Apple is anticipated to unveil a refreshed OLED iPad Pro this spring, with new features hinted at in recent software updates. The latest iOS 17.4 beta has provided insights into what consumers can expect from the upcoming device, enhancing the user experience for iPad enthusiasts.
Revamped Face ID Orientation and Setup
Discovered by Filipe Espósito from 9to5Mac, the iOS 17.4 beta code reveals plans for an iPad Pro with a landscape-oriented TrueDepth camera. This shift from the traditional portrait mode orientation of the front-facing camera on previous models indicates a design tailored for more convenient video conferencing, with users typically preferring the landscape orientation for their tablets. The setup process for Face ID has also been updated, specifying the landscape position during initial configuration, though post-setup, it will function in both orientations.
Find My Integration for Apple Pencil 3
In addition to the Face ID improvements, Espósito has uncovered that the next-generation Apple Pencil 3 may incorporate the Find My feature, enhancing its trackability. While it remains to be seen whether the Apple Pencil will mimic the functionality of a MagSafe Wallet or AirTag, iPadOS will prompt users when the Pencil is detached from the iPad.
The excitement around the iPad Pro is further fueled by rumors of it being equipped with an M3 chip, an OLED display, and innovative accessories, such as a Magic Keyboard, which would give the iPad Pro a more Mac-like appearance. The anticipation for these enhancements reflects the high expectations for the device’s performance and usability.
Should the new accessories manage to conserve the iPad’s battery life effectively, the only remaining aspect for Apple to refine would be the iPadOS 18, given that the hardware is shaping up to meet all the desires of tech aficionados.
