Code discovered in Apple’s latest iOS 12.1 beta confirms its next-generation iPad Pro lineup will pack Face ID — and it will work in both portrait and landscape mode.
Users will be asked to set up the facial recognition system in portrait mode, but once this process is complete, the new iPad Pro can be unlocked in either orientation.
Apple introduced faster Face ID for the new iPhone lineup this year, but despite upgraded technology, its latest handsets can only be unlocked with your face in portrait mode. This can be frustrating when you’re playing games or watching video.
It would be an even bigger frustration on the iPad, which is more commonly used in landscape mode. But Apple seems to have eliminated the problem for the larger iOS devices.
2018 iPad Pro will unlock in any orientation
When you set up Face ID for the first time, you’ll need to hold the new iPad Pro in portrait mode, according to code discovered by iOS developers Guilherme Rambo. If you’re holding the device in landscape mode, you’ll be asked to “lift and rotate” it.
“Face ID needs to be in portrait to learn how to recognize you,” Apple’s software explains. “After Face ID has been set up, it will work in portrait and landscape.”
If for any reason you’re unable to rotate your iPad Pro, there will be an option to “set up later in Settings.”
I guess I was right https://t.co/NVddh89MWV pic.twitter.com/kaxSd1SRGD
— Guilherme Rambo (@_inside) October 25, 2018
2018 iPad Pro will be spectacular
In addition to Face ID, we expect the 2018 iPad Pro lineup to offer larger edge-to-edge displays and slimmer bezels — though those borders around the screen will still be large enough to accommodate the front-facing camera and sensors, so a notch won’t be required.
We can also expect it to pack Apple’s latest A12 Bionic chip, improved cameras, and maybe even USB-C connectivity with support for 4K external displays. A second-generation Apple Pencil could be on the way, too.
Apple is expected to make its new iPad Pro lineup official alongside new Macs at its October 30 event in New York City.
