Apple's third-gen iPad rumored with more RAM, A5X dual-core CPU and LTE
Apple is rumored to unveil a third-generation iPad with more RAM than the iPad 2, along with a dual-core "A5X" processor that's been called "an A5 on steroids."
In addition to an improved processor and more RAM, the next iPad will also feature the option for high-speed 4G LTE connectivity, The Verge reported on Tuesday, citing anonymous sources. The LTE model is expected to be available in both AT&T and Verizon models, meaning there will remain two distinct versions dedicated to each U.S. wireless carrier.
Apple is also said to be planning a third, international iPad model that will offer 3G on both CDMA and GSM networks, using a chipset similar to the world-mode one found in the iPhone 4S.
As for the processor, the new iPad will feature a dual-core "A5X" processor, editor Joshua Topolsky claims, with "more RAM" than the iPad 2. Exactly how much RAM will be added was not said.
The A5X CPU is expected to have a more powerful graphics processor, but will not be a full-fledged sixth-generation chip. Instead, it was said that a true "A6" processor will likely launch later this year with Apple's sixth-generation iPhone.
The A5X was first revealed last month in a picture that claimed to show the logic board of Apple's third-generation iPad. Subsequent rumors also alleged that the new processor will be a dual-core chip offering improvements on the A5 processor found in the iPad 2 and iPhone 4S, rather than a complete overhaul.
Finally, Tuesday's latest report also said that Apple plans to update its Apple TV set-top box with a new model that will offer 1080p high-definition out. It will also "deliver new video streaming/mirroring functionality," the report said.
Apple's next iPad and Apple TV are expected to be officially unveiled on Wednesday at a media event in San Francisco, with the most recent rumors claiming the new touchscreen tablet will be known as the "iPad HD," in a reference to its new high-resolution Retina Display. The event will kick off at 10 a.m. Pacific, 1 p.m. Eastern, and AppleInsider will have full, live coverage.
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Comments
Seems like this would be a very short lived chip if they really would release a new iPad in the fall. Seems unlikely, but you never know. 1 year is the max now!
What a clever name - just like the 386X.
Actually, it is different. Isn't it X86 where the X is a placeholder for 3,4,5,6 and the 86 is the instruction set
If they got 2GB of RAM and a quad core chip, it would be a true laptop replacement
Please elaborate. What apps on an iPad3 with those specs alone would make that difference than that same app on an iPad2?
If they got 2GB of RAM and a quad core chip, it would be a true laptop replacement
Specs have nothing to do with that.
What a clever name - just like the 386X.
Seems like this would be a very short lived chip if they really would release a new iPad in the fall. Seems unlikely, but you never know. 1 year is the max now!
A6 iPhone in the fall, not A6 iPad. [[.."it was said that a true "A6" processor will likely launch later this year with Apple's sixth-generation iPhone." ]]
The only real benefit of quad core processors. Is if the applications or the OS can really make use of all of four cores at any one particular time. Otherwise its over kill for the sake of marketing.
That is the state of Android. They are introducing quad core phones. But there really is nothing that can take much practical advantage of them.
If they got 2GB of RAM and a quad core chip, it would be a true laptop replacement
Please elaborate. What apps on an iPad3 with those specs alone would make that difference than that same app on an iPad2?
The difference is that Apple will release apps with the arbitrary restriction that they will only install on an iPad HD.
Please elaborate. What apps on an iPad3 with those specs alone would make that difference than that same app on an iPad2?
1) Buffering/Decoding/Rendering high-def streamed video
2) High FPS games
3) Editing Video, Audio
4) AirPlay Mirroring
come to mind.
The problem with RAM is that it requires constant power to hold its data. Not so great for a device that runs off of a temporary battery. If Apple increases the RAM. It will be because of an extremely energy efficient form of RAM.
The only real benefit of quad core processors. Is if the applications or the OS can really make use of all of four cores at any one particular time. Otherwise its over kill for the sake of marketing.
That is the state of Android. They are introducing quad core phones. But there really is nothing that can take much practical advantage of them.
More power is used grabbing data over a network again than storing it in RAM. And there are few applications that would use all 4 cores effectively (heck, most don't bother to use two because it's really not needed).
The A5X CPU is expected to have a more powerful graphics processor, but will not be a full-fledged sixth-generation chip.. Instead, it was said that a true "A6" processor will likely launch later this year with Apple's sixth-generation iPhone.
This is asinine. The real gaming platform that can immediately leverage this is the iPad 3 with a 2K screen.
Apple's had the 6th gen ImgTec GPGPU for nearly 1 year.
ST-Erickson announced support for the Rouge over 1 year ago.
http://www.imgtec.com/News/Release/index.asp?NewsID=617
More power is used grabbing data over a network again than storing it in RAM. And there are few applications that would use all 4 cores effectively (heck, most don't bother to use two because it's really not needed).
I don't think developers have any control over how many cores their apps use on iOS. That is a system controlled function.
iPad HD is the worst name ever.
I could offer some worse names.