iOS 12.1 beta confirms Face ID on iPad Pro, will work in both landscape and portrait modes

A string of code unearthed in the latest iOS 12.1 beta offers instructions to set up Face ID authentication on iPad, seemingly confirming integration of the technology in an iPad Pro refresh expected for unveiling next week.

Shared in a tweet by 9to5Mac's Guilherme Rambo, the iOS code snippet provides parameters for using Face ID on iPad.

Specifically, the code appears to be an excerpt from Apple's initial iOS device setup process, and calls for users to "Lift and Rotate iPad" into portrait mode to configure Face ID.

"Face ID needs to be in portrait to learn how to recognize you. After Face ID has been set up, it will work in portrait and landscape."

An option to "Set up Later in Settings" is also provided.

Rumors of a Face ID-equipped iPad Pro have circulated for nearly a year, as analysts and insiders predicted Apple to build its latest biometric security technology into the flagship tablet. In July, an initial iOS 12 beta build included iPad-specific tools for creating and using Animoji and Memoji, avatar features exclusive to the TrueDepth camera system that underpins Face ID.

More recent rumblings hinted at multi-orientation support for Face ID, as seen in today's code discovery, while rumors earlier this month suggest the slate will feature a new magnetic connector.

Apple is widely expected to launch revamped iPad Pro models at a special event in New York on Oct. 30. The new slates are rumored to come in 12.9- and 11-inch sizes, and feature a full-face design with reduced bezels thanks to Face ID integration. A second-generation Apple Pencil is also anticipated.

AppleInsider will be attending Apple's "There's more in the making" event on Oct 30th, where we expect new iPad Pros, and maybe even new Macs! Keep up with our coverage by downloading the AppleInsider app for iOS, and follow us on YouTube, Twitter @appleinsider and Facebook for live, late-breaking coverage. You can also check out our official Instagram account for exclusive photos.

Latest Exclusives

Latest comparisons

21 Comments

netrox 1498 comments · 12 Years

About 6 years ago

Why can't iPhone do the same as well? Sometimes I pick the iPhone the landscape mode. I don't see any technical reasons why it cannot be done.

ireland 17435 comments · 18 Years

netrox said:

Why can't iPhone do the same as well? Sometimes I pick the iPhone the landscape mode. I don't see any technical reasons why it cannot be done.

I don’t know, but given iPad is used it both orientations the hardware sensors could be different.

PickUrPoison 302 comments · 7 Years

netrox said:

Why can't iPhone do the same as well? Sometimes I pick the iPhone the landscape mode. I don't see any technical reasons why it cannot be done.

As I understand it has to do with the coverage angle of the dot projector. A couple of possibilities: maybe there two TrueDepth systems on the iPad Pro, one on the long edge for landscape and one on the short edge for portrait. Or maybe one TrueDepth camera but two dot projectors, with one aimed at a different angle, or possibly rotated 90° wrt the other. Since there is no notch they have more flexibility with component placement; they don’t need to be grouped close together like on the iPhone.

ericthehalfbee 4489 comments · 13 Years

$90 billion quarter coming up.

drewys808 549 comments · 16 Years

I’m all for removing the home button to make way for additional screen space, but I’m skeptical that Face ID is the best way to login. It’s a matter of “mechanics” — the iPad often sits on a desk or lap where people often turn it on, it’s not directly facing the users face. The iPhone is smaller and easier to turn towards your face to login. It’s a subtle thing, but kind of a nuisance. Maybe it’s just my pet peeve.

I’d probably get one nevertheless. It’s too bad your hand can’t be used as biometric authentication instead of the face. Or can it??