Learn whether your iPad has a flash camera, and how to use it if it does.
Not every iPad has an LED flash on the back, but many of Apple’s tablets offer a nice selfie flash.
Which iPads Have a Flash Camera?
Most iPad Pro models have a flash camera, with the only exception being the 12.9-inch iPad Pro that came out in 2015. iPad Air models, from the fourth generation and later, also have a flash camera. The sixth generation iPad mini also has a flash camera, but all earlier models don’t.
All other standard iPad models don’t feature a flash camera or a flashlight. Even the 10th generation iPad that came out in October 26, 2022 doesn’t feature a flash camera.
One of the simplest ways to tell if an iPad has a flash camera is to look if there’s an LED flash on the back of the iPad. If you don’t see this on your iPad, it means that your iPad doesn’t have a flash camera.
iPad Selfie Flash
Many newer iPad models have a selfie flash. Of course, this is the common trick where the tablet increases display brightness to the maximum brightness and shows a white screen briefly to serve as a ‘flash’ while snapping the picture. Apple calls this "Retina Flash," and it’s available on iPad mini 5 and later, iPad 5 and later, iPad Air 3 and later, as well as every iPad Pro except for the first-generation iPad Pro.
The iPad’s front-facing flash isn’t as bright as the rear flash, but since the subject is usually the person holding the tablet, it’s close enough to provide good light. Apple’s "Retina Flash" tints the color of the white that appears on-screen to match the ambient light, just like the True Tone flash of the rear LED. Naturally, the rear-facing LED flash is strong enough to brighten a group of people or larger objects, allowing the iPad Pro and iPad mini 6 to be useful for photography in more circumstances.
How to Use the Flash Camera on an iPad
To turn the camera flash on or off on iPad models that support True Tone Flash, follow the steps below:
- Open the Camera app.
- Tap the Flash button.
- Choose Auto, On, or Off.
You can follow the same steps to turn on or off the retina flash while taking selfies.
Will Future iPads Still Have to a Flash Camera?
Future iPad models will most likely continue to have a flash camera. While the future for the standard iPad is uncertain, the iPad Pro now features a LiDAR scanner and other impressive features. With improvements like this, it’s hard to fathom why Apple would get rid of the camera flash.
