A string of code unearthed in the latest iOS 12.1 beta offers instructions to set up Face ID authentication on iPad, seemingly confirming integration of the technology in an iPad Pro refresh expected for unveiling next week.

Shared in a tweet by 9to5Mac's Guilherme Rambo, the iOS code snippet provides parameters for using Face ID on iPad.

Specifically, the code appears to be an excerpt from Apple's initial iOS device setup process, and calls for users to "Lift and Rotate iPad" into portrait mode to configure Face ID.

"Face ID needs to be in portrait to learn how to recognize you. After Face ID has been set up, it will work in portrait and landscape."

An option to "Set up Later in Settings" is also provided.

Rumors of a Face ID-equipped iPad Pro have circulated for nearly a year, as analysts and insiders predicted Apple to build its latest biometric security technology into the flagship tablet. In July, an initial iOS 12 beta build included iPad-specific tools for creating and using Animoji and Memoji, avatar features exclusive to the TrueDepth camera system that underpins Face ID.

More recent rumblings hinted at multi-orientation support for Face ID, as seen in today's code discovery, while rumors earlier this month suggest the slate will feature a new magnetic connector.