Apple has recently addressed a specification error regarding the GPU core count in its latest iPad Air models, acknowledging that the devices come with 9 cores instead of the initially announced 10. Despite this discrepancy, the tech giant reassured consumers that the performance metrics previously claimed remain unaffected and accurate.
In an update to the original press release, Apple corrected the core count but confirmed that the 2024 iPad Air models, equipped with the M2 chips, still offer significant performance improvements over their predecessors. According to Apple’s website, the M2 chipset boosts CPU speed by 15%, enhances graphics performance by 25%, and increases memory bandwidth by 50% compared to the M1 chipset used in the 2022 version of the iPad Air.
The M2’s graphics performance was initially claimed to be up to 35% faster than earlier models, particularly those versions with 10 GPU cores in certain MacBooks, the Mac Mini, Vision Pro, and older 2022 iPad Pros. However, Apple insists the performance gains are still robust even with a 9-core GPU in the new iPad Air.
An Apple spokesperson emphasized to 9to5Mac the new iPad Air’s comparative speed, stating that it is nearly 50% faster than its M1-equipped predecessor for various productivity and creative tasks. The new model also reportedly delivers up to three times the performance of the iPad Air models with the A14 Bionic chip.
While the GPU core count mix-up was not ideal, Apple has confirmed that the new iPad Air’s capabilities were not overstated, ensuring customers receive the performance they were promised.
