HD FaceTime camera may be used in redesigned iPad 3

Rumours of an updated iPad have gained momentum. Yesterday it was reported that the dock connector of the redesigned iPad 3 had been captured on camera. Now, a report by Boy Genius Report claims that it has received images of the new screen of the upcoming iPad, which it dubs the iPad 4. The point of focus is the larger cut out for the front-facing camera. This could indicate that Apple may use a FaceTime camera with HD capabilities like the ones used in the iPhone 5 and the iPod touch.

FaceTime HD camera

As per the report, the author Jonathon S Geller states that BGR has received images of the iPad’s display assembly. He says, “The most noticeable changes we can see are the fact that the front-facing camera cutout is larger than the previous model, allowing Apple to include a bigger sensor. We’d bet that Apple will continue the 1.2 megapixel FaceTime HD camera from the iPhone 5 and iPod touch here.”

Another notable change observed from the images BGR received is that the screen will be optically bonded thereby reducing the amount of glare that appears on the tablet. Apart from this, this feature could also help in improving in the picture quality of the iPad.

Screen may be optically bonded

However, BGR is quick to issue a disclaimer and they state that they have not been specifically told whether that these updates will feature in the iPad that will be launched along with the iPad mini or whether Apple will wait till the current cycle is over and announce it next year.

They end by stating, “We’d assume it is the refreshed 3rd-generation model. If so, that would be a new Lightning dock connector, upgraded FaceTime HD front facing camera, optically bonded display, most likely improved 4G LTE support across the globe, and possibly a faster processor.”

An earlier report stated that Apple will use a Lightning dock connector in the 4th generation iPad and this will be similar to those that will be found on the iPad mini. This most likely signals that the 4th generation iPad will also feature a redesigned interior to accommodate different components.

Judging by the above information, we can expect the next iPad to come with some other features than the previous generation model. Though it is strange that Apple will launch a new iPad just a few months after launching its current version, it’s fair to say that the problems that affected it could not be ignored. This includes the weight of the tablet, the false marketing of the LTE capabilities and the heating issue cause by the LED backlight module. These could be reasons enough for Apple to issue a refreshed version of the tablet but one can expect that the new iPad will not be in the spotlight for a considerable amount of time at the Apple event.