Apple is reportedly planning a practical design change in its upcoming iPad Pro lineup. According to Bloomberg, the next-generation iPad Pro—powered by Apple’s yet-to-be-released M5 chip—may feature not one, but two front-facing cameras.

The development, though unusual, is being described as a “weirdly practical” upgrade. Sources familiar with the matter claim the additional camera will be positioned to facilitate video calls in portrait orientation, while the existing landscape-oriented camera will remain.

The shift signals Apple’s intent to cater to both traditional laptop-style usage and handheld tablet interactions—particularly for users of the 11-inch iPad Pro, which is commonly used in portrait mode due to its size and portability.

A shift in camera strategy

Historically, Apple positioned the front-facing camera along the portrait edge of iPads. That changed in 2024 when the company shifted the camera to the landscape edge for the first time with the M4 iPad Pro lineup. The move aligned with the growing use of iPads with keyboards and stands, especially in the 13-inch model.

However, the new dual-camera system appears to be Apple’s response to longstanding feedback from users who found the landscape-only camera awkward when holding the device in portrait orientation.

The report notes that while both cameras will be used for video calls, Face ID functionality will likely remain tied to the landscape camera, suggesting the portrait sensor is a secondary addition to enhance versatility rather than a replacement.

Under the hood: M5 chip and AI improvements

The next iPad Pro is expected to house Apple’s upcoming M5 chip, marking a significant performance leap. However, industry insiders do not anticipate a major redesign. The current aesthetic—introduced in the 2024 refresh—features a slimmer body and a minimalist single-camera module on the rear, a departure from previous dual-lens setups.

More importantly, the software is where Apple seems to be focusing its innovation efforts. With iPadOS gaining increasingly Mac-like capabilities—such as an updated canvas system and a persistent menu bar—Apple is also said to be investing heavily in AI features.

Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, is expected to receive a major overhaul with generative AI capabilities. While details remain scarce, reports suggest that Siri will be able to perform complex tasks across apps, moving closer to an integrated AI agent, much like ChatGPT but tailored for Apple’s ecosystem.

A broader M5 rollout

The iPad Pro is not the only device in line for the M5 upgrade. Apple is also said to be preparing an early launch for refreshed MacBook Pro models, while the MacBook Air will also see a chip upgrade sometime next year.

If confirmed, the dual-camera system on the iPad Pro could mark the first time a major tablet incorporates orientation-specific hardware to cater to different modes of usage—yet another example of Apple’s cautious but deliberate design evolution.