iPad Enclosure Has Empty Space for Camera?

202821 ipadcam
Top: iPad frame, Center: Camera, Bottom: MacBook Frame

Repair company Mission Repair has posted images of what is supposedly the iPad outer frame. While the iPad is not yet shipping, the company seems to have gotten a supply of iPad parts through unofficial channels. Identical photos have been circulating on other websites. Assuming these are actual iPad parts, it appears that Apple did build in a space for a camera at the top of the device.

The photo above is particularly convincing as the iPad frame is compared to a MacBook frame which does house a camera. The holes seem identical. Even if this is all true, Apple ultimately chose not to include a camera from the first version of the iPad. The iPad will begin shipping in late March.

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