Face ID is using the wrong camera

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Level 1

4 points

Face ID is using the wrong camera

New iPad Pro added a second camera advertising that it improves using the pad in both portrait and landscape mode.

However, for me portrait mode is broken as Face ID insists now on using the new camera on the right and not the top. However that camera is covered by my right hand and I always have to retry after lifting the hand. Doesn’t this defeat the purpose of having two cameras completely, making it less comfortable in 95% of the cases I use the pad?

Am I missing a setting? It definitely does not Just Work.

iPad Pro (M5, 2025)

Posted on Oct 23, 2025 9:32 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

LotusPilot

Community+ 2025

Level 10

300,914 points

Oct 23, 2025 10:13 AM in response to phaumer

Your iPad doesn't have a fault. The iPad Pro M5 has just one front-facing camera - not two. The camera is located on the long-edge - such that when the iPad is being used in Landscape orientation, the camera will be located at top-centre of the screen bezel.

Speculation prior to release of the iPad Pro M5 suggested that the new model might have two front-facing cameras.

Many older models of iPad and iPad Pro had the front camera positioned on the short edge. This positioned the camera at the top edge when used in Portrait orientation. When used in Landscape orientation, the front-facing camera was positioned to the side of the screen.

If purchased directly from Apple, in most countries/regions you have 14-days within which you may unconditionally return an unwanted device for exchange or refund. If you are unhappy with your purchase, you may wish to use the opportunity while it remains available to you.

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Answer 2

phaumer Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 23, 2025 12:00 PM in response to LotusPilot

Oh, I see. I saw the hole at the short edge and thought the old cam was still there. Oh well, I guess it’s a good workout routine for my left arm.

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Answer 3

Oct 23, 2025 2:11 PM in response to phaumer

In addition to the camera array, the bezel incorporates other light sensors. An actual "hole" (i.e. a perforation) will be an opening for one of several microphones.

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