iPad photos show slot for forward-facing video camera?

[geo411m]

Apple Insider Reports photos of iPad inclosure with front mounted camera.

Physical evidence pointing to a forward-facing iPad camera was found in the frame of replacement enclosures for the device.

Evidence for the possible existence of a forward-facing camera in the iPad was uncovered by repair company Mission Repair in a shipment of replacement iPad enclosures it acquired on Tuesday.

A "spot" that closely resembles the holes present in the Unibody Macbook exists within the iPad frame. Mission Repair confirmed that the camera from the Macbook does fit into place on the frame, with the lens, LED, and ambient light sensor all lining up.

AppleInsider first reported that the iPhone OS 3.2 SDK provided evidence that the shipping iPad could support a camera. According to one developer, the native Contacts application on the iPad offers the option to take a photo, in addition to choosing an existing one.

This adds some validity to the rumors that Apple may still be working on a camera-equipped iPad that could recognize the face of its user, as reported by the Wall Street Journal in the days before the reveal of the iPad. The article mentioned that it was "unclear whether the feature would be included at launch."

Source

I don't want to start any rumors but can this be true? It would be great if it was.

[Poseidon79]

This would appear to be pretty good evidence! It won't make it onto the first generation iPad though. Maybe an upgraded one announcement in June with the new iPhone?

[geo411m]

This would appear to be pretty good evidence! It won't make it onto the first generation iPad though. Maybe an upgraded one announcement in June with the new iPhone?

Wouldn't it be too early for a hardware refresh 2 months after release? Maybe they're going to put it in the higher end models?

[GadgetX]

I for one would be pretty pissed if they added a camera to the iPad a few months after I buy one. Maybe the iPad previously had one and it got axed before the unveiling? What are the chances that Apple would add a camera before it launches?

[StealthBravo]

It may make it into the 3g model

[BRKA]

no lets say it doesn't make it..the slots there and the support is there could a brave soul place one in them selves?

[StealthBravo]

I doubt it. The iPad OS wouldnt find it

[GadgetX]

I doubt it. The iPad OS wouldnt find it

Or would it? AppleInsider | iPhone OS 3.2 is iPad-only, potential camera support, A4 processor
Yeah I know apple will probably remove this with their first update but one can dream...

[Poseidon79]

Possibly an upgrade to go alongside the annual iPod upgrades which come out in Sept.