Hasta La Gadget!

Apple’s iPads typically feature an “X” version of the chipset used in its iPhones. This was true of the 2018 iPad Pro which used the A12X chipset, a variant of the A12 found on the iPhone XS series. This is why it was surprising that for the 2020 iPad Pro, Apple opted to use the A12Z instead of what was presumed to be the A13X.

Now according to a report from TechInsights (subscription required), it seems that the A12Z is identical to the A12X, save for an extra GPU core enabled. It was previously speculated that due to the marginal difference in performance between the chipsets, that the A12Z could simply be a rebranded A12X.

TechInsights have since confirmed that to be true thanks to a floorplan analysis that found both chipsets to be identical, except like we said, the A12Z has an extra GPU core enabled. This, in theory, should make the A12Z slightly more powerful in graphics performance. Before we get up in arms about how Apple is trying to cheat customers by releasing incremental updates, MacRumors has pointed out that it is not unusual for chip makers to disable a couple of cores due to it not meeting yield levels. We can’t say for sure that this is the reason why Apple opted to use the A12Z, so take it with a grain of salt.

Our analysis confirms #Apple #A12Z GPU chip found inside #iPadPro (model A2068) is the same as A12X predecessor. A report of our findings is underway & will be available as part of TechInsights’ #Logic Subscription. Learn more here https://t.co/WWQqlPorNF pic.twitter.com/RsQEADpZsc

— TechInsights (@techinsightsinc) April 13, 2020

That being said, there have been rumors that claim that a high-end iPad Pro could launch later this year, so if you don’t absolutely have to have an iPad Pro now, it might be worth holding out if you’re after (potentially) higher performance gains.

The iPad Pro’s A12Z Chip Found To Be Almost Identical To The A12X

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Apple’s HomePod speakers were initially powered by its own software that is largely based on iOS. However, according to a report from 9to5Mac, they discovered that in the latest update to the smart speaker system, Apple has made some changes where the HomePod is now powered by tvOS, the same OS used to run Apple TV.

Now, we should point out that Apple’s tvOS and iPadOS are essentially all based on iOS, except that they have been individually adapted to better suit the device they are running on. So while tvOS is still iOS-based, as 9to5Mac points out, the changes could signify what the future holds for the HomePod.

For starters, they point out that since the HomePod is powered by the A8 chipset, it could mean that if Apple were to continue using iOS, it could result in the HomePod no longer being supported once Apple stops supporting iPhones that use the A8 chipset. By switching to tvOS, it could ensure continued support for the years to come.

It has also led to speculation that this could be Apple gearing up for new HomePod devices. We have been hearing for a while now that Apple could have a cheaper HomePod mini in the works, and the switch to tvOS could be Apple’s way of preparing for that. In terms of usability and functionality, the switch to tvOS does not seem to have impacted functionality of the device at all, and it seems to be merely Apple laying the foundation of what’s to come.

Apple’s HomePod Is Now Powered By tvOS

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

Despite all the delays and cancellations happening around the world due to the COVID-19 situation, companies still try to push through with planned products and releases, as difficult as those may be. Apple has, for example, launched the 2020 generation of iPad Pros and is believed to be on the verge of announcing the 2020 iPhone SE. Microsoft may also … Continue reading

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