iPad 2 rumors point to doubled resolution, dual-core CPU

By Molly McHugh January 17, 2011

We told you last week that the next-generation iPhone would get a new CPU, and that Apple was investing in Qualcomm chips. Today, Apple Insider is reporting that the iPad 2 will be getting some interior upgrades of its own.

Citing the same source that spilled on the licensing deal between Apple, Imagination Technologies, and Samsung back in 2008, the site claims that the upcoming iPad will feature double the resolution, and an enhanced version of Apple’s A4 chip that will significantly enhance its graphics and video-processing capabilities.

Just as Apple doubled the number of pixels packed into the width and height of the iPhone’s screen with its new Retina display, MacRumors suggests graphics found within iBooks 1.1 point to the same change for a next-gen iPad. That would put total resolution at an astounding 2048 x 1546, even greater than the 1920 x 1080 resolution used in most big-screen desktop monitors and HDTVs. Doubling resolution, rather than working in other odd increments, makes it easier for developers to scale up old apps to the new screen size.

AppleInsider reports that Apple will also replace the SGX535 graphics processor with the SGX543, a new version which operates at the same clock speed but supposedly offers twice the power. This not only means support for higher-resolution video decoding (which the new screen size would necessitate), but also HDMI compatibility. Following in the footsteps of many next-gen tablets from CES 2011, the iPad 2 is also like to move up to a dual-core CPU based on the ARM Cortex A9.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Before coming to Digital Trends, Molly worked as a freelance writer, occasional photographer, and general technical lackey…

Mobile

This iPad just got a rare discount — save $100 at Best Buy

Call of Duty: Mobile on the iPad (2022).

The standard Apple 10.9-inch iPad rarely sees a deep discount but that’s the case over at Best Buy at the moment. Normally priced at $449, you can buy one for just $349 for a limited time. A hefty saving of $100, this is one of the better iPad deals at the moment and worth checking out if you want a new tablet or you’re keen to buy someone a great gift. Here’s what the Apple 10.9-inch iPad has to offer.

Why you should buy the Apple 10.9-inch iPad
The Apple 10.9-inch iPad is a pretty good tablet for anyone who wants something straightforward and useful. It has an attractive 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone support so it looks great with whatever you’re doing, whether you’re browsing the internet, watching videos, or playing a game. It’s powered by the A14 Bionic chip with a 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU which is why the Apple 10.9-inch iPad easily joins the best iPads list for anyone seeking a great mid-range example. It’s easily capable of playing many games through Apple Arcade as well as being snappy when it comes to looking up YouTube videos and similar.

Mobile

Best iPad deals: Save on iPad Air, iPad Pro, iPad Mini for the New Year

iPad Pro 2020 Screen.

There's a tablet out there for almost everyone, with designs available to accommodate anything from kids to creative professionals. The Apple iPad is one of the most popular tablet lineups, with the best iPads offering a wide range of options and capabilities. If you’re in the market for a new iPad, there are some great iPad deals worth shopping right now. In fact, not only are iPads some of the best Apple deals currently taking place, but some of the best tablet deals as well. We’ve rounded up what we feel are the best tablet deals to shop at the moment. They include iPads, iPad cases and covers, and iPad accessories, so read onward for more details.
Apple iPad 10.2 (9th Gen) 64GB Wi-Fi -- $249, was $329

Apple's A13 Bionic chip is no M1 or M2, but it still offers 64-bit architecture and neural engine support for excellent performance. In other words, this 10.2-inch iPad is incredible value. It has a 10.2-inch Retina display, 64GB of storage, supports Touch ID and Apple Pencil (1st Gen), and it's size, plus all-day battery life make it an excellent choice for anyone with an on-the-go lifestyle.

Mobile

Apple accidentally revealed a big iPad Pro display upgrade

The iPad Pro (2022) sitting in the Magic Keyboard.

iPad Pro 2022 Joe Maring / Digital Trends

Apple is already past its usual upgrade cycle for the iPad Pro after the previous model was released in October 2022. Latest reports hint at an announcement now set for "early May" this year where Apple will unveil the new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, even though a proper event seems unlikely. Despite Apple's suggested lack of fervor, these purported new iPad models are expected to bring significant changes, especially to the display.