A hidden code found in the iOS 17.4 beta suggests that Apple is planning to release a future iPad model with a Face ID camera in landscape orientation. This new iPad model is expected to be an upcoming iPad Pro. Currently, all iPad Pro variants with the TrueDepth camera for Face ID have the camera positioned on the side when the tablet is held in landscape mode. This positioning can be awkward when using the Magic Keyboard accessory for video conferencing.

The strings of code found in the iOS 17.4 beta suggest that there will be a change in the positioning of the TrueDepth Camera in the next-gen iPad Pro model. The new setup process will include instructions for Face ID to be set up in landscape mode with the camera at the top of the screen. This change will allow Face ID to work seamlessly in both portrait and landscape orientations.

The only current iPad model with a front-facing camera at the top of the device in landscape mode is the 10th-generation iPad, which uses Touch ID instead of Face ID. Bloomberg’s analyst Mark Gurman has also mentioned that Apple is working on redesigned accessories for the next-gen iPad Pro, possibly featuring OLED displays and MagSafe compatibility.