Apple continues photography push: iPad Pro gets 3 cameras, like iPhone 11 Pro

Apple continues photography push: iPad Pro to feature iPhone 11's three cameras
(Image credit: Sonny DIckson)

Apple is set to continue its newfound photographic push, as the next iPad Pro will feature a three-camera array. 

A leaked image of an iPad Pro mockup was recently published, revealing the same triple-camera setup that Apple introduced with the latest generation of iPhone Pro camera phones. 

• Read more: iPhone 11 Pro review, iPhone 11 Pro Max review

The image comes from generally on-the-money leaker, Sonny Dickson. "We’ve obtained a final design mockup of Apple’s upcoming iPad Pro hardware from a source that has repeatedly been reliable about previous iPad hardware, showing Apple’s new camera hardware as featured on the iPhone 11 Pro gracing their upcoming refreshed lineup of iPads."

While a physical mockup doesn't reveal too much about the specs of the three cameras, it's reasonable to assume that they will be much like those found in the new iPhones – if not identical.

"The hardware is extremely similar to what is featured on the iPhone 11 Pro, and is expected to offer the same benefits to creative video professionals," says Dickson.  

The three cameras are likely to be similar to, if not the same as, those on the iPhone 11

The three cameras are likely to be similar to, if not the same as, those on the iPhone 11 (Image credit: Apple)

"The design is a nod to Apple’s intent to offer pro users of the iPad a device on which they can comfortably shoot and edit 4K quality video all from one device, offering the freedom to take their setups on the go without a bundle of extra hardware attached to a Mac."

Indeed, Apple's newly announced iPad OS is tailored specifically towards producing supercharged tablets. With a bespoke operating system built around the devices' distinct feature sets, along with assuredly beefier processing power, this could make the new iPad Pro a capable all-in imaging system.

Of course, the idea of using a tablet to take photographs may seem peculiar to camera purists. However, as anyone who's been to a tourist destination (or spends time around older friends and relatives) will attest, there are a lot of of non-traditional photographers who use iPads and tablets as their main camera.

With the new iPad Pro set to arrive in October, it will be interesting to see if Apple rolls out additional stills and video features specific to the device. 

Read more: 

The best tablets for photo editing and photographers in 2019
Meet the iPhone 11 – camera-focused, functional, but far too familiar
iPad photography hacks: Creative lighting ideas for cheap photography projects

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James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.