The TrueDepth camera system is a key feature in both the iPad Pro and iPhone, but there are some differences in its implementation and functionality between the two devices.
TrueDepth Camera Functionality
1. Purpose and Features:
- iPhone: The TrueDepth camera on iPhones is primarily used for Face ID, Animoji, and Memoji. It projects thousands of invisible dots to create a depth map of the user's face, enabling secure facial recognition and advanced selfie features like Portrait mode and Portrait Lighting[10].
- iPad Pro: While the iPad Pro also uses the TrueDepth camera for features like Animoji and Memoji, it is more focused on video conferencing and selfies. The camera supports Center Stage, which keeps users framed during video calls, and offers Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control[1][7].
2. Camera Specifications:
- iPhone: Typically includes a higher-resolution front camera compared to older models, but the exact resolution can vary by model. For example, newer iPhones often have a higher resolution front camera than the 12MP found on some iPad Pros.
- iPad Pro: The front-facing TrueDepth camera on the iPad Pro is a 12MP Ultra Wide camera with a 122° field of view and an Æ/2.4 aperture[1][2].
3. Orientation and Placement:
- iPhone: The TrueDepth camera is centered at the top of the screen in portrait orientation.
- iPad Pro: In newer models, the TrueDepth camera is positioned at the top edge in landscape orientation, which is beneficial for video calls when using the device with a keyboard[7].
4. Additional Features:
- iPhone: Face ID is a primary feature, allowing users to unlock their device securely.
- iPad Pro: While Face ID is not available on all iPad models, the TrueDepth camera supports Face ID on some versions, but its primary focus is on video conferencing and selfie capabilities.
In summary, while both devices use the TrueDepth camera for advanced facial recognition and selfie features, the iPhone focuses more on Face ID and security, whereas the iPad Pro emphasizes video conferencing and landscape-oriented use cases.
Citations:[1] https://support.apple.com/en-us/111841
[2] https://support.apple.com/en-us/111897
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/AppleVision/comments/144lpow/difference_between_truedepth_camera_and_lidar/
[4] https://www.apple.com/ipad-pro/specs/
[5] https://support.apple.com/en-us/111979
[6] https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7080/9/2/25
[7] https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/ipad-pro/
[8] https://apple.techable.com/specs/apple-ipad-pro-m4-13-wi-fi-only-256-512-gb-1-2-tb-specs/
[9] https://appleinsider.com/inside/iphone-16/vs/iphone-16-vs-iphone-16-pro-compared----going-pro-in-2024
[10] https://support.apple.com/en-us/102381