The iPad Pro's Versatility: Is My Mac Becoming Obsolete?

With each software and hardware update, the iPad Pro inches closer to resembling a Mac. But can it truly serve as a complete replacement for a Mac?

Why the Relocation is Necessary

It's an easy question for anyone who owns an iPad Pro to answer: the current camera placement is far from ideal. Seriously, who holds a 12.9-inch device in portrait mode for extended video calls? The answer is, nobody. When we're on the go, we typically use the Magic Keyboard or other cases that position the iPad Pro in landscape mode, leaving the camera off to the side, making it look like we’re not paying attention to our colleagues during meetings. The Center Stage feature doesn’t resolve this issue; it merely centers our side views on the screen. The only workaround now is to utilize a rotatable stand in portrait mode. I tested this during my week-long iPad-only challenge, and it worked well—but it's impractical for most scenarios. This clearly illustrates why relocating the camera is a reasonable request.

Day 2 of My iPad Challenge: Transforming the iPad into a Desktop

This is my second update in a week-long experiment where I exclusively use the iPad Pro for work.

A Glimmer of Hope for the 2024 iPad Pro

Rumors suggest that the 2024 iPad Pro will undergo a significant redesign. Key changes might include new screen technology, with the existing mini LED panel potentially being replaced by dual stacked OLED panels. We’ve seen similar advancements in the latest iPhones, where a portion of the panel has been cut out to accommodate the camera system. The introduction of OLED panels in iPads raises the possibility of integrating the Dynamic Island feature into the iPad Pro.

Why is this important?

Apple's decision to position the camera on the smaller side of the iPad Pro relates to the Apple Pencil's charging system, which takes up space in the bezel, leaving no room for the camera and Face ID sensors. The Dynamic Island could allow for the camera and Face ID sensors to be placed beneath the Apple Pencil's charging area, utilizing a display cutout. However, on a larger screen like the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, this could dramatically affect user experience. I cherish the iPad for its seamless, uninterrupted screen experience—no cutouts or distractions that could diminish the enjoyment of this amazing display.

What Solutions Might Apple Offer?

Enhancing Your iPad’s Productivity: Five Custom Shortcuts

What convinces me that changes may be limited?

Apple has recently introduced a workaround with iPadOS 17, allowing support for external webcams. Users can now connect any webcam to the iPad Pro for video calls. While it's not an ideal solution, it does provide an option. Why would Apple implement this feature otherwise? Considering this recent addition, along with the placement of the Apple Pencil and the user experience of the screen, we shouldn't expect dramatic shifts in camera positioning in the next iPad Pro generation. However, I remain hopeful that Apple may surprise us.

What are your thoughts on the current camera placement of the iPad Pro? What are your expectations for the upcoming 2024 model? I'd love to hear your opinions in the comments!

Thank you for reading!

Tobias

CAMERAS ON M4 iPAD PRO - YouTube

This video explores the camera capabilities of the upcoming M4 iPad Pro, highlighting expected features and performance enhancements.

How To ENABLE/USE or Turn OFF Center Stage on iPad Pro | Full Tutorial - YouTube

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on how to enable, use, or disable the Center Stage feature on the iPad Pro.