New Multi-Core iPhone with Firmware 3.0?
ZDNet reports that the iPhone 3.0 firmware will support quad-core processors in an upcoming iPhone hardware revision. While Apple has not yet detailed iPhone 3.0 firmware, MacRumors has independently heard from a reliable source of this same multi-core support in the 3.0 firmware which should accompany the next iPhone.
Meanwhile, Imagination Technologies is announcing a multi-core GPU that could be suitable for iPhone use. Apple, an investor in Imagination Technologies, presently uses a less powerful version of their PowerVR GPU in the iPhone and iPod touch.
The likely candidate for the new iPhone's CPU, however, is a derivative of the ARM Cortex A9 multi-core processor. The ARM Cortex has excellent power efficiency, well ahead of Intel's Atom offerings. Apple appears to be an ARM architectural licensee and their acquisition of P.A. Semi has brought low-power chip design expertise into the company.
Meanwhile, Imagination Technologies is announcing a multi-core GPU that could be suitable for iPhone use. Apple, an investor in Imagination Technologies, presently uses a less powerful version of their PowerVR GPU in the iPhone and iPod touch.
The likely candidate for the new iPhone's CPU, however, is a derivative of the ARM Cortex A9 multi-core processor. The ARM Cortex has excellent power efficiency, well ahead of Intel's Atom offerings. Apple appears to be an ARM architectural licensee and their acquisition of P.A. Semi has brought low-power chip design expertise into the company.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)44 months ago
Interesting. Wonder if they'll ever allow multiple apps to run at once. Guess at the very least it'll add juice to more powerful apps.
44 months ago
Woa.
This would be very interesting - and the device would be extremely powerful and definitely put a hole in the mobile gaming market.
This would be very interesting - and the device would be extremely powerful and definitely put a hole in the mobile gaming market.
44 months ago
What if iPhone software 3.0 was really intended to power the new MacTablet that's going to come out? Maybe that's the device that could really benefit from that type of optimization.
*walks away whistling as the eager kids jump on the remarks*
jW
*walks away whistling as the eager kids jump on the remarks*
jW
44 months ago
Awesome. And maybe while they're at it, they can give the next iPhone enough RAM to actually function well.
44 months ago
Quad-Core iPhone? Finally we'll be able to run real full OS X! No, not really.
44 months ago
Bad move to beef up the iPhone or Touch, they need to keep the performance at the same level for a long time to avoid AppStore costumer confusion. Only change it with radically new models or the tablet.
44 months ago
Quad-Core iPhone? Finally we'll be able to run real full OS X! No, not really.
We already are. Color me EXTREMELY skeptical with this rumor. Quad-core in a hand held? Come on.
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