New iOS 4.3 Findings: iPad 2 Has 1MP Back Camera, VGA on Front

Apple is adding a 1 megapixel back facing camera on its next-generation iPad, as well as a VGA-quality front facing camera for FaceTime support according to the latest iOS 4.3 SDK findings.

New iPad 2 references to the iPad 2 have been found in the latest iOS 4.3 seeds from Apple.

According to 9to5mac.com, sources contend that the newly-discovered K94 and K95 code names are for two separate versions of the iPad 2 (which may be WiFi, 3G, CDMA, or dual-band devices).

Tied to these designations is the mentioning of “Back Facing 1MP Photo” which, according to the Mac-centric blog, should indicate the presence of a 1 megapixel camera on the back of Apple’s new iPad model.

For the front, Apple is reportedly using VGA, just like on the iPhone 4 and fourth-generation iPod touch.

Last week, iOS 4.3 tinkerers found evidence that Apple’s iPad 2 will bear at least one camera, and additional built-in software to support the new hardware.

Imagery published by MacRumors indicated that Apple’s next tablet computer would not only ship with a Camera application (which should act virtually the same as the iPhone and iPod touch version of the app), but also with FaceTime support and Photo Booth, two more apps that also rely on a built-in camera.

Photo Booth uses a Mac’s built-in iSight web cam to take pictures of whatever or whoever is in front of the computer, and allows users to apply various effects and filters on the resulting photographs.

These include Thermal Camera, Mirror, X-Ray, Kaleidoscope, Light Tunnel, Squeeze, Twirl and Stretch in Apple’s iOS 4.3 Beta 2.

Various other code strings found in iOS 4.3 betas indicate that Apple is planning to equip its next-generation iPad with a proximity sensor, likely enabling the tablet to automatically switch its screen on and off as the user picks it up, or lays it down to rest.