iPad HD may load up on RAM and fork LTE models

Another rumor surfacing less than a day before Apple's next-generation iPad event may have filled in some of the in-between details of the future iPad and the Apple TV. While recapping most of the common beliefs, such as the 2048x1536 display and sped-up A5X dual-core chip, The Verge understood there would be more RAM. How much wasn't mentioned, although 1GB is most likely given Apple's tendency to double RAM and the need to hold large art assets in memory.

Most Android 3 and 4 tablets have had 1GB of RAM for a year, although the nature of the OS' approach to memory meant it was necessary even at lower resolutions.

The expectation of LTE support could see Apple heavily split the line based on regional access. A true unified LTE chipset might not be ready until later and would see both AT&T and Verizon iPad models persist into the new generation, according to the checks. A third model might use a dual-mode EVDO and HSPA (incorrectly labeled as CDMA and GSM) 3G chipset to cover other countries. It's still unsaid if the LTE devices would be multi-band and possibly support Canada or those other countries that have LTE networks.

Some details would have to wait. A possible budget iPad 2 model wasn't definite; a true A6 chip wasn't expected until the next iPhone, a purported insider said. Apple may be waiting on the ARM Cortex-A15 for the iPhone to get its improved performance and power efficiency. Samsung and others aren't poised to start shipping A15-based chips until mid-year at best and may have given away that it's a matter of timing for the whole industry.

The new Apple TV, as anticipated, would be an update to support 1080p as well as to improve AirPlay mirroring and streaming, likely in anticipation of OS X Mountain Lion.

By Electronista Staff

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industry, gadgets, Verizon, AT&T, Apple TV, ARM, Apple, Cortex, iPad, A6, A5X