Apple’s next iPad Pro could fix a longstanding frustration for users who switch between portrait and landscape modes. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the upcoming M5 iPad Pro is likely to feature two front-facing cameras, one on the top edge when held vertically, and another on the side for landscape orientation.
A fix for a common user frustration
Right now, the M4 iPad Pro only has one front camera, positioned along the landscape edge. That was a design shift introduced in 2024 to improve video calls when the iPad is used horizontally, something many people appreciated. But not everyone was happy. Users who often hold their iPad in portrait mode, especially for selfies or quick FaceTime calls, found the experience awkward.
The rumored M5 model looks to solve this by including a second front camera, allowing the device to adapt more naturally to how people actually use it. Whether you’re holding it vertically to scroll or horizontally for a Zoom meeting, the right camera would always be in the right place.
Not a big redesign—but a smart one
Unlike last year’s M4 iPad Pro, which introduced major hardware changes like an OLED display and a much thinner body, the M5 refresh is expected to be more about refinement than revolution. In addition to the new dual-camera layout, the device will likely debut with Apple’s next-generation M5 chip under the hood, bringing performance gains but not necessarily changing the iPad’s look or feel in a big way.
This update is consistent with Apple’s standard procedure, which involves a significant overhaul every few years, followed by more subtle upgrades.
When will the M5 iPad Pro launch?
Well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted that mass production of the new iPad Pro models will kick off in the second half of 2025. That lines up with Apple’s typical 18-month upgrade cycle for its premium tablets, suggesting we could see the M5 iPad Pro arrive sometime in September or October.
As usual, Apple hasn’t confirmed anything yet, so take these details with a grain of salt—but the sources are credible, and the timeline makes sense.