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…

Computing

Best Apple deals: Save on AirPods, Apple Watch, iPad, MacBook

Apple MacBook Air M1 open, on a table.

Apple is one of the biggest companies in the world, and if you're looking for some great tech, then you probably already know that Apple makes some of the best wireless earbuds, the best smartwatches, the best laptops, and even the best tablets. That said, it does also garner a very premium price tag, which is a pretty big part of the brand itself, meaning that for a lot of folks in the Apple ecosystem, making any sort of upgrade or expansion to that ecosystem can be very costly. On the bright side, there are a ton of great Apple deals out there in the world, whether it's trade-in value from Apple, or direct discounts from Amazon and Best Buy, you have options.

That's why we've gone out and searched through various big retailers to find you some of the best deals we can find. That includes everything from the MacBook deals, AirPods deals, Apple TV deals and Apple Watch deals to the AirTag, so hopefully, you can find the perfect deal that fits your needs and budget.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) -- $79, was $99

Mobile

Flash deal: Get $100 off the latest iPad Mini for Memorial Day

An iPad Mini standing in tent mode.

Best Buy has one of the best iPad deals around but it only lasts for as long as today does. Right now, you can buy the latest Apple iPad mini for $400 meaning you’re saving $100 off the regular price of $500. A great and highly portable tablet, it’s sure to be a hit with Apple fans and more. Here’s what you need to know about it before you buy but remember that you only have until the end of the day to grab it for this price.

Why you should buy the Apple iPad mini
The best iPad around for anyone seeking something small, the Apple iPad mini is a “little powerhouse” as our review explains. It has an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone and wide color support so it’s small but looks gorgeous. It’s powered by an A15 Bionic chip so it can handle quite a lot including many games or simply multitasking.

Mobile

The one thing stopping me from buying a new iPad

Three 2021 iPads are stacked on a table.

Want an iPad? Apple wants you to be paying attention to the new iPad Pro -- and for good reason. It's the thinnest product Apple has ever created, which is impressive considering it packs in a laptop-level M4 processor, a gorgeous display, and a number of new software tricks. But the announcement concealed something far more important: the dustbinning of the 9th-gen iPad. The last of the "retro" iPad designs, the 9th-gen is now finally retired from the stage, and for me, it means this is my last chance to grab a quick and reasonable upgrade for my 7th-gen iPad.

I figured I could grab the 9th-gen for a decent discount now that it's on the way out -- and to Apple's credit, I absolutely could. But a realization began to sink in as I shopped, and I came away without making that final purchase.