Alleged iPad 4 photos hint at HD FaceTime front-facing camera

Recently-leaked photos show the 9.7-inch Retina iPad with a larger front-facing camera cutout -- leading to speculation that Apple may be debuting an upgrade of this device at this week's event.

Dara Kerr Former senior reporter

Dara Kerr was a senior reporter for CNET covering the on-demand economy and tech culture. She grew up in Colorado, went to school in New York City and can never remember how to pronounce gif.

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Dara Kerr

Oct. 22, 2012 5:26 p.m. PT

Alleged photos show a possible iPad 4 with a larger front-facing camera cutout than previous models. Boy Genius Report

While most of the hype surrounding Apple's much-anticipated news event tomorrow is focusing on the possible iPad Mini, rumors are also spreading about a new regular-size iPad.

Leaked photos last week showed the alleged Lightning dock connector for an iPad 4, suggesting a new-generation iPad is being redesigned to accommodate a wide range of new components. Now, more photos have surfaced that show the iPad 4's possible new screen.

The new photos show what seems to be a larger front-facing camera cutout, according to Boy Genius Report, which published the images. This larger cutout could mean that Apple might include a bigger sensor that would accommodate the same 1.2 megapixel FaceTime HD front-facing camera that both the iPhone 5 and iPod touch have.

If Apple does indeed debut a refreshed 9.7-inch Retina iPad tomorrow, it is expected to get a Lightning connector like the iPhone 5 and will retain the same price points as its predecessor. The updated iPad could also address issues with the first-generation Retina product, which include making it lighter and improving the LED backlight apparatus, according to a previous CNET report.

According to Boy Genius Report, it's not clear if these new display assembly images are for an iPad 4 that may be announced at Apple's event tomorrow or for a tablet that the company plans to release further down the road.

CNET will be live-blogging Apple's special event tomorrow, when the company is expected to announce the iPad Mini and other new and upgraded products.