Apple Addresses iPad Air 2024 GPU Core Count Mystery

Apple has acknowledged an error in its initial specifications for the graphical processing unit (GPU) in the iPad Air 2024. Initially reported as bearing ten cores, the M2 chip, in actuality, boasts nine cores in its GPU. Despite this discrepancy, Apple asserts its previous performance data remains accurate due to what they termed as their “memory’s higher throughput”. The company has since revised the core count in its original press release.

Increased Performance in New Models

Notwithstanding the core count discrepancy, both the new iPad Air 11 2024 and iPad Air 13 2024 equipped with M2 chipsets indisputably outshine their M1-based predecessor from 2022. Apple now insists that the “Apple-designed M2 delivers a 15 percent faster CPU, 25 percent faster graphics, and 50 percent higher memory throughput compared to the previous generation”.

Comparison of Graphics Performance

Originally, Apple’s indictment of GPU performance stood on comparing the 2022 iPad Air with its Apple M1 chipset and 8-core graphical unit against the new devices built around the M2 chipset’s 10-core GPU. At that point, the corporation projected a 35-percent improvement, though now, they only emphasize a 25-percent graphics performance enhancement.

Performance Boost with Memory Throughput

According to an Apple representative, by harnessing the “higher memory throughput, the new iPad Air is nearly 50 percent faster than the previous iPad Air with M1 for a broad range of high-performance and creative tasks. Compared to the iPad Air powered by the A14 Bionic chip, the new iPad Air delivers up to 3 times higher performance”.

Further Tests Required

Independent verification by researchers, via diligent testing, is yet to contend or endorse Apple’s claims.