14 DAY TRIAL // New details are emerging regarding a single-core A5 chip recently confirmed as a new development in the $99/€99 Apple TV set-top box. According to hardware expert Anand Lal Shimpi, the processor is extremely power efficient.
Apple’s new A5 chip (marked as A1469) may not cut your monthly power bill in half, according to AnandTech, “[But] the power savings are nothing short of significant,” from a technical point of view, Anand Lal Shimpi reports.
“The previous generation Apple TV wasn’t really a power hog, with platform power maxing out at around 1.6W, but the new model tops out at just a watt. Overall the power savings seem to be around 800mW across the board,” according to the hardware expert.
Even though the numbers only translate into a $0.26 / €0.20 saving per year, Apple’s achievements in processor power management are still very impressive.
The Cupertino giant makes similar strivings with its A5X, A6, and A6X processors for iPhones and iPads.
The upcoming A7 chip destined for the iPhone 6 is expected to deliver enhanced processing speed, as well as more efficient power consumption.
Recent developments in Taiwan indicate that TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) and Intel are fighting to score a major order from Apple on the latest A7 SoC (system on a chip) for the next-generation of iPhones and iPads.
The latest disclosures from DigiTimes’ industry sources say “[TSMC] is expected to tape out Apple's A7 processor on a 20nm process in March and then move the chip into risk production in May-June.”
It is currently unknown what devices the A7 chip is made for. However, the same DigiTimes reports that commercial shipments are slated for 2014, which puts the A7 inside the next-generation iPhone 6.
Apple this year is expected to unveil the iPad 5, a new iPad mini with Retina display, a low-cost iPhone and an incremental iPhone 5S revision.