An Apple iPad featuring FaceTime videocalling is due to be released in early 2011, according to reports from Apple's suppliers in Asia.

Display component vendors undergoing validation with Apple right now have revealed that the updated iPad will arrive at some point in the second quarter of 2011, suggesting that we could be seeing iPad 2 arriving at some point in the spring next year.

FaceTime iPad calls

DigiTimes claims that Apple suppliers expect that the updated iPad will arrive by the second quarter of 2011, featuring full FaceTime video-calling compatibility.

DigiTimes goes on to cite TPK Touch Solutions, Wintek, Cando, and Chimei Innolux as suppliers for Apple's next gen ultra-thin touch panels, set to feature reinforced glass.

All display components in testing are for a 9.7-inch screen size, so it seems like we might forget those rumours of a small-screen Apple iPad. At least for now.

FaceTime is already available on the iPhone 4 and the recently-released 4th-gen iPod touch


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This will make the iPad an even more attractive option. With the iPod Touch having FaceTime as well, it could be a better option for kids instead of a mobile. Certainly no call charges yet they can chat to friends as much as they like.

Presumably this will require a camera to be included. Why wasn't it in the first model we ask.


Oh, to get more sales of course. Silly of me.

Now now! theres no need to be that cynical. Im sure there was a perfectly rational explanation... somewhere

They are trying ton work out where the top is to put the camera. It’s actually a tricky thing to determine, as the iPad can be held any way up, and because of its size, there is more of a problem with having the camera to the left or right of the screen when it’s being held in in a landscape orientation. Unless they can bury the camera behind the screen. Now that would be a feat (and it is something Apple have a patent for, BTW).

My vote would be opposite the button. Portrait mode is so-named for a reason.

Landscape might be a better viewing layout. If they are adding FActTime to iChat then with many widescreen macs it could be blown out to full screen easily enough.

Or install 2 camera's & activate them with the tilt sensor

That might be a better option. Though will there be another camera in the back?

Opposite the button, like the iphone 4. Why does it matter whether the device is held portrait or landscape? As long as the camera is angled to focus on a point toward the middle of the display at half arms length, then it won't matter, the user can hold it how they want.

Or maybe a patent for a camera that can re-angle its objecrive?

That said, I'd more likely use GoToMeeting than FaceTime...

What does this do? Make it impossible to lie online?

Typo. It should have been FaceTime