iPad Pro With 3D Sensors To Be Released Early Next Year, Report Claims

A new iPad Pro, slated for release early next year, will reportedly feature 3D sensors and be the first device among the first for Apple's AR push.

Sources told Bloomberg that Apple is preparing to release a new iPad Pro model featuring a rear module that can fit two camera sensors, which is one more compared to the current model. The sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said this new iPad Pro model will be released within the first half of 2020.

The camera module on the new iPad Pro will have a “small hole” for a 3-D system that will allow it to be used to recreate three-dimensional models of rooms, objects and people. This new system is a more advanced version of the Face ID sensor found on the latest iPhone models, and is the centerpiece of Apple's AR push.

The report revealed that the iPad Pro with 3D sensor is but the first in a range of augmented- and virtual-reality devices Apple is hoping to release in a few years' time. Cupertino will also equip next year's high-end iPhone models, particularly those with 5G capabilities, with the 3D sensor.

The report also revealed that the engineering teams behind the iPad and iPhone are working on a new operating system internally dubbed “rOS.” This new operating system will allow current devices with AR support to work with upcoming devices, such as the aforementioned iPad Pro, as well as the upcoming AR and VR headsets also reported by The Information.

Apple reportedly planned to release an AR headset in 2020, but decided to push it back to 2021 or 2022. This device will be a combined AR and VR headset with a focus on gaming, watching videos and virtual meetings. The Cupertino tech giant also plans to release a sleeker, more lightweight AR glasses the following year, in 2023.

Of course, the alleged iPad Pro with 3D sensor is still a few months away, which means fans will have to wait before trying it. Those who want to get a taste of what Apple's AR can do can do so via the latest iPhones.