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The iPad 2 was my very first iPad and I loved it. Mostly because it was as advertised at the time: a larger iPhone. After the iPad 2, I upgraded to the first-gen iPad Pro 12.9" that still had Touch ID. I had that for many years before returning it to Apple for store credit. I'd say I lasted about 6 months before I really wanted the latest iPad Pro. The design was what made me want to buy it and the fact that Touch ID was removed. I loved the look of the iPhone 4 and wanted every iPhone since then to look the same but that didn't happen (till now).
After having this iPad Pro for nearly a year I have a few things I'd love to see in the future iPads. I know probably NONE of these will actually happen but a girl can dream, can't she?
CAMERA
I hope I'm not the only one who feels this way, but I could do WITHOUT the back camera altogether. Ever since it was included in every iPad device I never used it. Like literally NEVER used it. And I think that now with the updated iPhones and the future they bring to photography, I feel it's no longer a necessity to have a camera bump on the back of an iPad. How I love for the day to lay my iPad down on a table and it lay flat! Now that's an idea right? I mean, seriously, are you using the back camera of your iPad? And if so, how often? I'm curious to know.
Another argument I have for the iPad not needing a back camera (and this might be just me again) is I didn't buy an iPad till I was already waist deep in the Apple echo system. By that, I mean, when I purchased the iPad it had nothing to do with the camera specs. I could care less about that. I have a camera on my newest iPhone (whatever generation I had at the time). I bought it for the screen real estate and the touch screen aspect. Period.
Now, just because I'm saying NO to a back camera, doesn't mean I'm saying NO to camera's altogether on the iPad. On the contrary. Instead of wasting so much time "improving" the back camera with fancy lenses, I wish the team would focus more of their energy on the front facing "FaceTime" camera. Why? Well, because we are living in a time when connecting via zoom or FaceTime is the new normal and I think Apple is falling behind in that regard. The time has come to stop with the back camera's and give us not one but TWO front facing camera's. Okay, too much? Well, hear me out:
When we turn the iPad landscape to attach to whatever keyboard or stand we have (in my case the Magic Keyboard) the camera is now on the left side. This will lead into my next wish, but for now, let's just say my left hand is now blocking that camera so when I turn on the iPad I am met with that "camera blocked" message. Awkward, a bit? Yeah. I think there should be two camera's that are used depending on the orientation the iPad is in. If I'm in landscape then give me a camera just below where the Pencil docks. If I'm holding it portrait, the normal placement for the camera works.
And for the love of Pete, give me a better resolution so I'm not looking like a grainy Amy!
BUTTONS
Okay, this leads me to the buttons. I got a few peeves with their placement or their necessity, for that matter. Let's start with the Power Button on the top right. I would say my use of the iPad is 95% landscape mode. This puts the power button on the top left. So, whenever I download an app that requires Face ID, like when I wake up my iPad, I get met with the "camera blocked" message. This can all be solved by a camera in perfect landscape mode. Or, perhaps, not needing me to double tap the power button FIRST then use Face ID, then download the app. If Face ID is supposed to be the security, what is the double tap for? The way I see it you've got a few solutions here:
Get rid of the double tap necessity if I'm using Face ID for app purchases.
Add second camera for landscape mode that will use Face ID (if you INSIST the double tap remain).
Get rid of the Power Button altogether. If touching the screen wakes my iPad and I probably NEVER turn my iPad off, what real need do I have for the Power Button besides double tapping for apps. Ugh!
Move the location of the Power Button? I'm less inclined to this option, but I can't leave it out...
The Volume Buttons are another feature I could easily do without. I never use them. When I want to turn the volume up or down I bring down the control center and control the volume. I find it awkward to have to reach up to the top left (I'm in landscape mode) to adjust the volume.
In short, there are 3 buttons on my iPad I rarely ever use because they can and should be used via the touch screen. My dream? Get rid of them all! And by doing so you open up the possibility of speakers on the top and bottom of the iPad! Now wouldn't that be cooler and more useful? I think so...
BEZEL
I'd love less bezel on the iPad. I see no reason why it wouldn't be possible? I honestly think the bezel can be decreased by 50% all around. Keep the same measurements for the iPad Pro, but give me less bezel and more screen space.
I love having a bezel so I wouldn't get rid of it! I like having a frame and not a drop off, like other tech companies have.
If Apple were to give me all of these things in a future iPad, I would love it! Though I'm sure they won't. In the meantime, the likelihood of upgrading an iPad that functions in the same way with too many things that are just unnecessary to me, is slim to none.
Do you own an iPad? Which one? Is there anything about it you'd love to change?
Have you never owned an iPad before but wanted to? What keeps you from buying one? The price? The features?
I'd love to hear your thoughts, whether you agree or disagree with me.