iOS 5.1 beta code hints at quad-core iPad and iPhone
Shocked to the core(s)?
According to 9to5Mac, the processing-core management software in Apple's recently released iOS 5.1 beta features references to a quad-core processor.
A look at the updated core management software revealed an option of "/cores/core.3," which doesn't really mean much on its own.
However, Apple's established naming conventions mean that "/cores/core.0," refers to its single-core processor, and "/cores/core.1," refers to the dual-core A5 processor found in all current iPhones and iPads.
Follow that line of thinking, and "/cores/core.3," does indeed point towards a quad-core processor.
Power to the peopleIf the next iPad release does come packing a heavily rumoured Retina display, it could need a quad-core processor to power the high-resolution screen.
And, if Apple does ship the next iteration of its tablet with a beefed-up processor, it's probably fair to assume that the chip will also make it into the next iPhone refresh.
Unwired View