iPad 3 Release Date

As we predicted earlier, 2012 seems to be the year of the debut for the A6 processor and as expected with it’s in an iPad 3. The original iPad featured an A4 processor and iPad2 came with the upgraded dual-core A5 chip. 9to5Mac found evidence of Apple’s work on a quad-core A6 processor. They have sifted through the code of latest iOS 5.1 beta update and found references to “/cores/core.3” in the updated core management software.

Conventionally, references start with zero (0) in software terminology and dual cores are referenced as core.0 and core.1. In this light there is enough evidence to deduce that ‘core.3’ refers to the quad-core A6 processor that is in the pipeline. A quad-core processor is the logical extension for Apple considering their dual-core A5 chip in the iPad 2. Moreover ASUS’s Eee Pad Transformer tablet features NVidia’s quad-core Tegra 3 processor and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processor is heating up the quad-core market. We cannot expect Apple to lag behind these developments.  For them to be at the forefront of tablet computing power the iPad 3 HAS to come with a quad core processor.

The implications of a quad-core processor are immense. It will help power up the high-resolution displays such as the retina display everyone is talking about. The A6 processor will add extra horsepower to gaming experiences and improve the overall OS navigation ease.  Also the possibility for new apps and what they will be capable of is very exciting indeed.

Looks like Apple is on track to maintain its release cycle and iPad 3 might be scheduled for an early spring release in 2012. Original iPad and iPad2 were launched in April 2010 and March 2011. According to Citi Analyst Richard Gardner, iPad 3 is all set for a big launch with double the resolution of previous model. According to a note he prepared for investors, “There do not appear to be any significant technical hurdles remaining” to iPad3’s release.

Timing of this launch is all the more important for Apple considering many other factors. It needs to fend off the competition that is going to come from the slew of Android tablet releases. Android’s latest Ice Cream Sandwich version will be giving some tough competition for iOS. There is also a buzz around quad core processors. Asus’s Eee Pad Transformer Prime, built on Nvidia’s Tegra 3 processor is setting the trend for many more quad core tablets from other manufacturers.

Amazon’s Kindle Fire at a price below $200 is making a dent in Apple’s market. Windows 8 OS release which is touch-optimized for tablets is already generating enough momentum and it will be a direct threat to Apple iPad. Also many of the new Android tablets are coming with 4G LTE connectivity. Our previous post mentioned the rumors doing the rounds regarding 4G LTE enabled iPhone 5 and iPad 3. Considering all these factors, iPad is due for a major overhaul. Do you think a 4G LTE enabled iPad 3 with double the resolution of iPad2 will set the ball rolling again for Apple’s total dominance in tablet market?

It is surprising why the latest source code for the default compiler in Apple’s Xcode developer tools shows support for Marvell’s quad-core, ARM-based Armada XP processor. As we know, Marvell is targeting the processor for low-power cloud computing applications. This was inadvertently discovered by a developer who works on a low-level ARM assembly coding for security products.

While we cannot posit any definite answer, we can try to make a few educated guesses why something like this would be done. Having optional support for the Armada XP is something fascinating.

First, we think Apple could be considering the Marvell for the iPad 3, along with next-generation iOS devices. Since it is possible that NVIDIA may have its “Kal-El” quad-core Tegra 3 processors  next year to run Android-based mobile devices with impressive processing power akin to a desktop, Marvell’s Armada processors will be able to approximate a similar kind of performance.

Second, the Marvell is a good choice for a processor that is low powered and enhances batterly life, perfect for the MacBook Air. While gossip seems to suggest that a move to ARM for the Mac Air, the performance based on the watts used of the processor is not that attractive. Also, sticking with Intel would mean that there would be no need for Apple to convince app developers to recompile their software.

Maybe Apple would be using the Marvell chip in prototypes of future iOS device designs for testing purposes. Think about it. An Armada XP-powered prototype logic board would also allow iOS or Mac OS X software engineers to test performance tuning. Meanwhile, Apple’s hardware design team could continue testing a possible quad-core ARM design. The reals reason is to ensure that it remains competitive in the mobile device market, when circumstances demand it to be.