Apple Says iPad Air Performance Details Are Accurate Despite 9-Core GPU Mistake

[nawnp]

A good point

Why do they even mention how many cores in marketing?

They didn't use to. For the longest time cores and memory amount were unknown on iOS devices. Now that they use Mac chips and can tier them easily, they've started fragmenting the iPad Pro line with more storage buying a better processor. I suspect the reason they do this on the Air is so people can directly compare this to the older iPad Pro model or see it as the same as the Mac. It wouldn't be surprising that down the road you'll be able to upgrade out of the binned chips with higher storage even on the iPad Air models eventually.

 

[Analog Kid]

yeah well if we've descending into long winded post thread where all we talk about is if a typo is one or two keystrokes, i'm thinking AI eliminating isnt a bad option... 🙂

it was tongue in cheek but having now read another three pages of people arguing whether 10 is not 9 and not a mistake/typo... and what nefarious intent Apple had ... the strength of feeling because of something so simple - at least AI would lack emotion.

maybe we need more bot responders?
or perhaps some posters are AI already 🙂

This is a favorite rhetorical technique of people who find themselves realizing that the basis for their argument is shaky: wrap the questionable point in an even more questionable statement ("this was a typo") or innuendo such as implying your counterpart is arguing one thing to disguise some irrational emotional argument. Then when the those more questionable points are refuted, shift discussion to those to divert attention from the weak argument at the heart of the discussion, typically by making more easily refuted statements. Then, after a few rounds, say "why are you so upset about this other topic" without acknowledging who brought that topic into the conversation.

In this case, the weak case being defended is that publishing wrong details on a spec sheet is not something anyone should care about.

Another approach is the 10 post back and forth followed by the claim that only one side is somehow overly passionate about the topic.

Now, I return to the discussion about what exactly a typo is and who called it a typo, currently in progress.

 

[I7guy]

They didn't use to. For the longest time cores and memory amount were unknown on iOS devices. Now that they use Mac chips and can tier them easily, they've started fragmenting the iPad Pro line with more storage buying a better processor. I suspect the reason they do this on the Air is so people can directly compare this to the older iPad Pro model or see it as the same as the Mac. It wouldn't be surprising that down the road you'll be able to upgrade out of the binned chips with higher storage even on the iPad Air models eventually.

Or 17 years later than the iPhone 1, people have become smarter and want this information?

 

[Analog Kid]

Definition of typo: a mistake in written or published writing

You're welcome.

😄 Do you think every mistake is a "typo" just because it's written down? I'm kind of shocked this requires explanation, but a typo is a "typographical error", an error in typography. It's essentially a transcription error introduced by the process of typesetting/typing it. With a typo, the author knows the correct information and accidentally transcribes that to incorrect text.

That is my point-- 9 to 8 would make a much more likely typographical error than 9 to 1 and certain 9 to 10. So no, I don't believe that's the most likely cause of the error. The more likely causes are miscommunications within the organization, lack of communication leading their technical writer to research for themselves how many cores are in an M2, or a change in specs after the original draft was complete leaving obsolete information to be published or perhaps to be resurrected when reverting to an earlier draft.

Myself and citysnaps purport to know how Apple made a typographic mistake?

Point to the comment where we purport to know that, otherwise stop saying untruths, thanks.

You have both said over and over, with certainty, that this is a typo. To wit:

They specified 10 cores - a typo

want to make a huge deal out of the typo

No doubt in my mind that if Apple's typo resulted in

Definition of typo: a mistake in written or published writing

You're welcome.

Apple made a typo

they made a typo on a tech page

How does that have anything to do with a typo on a tech page?

(emphasis yours)

It was the tech specs page that had the typo.

But never mind about that—Apple made a typo!

(emphasis yours)

Please retract your accusation that I'm lying, thanks.

 

[Analog Kid]

I'm not making you do anything. That power rests with you.

Making a false statement about what someone believes or how someone feels motivates them to present a correction. Similar inserting easily refuted information into a conversation as described in my comment above, it's a way to distract from the actual topic of conversation by forcing a sidebar discussion.

I'm simply relating my Apple experiences, and believe the 10 core claim was a simple mistake, likely a typo. And, that anyone feeling cheated or mislead by Apple will likely be taken care of with a return and refund, if desired.

See, that's a defensible statement you made right there. See how turning down the heat and insisting that something is true when it is, in fact, unknown, makes a statement more reasonable and easier to accept?

I hope that you are right. Apple has also done well by me. I disagree that this would have been some sort of typing error, but I agree that Apple is likely to be more willing to resolve the issue depending on the employee you happen to encounter. I wish Apple would publicize their intent to honor these returns so all employees recognize this as Apple policy and to minimize the number of customers who learn of the discrepancy after any reasonable return window.

 

[Beautyspin]

TSMC would not make the chips with a core missing or disabled. They basically "print" the file that Apple provides. This was a decision Apple made.

The point I was trying to make was that "would Apple accept it if the situation was reversed?" If Apple would not accept it, why should the consumer?

More likely is a disconnect between departments. Engineering and Purchasing didn't accurately coordinate with Marketing, no one triple checked the slide before sending it. Mistakes like this sometimes happen.

That is a bigger problem if true. How many more such snafus have not been uncovered because there has been a disconnect between departments (maybe there is a disconnect between manufacturing and design departments or other departs as well but we have not been exposed to the aftermath or maybe no one has uncovered their mistakes?).

 

[Beautyspin]

Yes. They are called binned chips.

Some M2 chips had 8c GPUs, some had 10c GPUs—which would go into MacBook Airs—and now the iPad Airs have 9c GPUs. This is normal chip business. In fact the M2 iPad Air has 1 more GPU core than the majority of M2 MacBook Air owners. So again, why is everybody crying?

See image:

View attachment 2385059

Yes. They are called binned chips.

Some M2 chips had 8c GPUs, some had 10c GPUs—which would go into MacBook Airs—and now the iPad Airs have 9c GPUs. This is normal chip business. In fact the M2 iPad Air has 1 more GPU core than the majority of M2 MacBook Air owners. So again, why is everybody crying?

See image:

View attachment 2385059

My simple question was whether Apple would accept it if a vendor delivers a product that is not meeting the specs. You are being very obtuse to avoiding saying that Apple would not accept it.
1. If Apple would be accepting stuff from vendors that is not meeting the specs, then Apple has a bigger problem.
2. If Apple does not accept stuff from vendors that does not meet the specs, then why should the consumer?

 

[Beautyspin]

It's mostly a non-issue. Most iPad apps really don't take full advantage of the power of multiple GPU cores, even the vast majority of games.

So, how many cores do users take advantage of? Any statistics or data that you have? If users are not using the cores, why have them? Just for fun? What goal is Apple trying to accomplish by giving users more cores than they can use? I am interested to know.

 

[Beautyspin]

Is that what happened or is it a hypothetical, and you believing what Apple might do if it did happen?

I am asking you (whoever is reading it, not specifically you) if Apple would accept stuff from vendors that does meet their specs. If yes, then their QC department is not doing a good job. If not, then why should the consumer not have the same choice?

 

[wbeasley]

This is a favorite rhetorical technique of people who find themselves realizing that the basis for their argument is shaky: wrap the questionable point in an even more questionable statement ("this was a typo") or innuendo such as implying your counterpart is arguing one thing to disguise some irrational emotional argument. Then when the those more questionable points are refuted, shift discussion to those to divert attention from the weak argument at the heart of the discussion, typically by making more easily refuted statements. Then, after a few rounds, say "why are you so upset about this other topic" without acknowledging who brought that topic into the conversation.

In this case, the weak case being defended is that publishing wrong details on a spec sheet is not something anyone should care about.

Another approach is the 10 post back and forth followed by the claim that only one side is somehow overly passionate about the topic.

Now, I return to the discussion about what exactly a typo is and who called it a typo, currently in progress.

Let it go dude.

The world hasn't ended.
It's just boring now.
You've made your point: Apple are evil. We get it 😉

Don't buy the iPad. Return it if you did. Whatever.

You've flogged it to death.

 

[ProbablyDylan]

"would Apple accept it if the situation was reversed?" If Apple would not accept it, why should the consumer?

We've seen Apple accept subpar modems, inconsistent screens, Intel's processors for how many generations? Yeah, I think Apple would.

That is a bigger problem if true. How many more such snafus have not been uncovered because there has been a disconnect between departments (maybe there is a disconnect between manufacturing and design departments or other departs as well but we have not been exposed to the aftermath or maybe no one has uncovered their mistakes?).

I think you're making this out to be more grave of an issue than it is. Apple is not perfect - no organization is. Mistakes happen, and the vast majority of the time it's something trivial, like this.

My simple question was whether Apple would accept it if a vendor delivers a product that is not meeting the specs. You are being very obtuse to avoiding saying that Apple would not accept it.

Apple would notice right away if the delivered parts did not meet their specifications. This chip met the spec. Not sure why you keep pushing this idea that TSMC shortchanged them.

In the end it does not matter if a chip has 10 cores, 9 cores, 100 cores or 1 core if the performance is the same as advertised.

If Apple had released a statement saying "all metrics in the presentation were taken from a 10-core GPU, but the shipped device only has a 9-core and does not perform the same" then yes, there would be a problem. But that's not what happened here.

 

[SactoGuy18]

So, how many cores do users take advantage of? Any statistics or data that you have? If users are not using the cores, why have them? Just for fun? What goal is Apple trying to accomplish by giving users more cores than they can use? I am interested to know.

That many GPU cores is usually for games that are close to AAA level or for image and video processing work.

 

[steve09090]

I am asking you (whoever is reading it, not specifically you) if Apple would accept stuff from vendors that does meet their specs. If yes, then their QC department is not doing a good job. If not, then why should the consumer not have the same choice?

Yet, that’s a hypothetical because it did meet their specs. Because it was a spelling error in Advertising. Regardless of it being advertised as a 9 core, 10 core or even a 20 core, it performs exactly the same as it was benchmarked.

As far as a consumer choice, if a consumer 'required' 10 cores instead of 9, regardless of the performance then you may have a point, but surely it was the performance that was the critical point. What would you say if a person didn't like the advertised colour because it didn’t look exactly the same in their own environment?

 

[steve09090]

So, how many cores do users take advantage of? Any statistics or data that you have? If users are not using the cores, why have them? Just for fun? What goal is Apple trying to accomplish by giving users more cores than they can use? I am interested to know.

I’m interested to know how anyone can justify the number of cores (9 v 10) needed as a reason to return something. Other than that, it’s just being pedantic for the pure joy of 'getting one over the man'. Chest beating so to speak.

 

[wbeasley]

I’m interested to know how anyone can justify the number of cores (9 v 10) needed as a reason to return something. Other than that, it’s just being pedantic for the pure joy of 'getting one over the man'. Chest beating so to speak.

If Intel had a 20 core device but it was still slower, this guy would be arguing (for the sake of arguing) that Intel was better... 🙂

It was a typo.

He must have nothing better to do all day than engage in drama.

Leave him to it I think.
Most thinking people can read the thread and work it out. 😉

 

[citysnaps]

😄 Do you think every mistake is a "typo" just because it's written down? I'm kind of shocked this requires explanation, but a typo is a "typographical error", an error in typography. It's essentially a transcription error introduced by the process of typesetting/typing it. With a typo, the author knows the correct information and accidentally transcribes that to incorrect text.

That is my point-- 9 to 8 would make a much more likely typographical error than 9 to 1 and certain 9 to 10. So no, I don't believe that's the most likely cause of the error. The more likely causes are miscommunications within the organization, lack of communication leading their technical writer to research for themselves how many cores are in an M2, or a change in specs after the original draft was complete leaving obsolete information to be published or perhaps to be resurrected when reverting to an earlier draft.




You have both said over and over, with certainty, that this is a typo. To wit:








(emphasis yours)


(emphasis yours)

Please retract your accusation that I'm lying, thanks.

"Please retract your accusation that I'm lying, thanks."

Relax.... I made no such assertion that you are lying. Or even know what you're talking about.

Your views on the word type typo... Yes, the historical definition of the word typo is with respect to manual typesetting with lead type, going back 100+ years. Today it simply means a mistake. Insisting on it *only* meaning the historical definition about typesetting with lead type, and therefore is wrong, is being pedantic. Why? Because "typo" is frequently used today when someone makes a mistake in writing (no matter how that writing is done).

If you feel better about using the word "mistake," I'm fine with that. Apple made a mistake in saying there are ten GPU cores, when there are really nine. The good news is it will not affect Apple's performance claims. If someone feels they were betrayed by Apple for some reason, take it up with the Apple store manager and you will likely get your money back - even after the normal cutoff period (within reason, of course).

 

[wbeasley]

"Please retract your accusation that I'm lying, thanks."

Relax.... I made no such assertion that you are lying. Or even know what you're talking about.

Your views on the word type typo... Yes, the historical definition of the word typo is with respect to manual typesetting with lead type, going back 100+ years. Today it simply means a mistake. Insisting on it *only* meaning the historical definition about typesetting with lead type, and therefore is wrong, is being pedantic. Why? Because "typo" is frequently used today when someone makes a mistake in writing (no matter how that writing is done).

If you feel better about using the word "mistake," I'm fine with that. Apple made a mistake in saying there are ten GPU cores, when there are really nine. The good news is it will not affect Apple's performance claims. If someone feels they were betrayed by Apple for some reason, take it up with the Apple store manager and you will likely get your money back - even after the normal cutoff period (within reason, of course).

I'm going to cut the poster some slack....

Last person I argued with for so long on here turned out was having a bad day.
His wife left him and took the dog.
Turned out he really missed that dog...

We dont know why anyone posts stuff or takes things personally. 🙂

 

[Analog Kid]

You've made your point: Apple are evil. We get it 😉

Thank you for the worked example. 😉

I do so love when people keep responding just to insist someone else drop the discussion.

 

[wbeasley]

Urban Dictionary (for some light relief...)

typo​

1. Short for typographical error (mistake when typing, not indicative of not knowing how to spell)
2. used as an excuse when can't spell
3. synonym for **** you, to those who point out any slips you've made, even if non typing related

1. Teacher: "Your paper shows THERI as an answer when it should be THEIR"
You: Sorry, typo
2. Teacher: "Your paper shows THEIR as an answer when it should be THEY'RE"
You: Sorry, typo
3. Teacher: "You put LONDON as an answer, when it's actually PARIS"
You: Typo!

 

[citysnaps]

I'm going to cut the poster some slack....

Last person I argued with for so long on here turned out was having a bad day.
His wife left him and took the dog.
Turned out he really missed that dog...

We dont know why anyone posts stuff or takes things personally. 🙂

Wise advice, thank you!

 

[Analog Kid]

"Please retract your accusation that I'm lying, thanks."

Relax.... I made no such assertion that you are lying.

Look who I was replying to, it wasn't you. I was asked to provide examples of where you and they had made the claim.

Your views on the word type typo... Yes, the historical definition of the word typo is with respect to manual typesetting with lead type, going back 100+ years. Today it simply means a mistake. Insisting on it *only* meaning the historical definition about typesetting with lead type, and therefore is wrong, is being pedantic. Why? Because "typo" is frequently used today when someone makes a mistake in writing (no matter how that writing is done).

It doesn't mean mistake. It means a particular kind of mistake, and a particularly trivial mistake. It does no one any good if we just start taking expressive words and make them all mean the same thing.

If you feel better about using the word "mistake," I'm fine with that. Apple made a mistake in saying there are ten GPU cores, when there are really nine. The good news is it will not affect Apple's performance claims. If someone feels they were betrayed by Apple for some reason, take it up with the Apple store manager and you will likely get your money back - even after the normal cutoff period (within reason, of course).

Again, this is a very fine way to phrase your point.

 

[Analog Kid]

I'm going to cut the poster some slack....

Last person I argued with for so long on here turned out was having a bad day.
His wife left him and took the dog.
Turned out he really missed that dog...

We dont know why anyone posts stuff or takes things personally. 🙂

Wise advice, thank you!

Or you know, you may have just decided every post was meant for you and ignored the tone of the post they were replying to. It's not hard, read the post from the top. I was told to give examples of the poster and citysnaps claiming this was a typo or to stop lying. I think it's reasonable to provide the requested information and then ask to not be called a liar.

My day has been going quite fine. I just don't easily get bullied out of conversations.

 

[citysnaps]

Or you know, you may have just decided every post was meant for you and ignored the tone of the post they were replying to. It's not hard, read the post from the top. I was told to give examples of the poster and citysnaps claiming this was a typo or to stop lying. I think it's reasonable to provide the requested information and then ask to not be called a liar.

My day has been going quite fine. I just don't easily get bullied out of conversations.

Once more… I never called you a liar.

 

[wbeasley]

Or you know, you may have just decided every post was meant for you and ignored the tone of the post they were replying to. It's not hard, read the post from the top. I was told to give examples of the poster and citysnaps claiming this was a typo or to stop lying. I think it's reasonable to provide the requested information and then ask to not be called a liar.

My day has been going quite fine. I just don't easily get bullied out of conversations.

No one is bullying... it's just that a simple mistake (or typo) happened by an Apple team member.
That's life.

It seriously isnt a big deal.
The benchmarks wont change at all (if they did then that would have been a concern but they havent).
Noone will be returning a device over this. But they could if they really wanted to.

Apple have responded and corrected the error.
It really is time to move on to something else more productive...

 

[steve09090]

I am wondering, would anyone at all, in this entire world, not buy an iPad Air because it has 9 cores instead of 10? And that there is the test. Not that hypothetically it could happen. People need to live in the real world instead of trying to make an point about things that don’t actually exist. With risk management, you need to look at the possibility something could happen and the consequences if it did. In this case the answer to both is basically zero.