According to an article on the site of Engadget quoting sources from Bloomberg, Apple is planning to release the next iPad Pro as early as the first half of 2020, with the incorporation of two cameras as well as a Face ID-like 3D sensor system to help people create "reconstructions of rooms, objects and people."

Sources said the same leak also reiterated an earlier The Information report claiming that Apple plans to launch a mixed AR and VR headset in 2022 (possibly in 2021) followed by AR glasses in 2023. Last month, Apple filed a patent for a mixed-reality headset using RGB-D sensors.

Seeking to upstage the competition, Apple has been dabbling in next-generation technologies. An earlier report on iMore.com said Apple would incorporate time-of-flight 3D sensors on several new iPhone models being introduced next year. Apple had introduced three new iPhones in September incorporating a fast A13 chip, but with conventional image sensors.

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Apple also reportedly said last month it was considering adding more data and power contacts to its Apple Watch bands, possibly paving the way to add replaceable power sources or sensors outside the watch.