iPad with slim / no bezels is moronic. So Apple will no doubt do it.
Apple's next-generation iPad Pro models released in 2018 will feature octa-core processors, based on Taiwanese supplier TSMC's improved 7nm manufacturing process, according to Chinese website MyDrivers.
The report, citing sources within Apple's supply chain, claims the eight cores in the tentatively named A11X Bionic chip will include three high-performance "Monsoon" cores and five energy-efficient "Mistral" cores.
Like the A11 Bionic chip in the latest iPhone models, which is built on a 10-nanometer process, the A11X chip will reportedly feature TSMC's integrated fan-out wafer level packaging, or InFO WLP for short.
The chip will also presumably include a next-generation M11 coprocessor and neural engine for artificial intelligence tasks, such as processing facial recognition given rumors about Face ID on 2018 iPad Pro models.
The eight-core processor should unsurprisingly result in CPU performance improvements on next-generation iPad Pro models.
Our own Chris Jenkins provided an in-depth look at the architecture of Apple's A11 Bionic chip. He also highlighted details about TSMC's improved 7nm process and advanced InFO packaging process for 2018.
Apple's current 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models have an A10X Fusion chip based on TSCM's 10nm fabrication process.
In addition to gaining Face ID, next-generation iPad Pro models are expected to have an iPhone X form factor with slimmer bezels and no Home button. However, the tablets will reportedly continue to have LCD displays due to yield rates.
Article Link: 2018 iPad Pro Models Could Have Very Fast Octa-Core A11X Bionic Chip
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2018 iPad Pro Models Could Have Very Fast Octa-Core A11X Bionic Chip
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Honestly I thought I’d like the notch but after seeing it in person I found it to be distracting and an eyesore. Especially in landscape it created a non-symmetrical feel. I’m sure a lot of people would get used to it though.
Safari and my Crossword game will load even faster
That's a smart observation; you should start a newsletter.
Depends what you mean by "most" real world scenarios, though. Processor intensive apps, the ones where you notice progress bars or need real time audio or video effects, will definitely benefit. I think we know that simply launching WhatsApp isn't going to be greatly improved by additional cores.
I feel Pages is more like MS Publisher than Word. If you like MS Word, use MS Word. It’s readily available.
For the love of all things good, please Apple create a more full featured OS for iPad - it's about time a "laptop replacement" behave a little like one.
Currently I'd take more RAM over more CPU. I generally feel the limit of the 3GB of my OG 12" before the CPU starts to really feel underpowered, and even then I think the CPU is further stymied by trying to deal with the RAM shortage (memory compression is not cheap).
An upgrade to both is sorely needed on devices that carry 'pro' in their name. The current iPad and iPad Minis by contrast could probably go another 12 months without an upgrade an no-one would care.
First off i find it hard to believe that rational people can say iPad is fast enough. Statements like that have me concerned about the people that write them.
Second if you consider recent statements from Apples hardware chief you have to wonder what is planned for those extra low power cores. If this report is true then it is reasonable to assume that the extra low power cores will be supporting new functionality in iOS. My thinking is advanced AI and more powerful Siri.
Third there was no mention of RAM in this report. Hopefully a faster processor will be supported by more RAM. This especially if more local background processes are required to be supported.
Fourth I'm really hoping that Apples ultimate goal is to get to Knowledge Navigator like performance in iPad. If so this chip is only a stepping stone to being powerful enough. To get there Apple needs significantly enhanced AI processing capabilities which we don't see implied here.
Fifth getting hung up on cote counts is pretty stupid as there are many cores embedded in an iPhone these days that don't even get counted but are very important when it comes to delivering performance. What us really interesting here is the 3 to 5 split in core counts which has me believing Apple has a plan here to keep some of those low powered cores occupied.
Sixth another thing not discussed is core speeds, that is clock rates. Going to 7nm should allow for much Higher clock rates at the same power levels, possibly as much as 40% faster. I really doubt that people so concerned about their single threaded apps have much to be worried about. Im expecting strong performance gains with respect to A11 across the board. This should make current iPads and Mac Books look pretty pathetic. Hell we may even come to like a Mac Mini based on these chips.
Second if you consider recent statements from Apples hardware chief you have to wonder what is planned for those extra low power cores. If this report is true then it is reasonable to assume that the extra low power cores will be supporting new functionality in iOS. My thinking is advanced AI and more powerful Siri.
Third there was no mention of RAM in this report. Hopefully a faster processor will be supported by more RAM. This especially if more local background processes are required to be supported.
Fourth I'm really hoping that Apples ultimate goal is to get to Knowledge Navigator like performance in iPad. If so this chip is only a stepping stone to being powerful enough. To get there Apple needs significantly enhanced AI processing capabilities which we don't see implied here.
Fifth getting hung up on cote counts is pretty stupid as there are many cores embedded in an iPhone these days that don't even get counted but are very important when it comes to delivering performance. What us really interesting here is the 3 to 5 split in core counts which has me believing Apple has a plan here to keep some of those low powered cores occupied.
Sixth another thing not discussed is core speeds, that is clock rates. Going to 7nm should allow for much Higher clock rates at the same power levels, possibly as much as 40% faster. I really doubt that people so concerned about their single threaded apps have much to be worried about. Im expecting strong performance gains with respect to A11 across the board. This should make current iPads and Mac Books look pretty pathetic. Hell we may even come to like a Mac Mini based on these chips.
Nice. I never feel like my existing Pro is underpowered but I'll take progress. I'm getting used to face ID on my X so it would be nice to get consistency across the devices on the next generation (although without the need to go bezeless on an iPad form factor maybe use both, I'd probably continue to enable Touch ID but like to have the other functionality the face ID camera brings show up on iPad). I'd also like to see 3D touch make it to the iPad line, again for consistent interface across devices.
Outside of doubling down on FaceId, which may be a better application for FaceID given the size of the iPad, and it less likely being used outside the home, as an on the go mobile device like the IPhone, it looks to be an incremental update. Add some more ram, maybe. Could keep the same form factor as is now for all lines and just put the new camera setup in the existing bezel.
Like can be argued for the 10.5 IPad already though, IOS is the big hurdle for any major gains in the IPad experience or workflow.
Like can be argued for the 10.5 IPad already though, IOS is the big hurdle for any major gains in the IPad experience or workflow.
Do you ever get the impression that Tim wants everyone to ditch MacOS for a tablet/iOS? That will never happen unless they bring in mouse support. Typing and lifting your stubby finger (compared to a mouse pointer) is inefficient and inaccurate. Not to mention, your hand gets in the way of the screen each time you tap.
I’m not complaining with the LCD screen. I usually keep my ipad screen on for hours when monitoring our systems at remote sites. I’d probably get screen burn-in if it was OLED.
One potential drawback I see with such slim bezels is that there is going to be constant pressure exerted on the edges of the display when you're holding it.
What I could see happening as a benefit (although I'm not positive how the architecture works for multi-tasking) is keep more background processes running (provided this is coupled with enough RAM to support that). I know background processes get parked/suspended but there are degrees of that and it would be nice if they stayed closer to a ready state or more then allow some background processing would do so. Someone with deeper understanding of iOS multitasking can probably translate this for me
I haven’t run into a RAM ceiling yet, just waiting for rendering or processing. FWIW mine has 4GB which may be why it is less of an issue. But that is just my use case.
Ever since the iPad mini iPads have had excellent edge thumb rejection.
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I have the gen 1 12.9” and bought the 128 GB—not very bright LOL- so I will be upgrading for more storage more than anything else (and mine will be several years old). I have a newer macbook Pro 15” but gravitate to the Ipad for almost everything—had Ipad 1 and over the years have found ways to use it for business and personal rather than pc and then macbook for most things. Still can’t use external drives (with photo files going back to 1998) & don’t expect I will likely be able to any time soon LOL—but with IOS 11 (and hopefully future improvements) the Ipad Pro is moving toward its potential. I too have some concerns about holding it since I use it primarily horizontally but OTOH I also use the Logitech slim case/keyboard so most of the time not holding it, rather in my lap with keyboard or without-but kickstand.
And at the end of the day they all run the same iOS with apps optimized to run on quite old devices. Therefore you will pretty much go back to the way before.
Honestly the only reason to ever update at this point is a device that is starting to get slow or poor battery
Honestly the only reason to ever update at this point is a device that is starting to get slow or poor battery
Again, you can't just be stuck in the past. We used to make calls on our phones...now they are computers. Do you not want the ability to run AR, edit photos, or record 4k video?Safari and my Crossword game will load even faster
You can't win with these people! Apple makes faster processors and people complain that they aren't needed.
Stick with your iPhone 4 and iPad 2 and keep playing crossword and Words with Friends. The rest of us will move forward.
I’ve got a 9.7 Pro too and I’m mostly looking forward to that 120hz screen that I missed out on with the most recent update. So getting it now with even smaller bezels is the reward for waiting. I’m also psyched for FaceID which I think is awesome on the X. Honestly, the 9.7 is plenty fast enough, so the speed increase isn’t that exciting.
I agree, with all that power they should be able to make a great device. I'm tempted to buy a Chromebook but if Apple makes Hybrid OS for the iPad, I would buy my first new iPad since the original iPad Mini.