iPad 3 Prototype Reveals Its Secrets via iBoot Utility

A prototype iPad 3 device has yielded a number of photos which contain enough information to confirm that the device is based on a quad-core A-series chip and that, at least in one version of the tablet PC, it will be capable of LTE connectivity.

The images come from a person who claims to be in possession of an iPad 3 prototype. Originally published by BGR, the photos show details about Apple’s next tablet revision, such as the device model, and some other hardware characteristics.

To obtain and display these details in a manner that’s readable to everyone, this person reportedly connected their prototype iPad 3 to a computer running a development and debug tool called iBoot.

Thanks to iBoot, the following information was revealed: 

1. The model numbers are J1 and J2 (iPad3,1 and iPad3,2) - designations which indicate slight variations between two devices of the same generation. For example, 3,1 should be the WiFi-only version of the iPad 3, whereas 3,2 should be the LTE-capable model.
2. Speaking of which, one model indeed appears to have Wi-Fi and GSM/CDMA/LTE capabilities
3. Finally, the next iPad will be based on a quad-core A6 processor. The model number is S5L8945X. For comparison, the A4 was S5L8930X and the A5 is S5L8940X, according to BGR.

This is not the first time it is being speculated that the iPad 3 will boast a quad-core chip that’s even more powerful than the A5 currently housed in the iPad 2. In fact, it’s only the next logical step for Apple.

According to a report coming from a Japanese blog that deals with Apple rumors, Apple will hold an event this month and another event in March. It is the latter event that will see the iPad 3 unveiled, according to that source.

Posted in: News, Preview, Tablet