not sure how likely that is.

 

[AutomaticApple]

With all the keyboard cases we have as well as normal cases it makes no sense to me that apple insist on having the camera at the top. It just means you're always looking off at an angle instead of at the person. At least on the iPad Pro where the bezel is the same size all the way around.

Thoughts?

While they're at it, they should bump up the megapixel count to 12.

 

[ericwn]

I’d like to see two lenses on the front, one for each orientation. Not sure how likely that is.

Good idea. The iPad is all about using regardless of portrait or landscape orientation so the camera setup should take both into account. At least on the Pro.

 

[GreenLightLuke]

I’d like to see two lenses on the front, one for each orientation. Not sure how likely that is.

Or at least make the camera image pull back in landscape. I used Zoom over the weekend and had to use my iPhone to control a Keynote as the camera couldn't get both me and my partner in the picture unless the iPad was moved further back.

 

[brentsg]

I always have to do gymnastics with my fingers to let Face ID work. I honestly am on the fence with returning this 12.9. I miss my old form factor and Touch ID.

 

[sunsetrunner]

I definitely agree with OP. Even more, I think it’s about time for under-screen selfie cameras on all kind of devices incl. smart phones, tablets, laptops and even iMacs. Just look at selfies people take&share all over the internet. Most of people look at the screen instead of camera while taking selfies which is pretty lame&silly. Front-facing cameras should be at-the-center-and-under the screen ALREADY.

 

[KittyKatta]

Hopefully this whole quarantine thing is a wake up call to Apple about how much the user values a well thought out FaceTime camera.

iPads - Video calls are perfect suited for this big screen but sidecam makes users look distracted
MacBooks - $3000 laptops with garbage 720p cameras.

I cringe whenever I watch these quarantined reporters or celebrities broadcasting on the news or talk shows using their expensive Apple hardware but the video quality is straight out of 2004. Its kinda sad because Apple has pioneered great photos from a phone but those horrible video calls have now become a feature that is distinctly Apple.

 

[marty1980]

I’d like to see two lenses on the front, one for each orientation. Not sure how likely that is.

I agree with this. If you move it, then you just end up with use cases where the new position is a problem. The obvious issue is cost and space available for the new components.

I don’t have much issue with FaceID. It seems to work at more angles on my iPad as compared to my iPhone X.

 

[AutomaticApple]

I definitely agree with OP. Even more, I think it’s about time for under-screen selfie cameras on all kind of devices incl. smart phones, tablets, laptops and even iMacs. Just look at selfies people take&share all over the internet. Most of people look at the screen instead of camera while taking selfies which is pretty lame&silly. Front-facing cameras should be at-the-center-and-under the screen ALREADY.

That kind of technology will not be mainstream for a couple of years.

 

[RevTEG]

I’d like to see two lenses on the front, one for each orientation. Not sure how likely that is.

I’d love to see this too. Although Apple will still need to retain some spot to charge the pencil. I think the camera(s) and charging port makes that difficult. It would put the AP charging down by the keyboard on the new MK and impossible on the ASK.
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Hopefully this whole quarantine thing is a wake up call to Apple about how much the user values a well thought out FaceTime camera.

iPads - Video calls are perfect suited for this big screen but sidecam makes users look distracted
MacBooks - $3000 laptops with garbage 720p cameras.

I cringe whenever I watch these quarantined reporters or celebrities broadcasting on the news or talk shows using their expensive Apple hardware but the video quality is straight out of 2004. Its kinda sad because Apple has pioneered great photos from a phone but those horrible video calls have now become a feature that is distinctly Apple.

I completely agree with you. However, as someone who uses an iPad Pro in landscape to teach live classes and now Zoom meetings, you do get used to where to look. Setting/standing at a slight angle while looking “through” the camera gets pretty easy with some practice. It makes you look straight to those watching. BUT.... there‘s no denying moving the camera to landscape would be MUCH better. Apple could then move the Apple Pencil charging to the left side where the current camera is.. I‘ve wanted the camera moved since the iPad first got a front facing camera...