Everything iPad

Developers digging through the latest iPad SDK Beta 3 documentation have found confirmation that the Apple tablet does indeed use graphics chips from the same PowerVR SGX family as the iPhone 3GS and iPod touch.  However the exact identity of the chipset is still unknown.

“Using OpenGL ES on iPad is identical to using OpenGL ES on other iPhone OS devices. An iPad is a PowerVR SGX device and supports the same basic capabilities as other SGX devices. However, because the processor, memory architecture, and screen dimensions are different for iPad, you should always test your code on an iPad device before shipping to ensure performance meets your requirements.” Apple SDK documentation

What it does confirm, though, is that we can expect similar levels of gaming performance as on the iPhone 3GS.  That has evolved into something of a mobile gaming platform, while Apple have consciously positioned the iPod touch as just that.

The PowerVR SGX chip is produced by Imagination Technologies, and Apple’s A4 in-house chipset combines it and an ARM processor on a single component.  Recent reports suggested that Apple may have had to invest up to $1bn to develop the A4 for the iPad.