In a recent development, Apple has addressed the confusion surrounding the GPU core count in the iPad Air (2024). While the initial announcement indicated a 10-core GPU, it has now been confirmed that the iPad Air actually features a 9-core GPU. However, the critical point to note is that the performance claims made by Apple remain accurate and are based on this revised core count.
The True Power of the M2 Chipset
The iPad Air (2024) is powered by Apple’s M2 chipset, which boasts impressive performance improvements over its predecessor, the M1. Specifically, the M2 offers:
- 15% Faster CPU: The Apple-designed M2 chip delivers a significant boost in CPU performance compared to the M1.
- 25% Faster Graphics: Graphics-intensive tasks benefit from the M2’s enhanced GPU capabilities, resulting in smoother visuals and improved responsiveness.
- 50% More Memory Bandwidth: The increased memory bandwidth ensures efficient data transfer, contributing to overall system speed.
A Closer Look at the iPad Air (2024)
The previous iPad Air (2022) featured the original Apple M1 chipset with an 8-core GPU. When the M2 was initially announced, it promised up to 35% faster performance compared to the M1, presumably based on a 10-core GPU configuration. However, the actual 9-core GPU in the iPad Air (2024) still delivers remarkable results.
Unveiling the True Performance
Apple’s spokesperson clarified that when combined with faster memory bandwidth, the new iPad Air is nearly 50% faster than its M1 predecessor for a wide range of productivity and creative tasks. Additionally, compared to the iPad Air with A14 Bionic, the M2-powered iPad Air achieves up to 3x faster performance.