Apple’s new M4 chip powers the 2024 iPad Pro lineup. Photo: Apple
Just seven months after the M3 chip made its debut, Apple shocked expectations by unveiling the new iPad Pro with introduction of the brand-new M4 chip. The M4 chip is built on second-generation three-nanometer technology that’s even more power efficient.
Tim Millet, Apple’s vice president of platform architecture and hardware technologies, says the M4 chip was “essential to deliver incredible performance” in the new iPad Pro, which is now “the most powerful device of its kind.”
The M4 chip was a last-minute rumor broken by Mark Gurman, which was dismissed by some as being unfeasible only half a year after M3 rolled out in last year’s MacBook Pro.
M4 introduction breaks all expectations
The M4 is a significant leap over the previous generation. Image: Apple
The new CPU has the same number of four performance cores, but adds two new efficiency cores. M4 “ delivers up to 50% faster CPU performance than M2.” Every core has a next-generation ML accelerator that works alongside the Neural Engine.
The new GPU in the M4 chip makes it 4× faster than the previous iPad models with M2 and 10× faster than the original iPad Pro from 2015.
The new Neural Engine can process 38 trillion operations per second. Combined with “next-generation ML accelerators in the CPU, a high-performance GPU and more memory bandwidth” Millet makes the bold claim that this Neural Engine is more powerful than any other PC neural processing unit.
Compared to the very first Apple silicon chip with a Neural Engine, the A11 Bionic — which debuted in 2017 — the M4 chip is 60× faster.
This article is still being updated with new information.
Apple chipmaker TSMC is making progress toward manufacturing 2nm and 1.4nm chips that are likely destined for future generations of Apple silicon, DigiTimes reports.
The manufacturing time frames for mass production of 2nm and 1.4nm chips have now apparently been determined: Trial production of the 2nm node will begin at in the second half of 2024, with small-scale production ramping up in the second quarter of 2025. Notably, TSMC’s new plant in Arizona will also join 2nm production efforts. In 2027, facilities in Taiwan will start to shift toward production of 1.4nm chips.
TSMC’s first 1.4nm node is officially called “A14” and will follow its “N2” 2nm chips. N2 is scheduled for mass production in late 2025, to be followed by an enhanced “N2P” node in late 2026.
Historically, Apple is among the first companies to adopt new, state-of-the-art chip fabrication technologies. For example, it was the first company to utilize TSMC’s 3nm node with the A17 Pro chip in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, and Apple is likely to follow suit with the chipmaker’s upcoming nodes. Apple’s most advanced chip designs have historically appeared in the iPhone before making their way to the iPad and Mac lineups. With all of the latest information, here’s how the iPhone’s chip technology is expected to look going forward:
The M1 series of Apple silicon chips is based on the A14 Bionic and uses TSMC’s N5 node, while the M2 and M3 series use N5P and N3B, respectively. The Apple Watch’s S4 and S5 chips use N7, the S6, S7, and S8 chips use N7P, and the latest S9 chip uses N4P.
Each successive TSMC node surpasses its predecessor in terms of transistor density, performance, and efficiency. Late last year, it emerged that TSMC had already demonstrated prototype 2nm chips to Apple ahead of their expected introduction in 2025.
While rumors have been focused on new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, some Apple customers are wondering when the next iPad mini will be released. In his Power On newsletter today, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said new iPad mini and entry-level iPad models will be released in late 2024 at the earliest. “The company is also working on new versions of the low-end iPad and iPad mini, but those…
Following a few notable discounts on MacBooks yesterday, Best Buy today introduced a sale on the 10th generation iPad, including numerous all-time low prices on the tablet. Prices start at $349.00 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model, and include $100 markdowns on both Wi-Fi and cellular devices. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may…
It has been nearly a year and a half since the current Apple TV was released, so the device is becoming due for a hardware upgrade. Below, we recap rumors about the next Apple TV, including potential features and launch timing. The current model is the third-generation Apple TV 4K, announced in October 2022. Key new features compared to the previous model from 2021 include a faster A15…
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 16 lineup will feature bigger battery capacities compared to previous-generation models with the exception of the iPhone 16 Plus, which will have a smaller battery than its predecessor. That’s according to the Chinese Weibo-based leaker OvO Baby Sauce OvO, a relatively new source of supply chain leaks with an as-yet unproven track record for accuracy. The iPhone 16 …
Apple will likely launch new iPad Pro and iPad Air models during the second week of May, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. “For those looking for more specific timing, I’m told the launch will probably happen the week of May 6,” said Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today. “Another data point to that end: Apple retail stores are preparing to receive new product marketing materials…
While the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are still months away from launching, there are already over a dozen rumors about the devices. Below, we have recapped new features and changes expected for the devices so far. These are some of the key changes rumored for the iPhone 16 Pro models as of April 2024:Larger displays: The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be equipped with large…
Microsoft will advertise that its upcoming Windows laptops with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite processor are faster than the MacBook Air with Apple’s latest M3 chip, according to internal documents obtained by The Verge. “Microsoft is so confident in these new Qualcomm chips that it’s planning a number of demos that will show how these processors will be faster than an M3 MacBook Air for CPU…
It has been nearly two years since Apple first previewed next-generation CarPlay at WWDC 2022, and it has still yet to become available in any vehicles. Below, we recap the latest information about the upcoming software system.
Apple’s render of next-generation CarPlay from WWDC 2022
Next-generation CarPlay will have deeper integration with a vehicle’s instrument cluster, climate controls, FM radio, and more. It will also support multiple displays across the dashboard, and offer a variety of personalization options.
Launch Timing
Aston Martin and Porsche previewed their customized next-generation CarPlay designs in December. Aston Martin said it would release its first vehicles with next-generation CarPlay support in 2024, including a new model of its high-end DB12 sports car. Porsche did not provide a timeframe or specific details about its own plans.
A spokesperson for Porsche this week told us that it has no update to provide about next-generation CarPlay availability at this time, while a spokesperson for Aston Martin has yet to respond to our request for comment.
Porsche’s next-generation CarPlay preview from December 2023
In January, Apple updated its website to confirm that the first vehicle models with support for next-generation CarPlay will debut “in 2024,” but it has yet to provide a more specific timeframe. This wording is shown on Apple’s websites for several countries, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and others.
Committed Automakers
When it first announced next-generation CarPlay, Apple said the following automakers were committed to offering it in new vehicles:
Acura
Audi
Ford
Honda
Infiniti
Jaguar
Land Rover
Lincoln
Mercedes-Benz
Nissan
Polestar
Porsche
Renault
Volvo
Beyond the addition of Aston Martin, it is unclear if this list has changed since that initial announcement at WWDC 2022.
Aston Martin’s next-generation CarPlay preview from December 2023
Apple has not indicated if any next-generation CarPlay apps or features will be available in existing vehicles with standard CarPlay support.
New Features
Instrument Cluster Integration
Next-generation CarPlay will integrate with a vehicle’s instrument cluster, including the speedometer, tachometer, odometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, and more. Apple says drivers will be able to choose from several gauge cluster designs and layouts, including brand‑specific options.
Climate Controls
You’ll be able to access your vehicle’s climate controls directly within the new CarPlay interface, allowing you to adjust the temperature of the A/C or heat, fan speed, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and other options.
Multi-Display Support
Next-generation CarPlay will be able to appear across all of the displays in a vehicle, providing a consistent experience across the infotainment system, instrument cluster, and any additional screens on the dashboard. Apple says the new CarPlay will be tailored to each vehicle model to accommodate unique screen shapes and layouts.
Widgets
Widgets will be a key part of the new CarPlay experience, offering at-a-glance information such as trip duration, fuel economy, distance traveled, calendar events, weather, phone calls, the status of a HomeKit-enabled garage door, and more. It will also be possible to view and scroll through the widgets within the instrument cluster.
FM Radio App
Next-generation CarPlay will include an all-new Media app that allows you to easily control the FM radio in your vehicle, such as to change the station.
Auto Settings: This app will let you manage paired iPhones and adjust vehicle settings.
Car Camera: This app will display the vehicle’s rear-view camera feed.
Charge: For electric vehicles, this app will display battery level, charging status, time remaining until the battery is fully charged, and more.
Climate: This app will provide access to a vehicle’s climate controls within CarPlay, allowing you to adjust the temperature of the A/C or heating system, fan speed, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and more.
Closures: This app will display if any of the vehicle’s doors are opened, and it might also display vehicle warning symbols.
Media: This app will provide access to FM and AM radio station controls within CarPlay, along with other media options like SiriusXM. It is unclear if SiriusXM will offer satellite connectivity, or remain limited to internet streaming. Users will be able to select from a list of music genres, such as Top 40 and Rock.
Tire Pressure: This app will display air pressure for each of the vehicle’s tires, and provide low pressure, high pressure, and flat tire warnings.
Trips: This app will provide a variety of driving-related data, including the vehicle’s average speed, fuel efficiency or energy efficiency, the total time elapsed and distance traveled on a trip, and more.
iOS 17.4 also revealed that next-generation CarPlay will likely display a “Goodbye” animation on the dashboard display after the driver shuts off the vehicle:
As previously announced by Apple, additional images found in iOS 17.4 confirm that users will be able to adjust the theme and color scheme of next-generation CarPlay, including the appearance of the instrument cluster:
Apple released iOS 17.4 in early March, and it is possible that it will be the minimum software version required for next-generation CarPlay when it eventually launches. However, it is also possible that Apple still has final preparations to make in iOS 17.5 and beyond, so we will ultimately have to wait and see when the software is ready.
More Images
Summary
Apple says next-generation CarPlay will launch in 2024, but a more specific timeframe is still unknown. Aston Martin and Porsche have previewed their next-generation CarPlay designs, and the recently-released iOS 17.4 update for the iPhone includes hidden code-level references to next-generation CarPlay apps and features.
IBM has introduced its new IBM Storage Scale System 6000, a cloud-scale global data platform designed to meet the demands of data-intensive and artificial intelligence (AI) workloads. This new system is a part of the IBM Storage for Data and AI portfolio, a collection of advanced storage solutions designed to support the increasing demands of modern data environments.
IBM’s reputation as a leader in the field of distributed file systems and object storage has been recognized by Gartner, a leading research and advisory company. For the seventh consecutive year, IBM has been named a leader in the 2022 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Distributed File Systems and Object Storage. This recognition highlights IBM’s commitment to providing high-performance storage solutions that are optimized for today’s data-driven world.
IBM Storage Scale System 6000
The IBM Storage Scale System 6000 is a high-performance system, providing up to 7 million IOPs and up to 256 GB/s throughput for read-only workloads per system in a 4U footprint. This system is designed to unify data from multiple sources in near real-time, optimizing performance for GPU workloads. It is particularly well-suited for storing semi-structured and unstructured data, including video, imagery, text, and instrumentation data.
In terms of future developments, the IBM Storage Scale System 6000 is set to incorporate IBM FlashCore Modules (FCM) in the first half of 2024. This addition will provide capacity efficiency with a 70% lower cost and 53% less energy per terabyte. The system also features powerful inline hardware-accelerated data compression and encryption, ensuring data security.
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“With our current Storage Scale Systems 3500, we are helping decrease time to discovery and increase research productivity for a growing variety of scientific disciplines. For AI research involving medical image analysis, we have decreased latency of access by as much as 60% compared to our previous storage infrastructure. For genomics and complex fluid dynamics workloads, we have increased throughput by as much as 70%,” said Jake Carroll, Chief Technology Officer, Research Computing Centre, The University of Queensland, Australia. “We get all the benefits of a high-speed parallel file system inside our supercomputing resources with the data management transparency and global data access that the IBM Storage Scale software provides.”
Carroll added, “IBM’s Storage Scale System 6000 should be a gamechanger for us. With the specs that I’ve seen, by doubling the performance and increasing the efficiency, we would be able to ask our scientific research questions with higher throughput, but with a lower TCO and lower power consumption per IOP, in the process.”
The IBM Storage Scale System 6000 is designed to be flexible, supporting a range of multi-vendor storage options including AWS, Azure, IBM Cloud, and other public clouds, in addition to IBM Storage Tape. This compatibility with a diverse range of storage options makes it a versatile solution for various data storage needs.
When compared with its competitors, the IBM Storage Scale System 6000 offers impressive performance. The system provides faster access to data with over 2.5 times the GB/s throughput and 2 times the IOPs performance of market-leading competitors. This makes it a powerful tool for organizations that require fast, efficient access to large volumes of data.
The IBM Storage Scale System 6000 is already being used in practical applications. For instance, the University of Queensland has utilized the IBM Storage Scale global data platform and IBM Storage Scale System for research in applied AI for neurodegenerative diseases and vaccine technologies. This showcases the system’s capacity to support complex, data-intensive research projects.
The Storage Scale System 6000 also integrates with NVIDIA technology, supporting NVIDIA Magnum IOTM GPUDirect Storage (GDS). This provides a direct path between GPU memory and storage, designed to increase performance with data movement IO when GDS is enabled.
The IBM Storage Scale System 6000 is a powerful, flexible, and high-performance storage solution designed to meet the demands of data-intensive and AI workloads. With its impressive performance, capacity for future expansion, and compatibility with a range of storage options, this system is well-positioned to support the data needs of modern organizations.
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Just seven months after the M3 chip made its debut, Apple shocked expectations by unveiling the new iPad Pro with introduction of the brand-new M4 chip. The M4 chip is built on second-generation three-nanometer technology that’s even more power efficient.
