iPad may have had camera pulled at last minute

A new slip today has reinforced beliefs that the iPad has room for camera hardware. Photos of a new, slightly modified version of the frame seen a month ago still show holes that mimic those seen for webcams on Macs. The only changes appear to be the placement of holes in the bezel and a more obvious space for the home button.

Without a date on when the frame was made, neither PowerBookMedic nor observers can say for certain whether the supposed camera hole is either evidence of a last-minute addition or, more likely, evidence that the camera had survived multiple prototype incarnations before being pulled just ahead of its debut. It's nonetheless speculated that the design leaves room for a camera should costs, software and technology align for a future update.

References have existed in firmware to video calling, but it's not thought these could translate to the presence of a camera when the iPad ships in April. Aside from any software likely being unready, tablets often aren't well-suited to cameras as they require the user hold the device at an ideal angle.

By Electronista Staff