NEWS  Apple  June 4, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Earlier this month, Apple updated the technical specifications of the M2 iPad Air to reflect that the device comes with a 9-core GPU, contrary to the previously advertised 10-core GPU. This discrepancy was noted in various mentions of the M2 iPad Air specifications, including the official press release and a support document.

Following the revelation, almost all references to a 10-core GPU on the M2 iPad Air have been corrected. In a statement to 9to5Mac, Apple acknowledged the mistake:

"We are updating Apple.com to correct the core count for the M2 iPad Air. All performance claims for the M2 iPad Air are accurate and based on a 9-core GPU"

Despite the GPU core count error, Apple assured that the performance improvements mentioned for the M2 iPad Air remain accurate. The device is marketed as "nearly 50 percent faster than the previous iPad Air with M1 for a wide range of productivity and creative tasks. And compared to iPad Air with A14 Bionic, the new iPad Air delivers up to 3x faster performance."

Notably, this marks the first time Apple has sold an M2-powered device with a 9-core GPU, differing from the usual 8-core or 10-core GPU configurations. It remains unclear whether the error was merely a typographical mistake or if there was an initial plan to equip the M2 iPad Air with a 10-core GPU. 

Apple refreshed the iPad Air last month, incorporating the M2 chip and introducing a 13-inch variant. Despite retaining the "Air" branding, the new M2 iPad Air models are now heavier than their iPad Pro counterparts. Additionally, Apple has made the iPad retail box lighter by omitting the iconic Apple Stickers.

 IMAGES CREDITS: APPLE