Apple’s New M4 Chip Forces Qualcomm to Redesign Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
May. 13, 2024Apple’s M4 processor which powers the recentlylaunched iPad Proshows record-breaking single-core scores in the benchmark. This could have prompted Qualcomm, to rethink and redesign their upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 application processor (AP). Going by the rumors, the next flagship processor willsee anincrease in clock speedgoing from 4GHz to 4.26GHz.
The design of the 8 Gen 4 AP will be based on theSnapdragon X Elite processorbuilt for laptops. It won’t feature a Scalable Matrix Extension (SME) as the X Elite does not work with the ARMv9 instruction set. This means it won’t be able to efficiently manage complex tasks like Apple’s M4 processor, which also helped in higher benchmark results.
The increase in clock speed to 4.26 GHz will also compensate for the decrease in performance due to the lack of SME. It will bemanufactured by TSMCusing its second-generation (N3E) 3nm process node.Apple’s M4 chipsetwas also built on the same node. Apple may use it for the A18 and A18 Pro smartphone processors, set to debut with the iPhone 16 series.
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As a tech journalist, I dive into the ever-evolving tech landscape with a particular interest for smartphones, apps, and gaming. With a passion for sharing insights, my articles blend expertise with a friendly touch—think of me as your friendly neighborhood tech support.
