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iPad OS 4.2 'Orientation Lock' to 'Mute Switch' Change Permanent

Sunday October 24, 2010 5:55 pm PDT by Arnold Kim

One of the controversial changes in the upcoming iPad OS 4.2 was the change in functionality of the iPad's Orientation locking switch to a Mute switch.

...the physical switch on the iPad's side for locking the screen orientation has been repurposed as a mute switch. The change has been confirmed by posters in our forums.

With the change, screen orientation locking is now accomplished within the multitasking tray as on the iPhone under iOS 4.

According to a reader email from 9to5Mac, Steve Jobs reports that this will not be user selectable.

Q: In IOS 4.2 for iPad is the switch on the side going to be the mute and not screen orientation lock from now on?
Steve Jobs: Yep.
Q: Are you planning to make that a changeable option?
Steve Jobs: Nope.

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Upcoming

AirPods Pro 2

Spring 2021

Apple is rumored to be working on a new version of the AirPods Pro, the AirPods Pro 2, and there could be some design changes in store.

iMac

Early 2021?

iPad Pro-like design? New screen sizes?

AirTags

Early 2021?

Apple is working on a Tile-like Bluetooth tracking device that's designed to be attached to items like keys and wallets for tracking purposes, letting you find them right in the Find My app.

Apple Glasses

2021?

Apple Augmented Reality Glasses are said to be coming in the next couple of years. Here's what we know so far.

• iPhone 13

• Foldable iPhone

See full product calendar