Processor leaks: Apple is planning these SoCs and SiPs in its upcoming devices
Which chips are coming in new models of HomePod mini, Apple TV, iPad mini and Vision Pro? What about the Studio Display 2? A code expert finds clues.
Apple logo in blue.
(Image: Mac & i)
Apple is apparently planning numerous updates to existing products using improved system-on-a-chip (SoC) and system-in-package (SiP). Corresponding details have been published by code leak expert Aaron Perris on X and Macrumors. They come from Apple's own software – Perris did not specify which ones.
HomePod mini 2, iPad mini 8, new Apple TV 4K
Apple is apparently planning a second-generation HomePod mini in the near future. The new chip in it will be based on the T8310 microarchitecture and is codenamed B525, while the previous models are internally called B520 by Apple. T8310 is also used in the S9 and S10 SiPs from Apple Watch Series 9 and 10. Currently, the HomePod mini still uses an SiP based on the outdated S5 from the Apple Watch Series 5 from 2019. It is still unclear what else is in the HomePod mini 2 apart from the new SiP – A new combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip from Apple would also be conceivable. It remains to be seen whether there will be any other changes to the hardware. The new SiP is technically based on the A16 from the iPhone 14 Pro and has a 64-bit dual-core processor with a Neural Engine with four cores.
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According to Macrumors, a new Apple TV 4K will also come with the A17 Pro. This chip was first used by Apple in the iPhone 15 Pro and promises a significant increase in speed compared to the currently used A15 Bionic –, including Apple Intelligence support and improved graphics performance. According to code leaks, the iPad mini 8 will have the internal names J510 and J511 and will be equipped with an A19 Pro SoC for the first time. This is not yet on the market, but is expected with the iPhone 17 Pro. It is not yet clear when the new model will be released – The current iPad mini 7 dates from 2024 and contains an A17 Pro. Apple is also reportedly planning a new entry-level iPad, which would then receive the A18 from the iPhone 17 (codename: J581/J582).
Vision Pro 2, Apple Watch Series 11 and Studio Display 2
It was also discovered in Apple's code that the second generation of the Vision Pro will probably be equipped with Apple's M5 SoC. There had previously been speculation that Apple would use the older M4 chip. It is still unclear when the model will be released. It is also said to be a little more comfortable to wear, as Apple is planning improvements to the headband system. Aaron Perris has also uncovered details about the Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3 and SE 3. These are said to have an S11 SiP. However, it is conceivable that the chip will continue to be based on the old T8310 architecture of S9 and S10. Apple has already done this in the past, improving the SiPs only minimally from year to year.
Finally, there are also indications of a second generation of the Studio Display. Apple's code mentions the internal name J427. No further details were found, but there was also a second code name called J527, which could not be assigned at first. It could stand for a second variant of the Studio Display. In principle, code leaks do not mean that Apple will launch devices on the market soon – Sometimes the mention is unintentional and is then deleted again in later versions. Nevertheless, it is unusual for so much information to be leaked at once.
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