New generation PowerVR GPU

Imagination Technologies launched the new generation GPU yesterday. It is the PowerVR 7 series. And this new GPU will be firstly adopted by Apple.

The performance of PowerVR 7XT and 7XE is enhanced by 60% compared with the old PowerVR 6XT and 6XE. And the power consumption is the same as the last generation. As we know the PowerVR 6XT has already been adopted by Apple A8 processor. It contains about 2 to 16 shadow cluster. By its high performance, this GPU can realize HDR and 4K rendering.

Now, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus adopt the A8 processor with GX6450 GPU. And iPad Air 2 adopts the GX6650 GPU. As estimation, the new generation GPU will be adopted about 18 months later.

In the CES 2014 trade show, Apple launched the A8 processor with PowerVR 6 series GPU. And eight months latter, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are available for sale. Obviously, this PowerVR 7 series GPU will be adopted in the Apple A9 processor. From middle of 2009, Apple has already hold 10% shares of Imagination Technologies.