Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

MacRumors

macrumors bot
Original poster
Apr 12, 2001
68,200
38,989



apple_a6_chip-150x168.jpg
MacRumors has received word from a developer who has seen evidence of a previously unknown "iPad3,6" device showing up in his app analytics. Most interestingly, the device's processor targets the new ARMv7s architecture that supports the custom A6 system-on-a-chip found in the iPhone 5. This new iPad thus appears to be running either an A6 chip itself or a variation on Apple's custom A6 design.

It is unclear exactly what this new iPad device represents, as an "iPad3,6" designation would seem to imply a derivative of the current-generation iPad, which is designated "iPad3,1", "iPad3,2", and "iPad3,3" for the various Wi-Fi and cellular models. There have been rumors that Apple is planning to release a tweaked version of the third-generation iPad in the coming weeks in order to incorporate a Lightning connector and other internal changes, but it seems difficult to believe that such a release would also include an upgrade to the new A6 chip.

Alternatively, this new iPad3,6 could represent Apple's 2013 iPad model, which is expected to run some flavor of the A6 chip. We would, however, have expected that device to carry an "iPad4,x" designation.

This new iPad3,6 does not appear to represent the "iPad mini" reportedly scheduled for launch later this month, as that device is said to be a derivative of the iPad 2 running Apple's cheaper A5 chip and seems to have already been seen in logs carrying "iPad2,5" and "iPad2,6" designations. Our source who saw the iPad3,6 reference has also seen this iPad2,6 device running an A5 chip.

Article Link: New iPad Shows Up in App Analytics Running A6-Based Chip
 
Would be amazing if this was powering the iPad Mini. Would also make sense for it to use the iPhone 5's power-efficient A6/LTE chip.
 
Didn't we have a similar thing happen for the iMac but still no new iMac has been released!

Yes but you know what this means. Kuo was right again about an updated iPad which means the iMacs should be soon with the 13 inch retina MBP!
 
The only thing I hate about my iPad 3 is how long the battery takes to charge, that said faster is always better, and lightening would be a nice tweak...

...might be ebaying my 3 sooner than I thought!
 
Would be amazing if this was powering the iPad Mini. Would also make sense for it to use the iPhone 5's power-efficient A6/LTE chip.

The iPad mini would surely use the new A5 32nm processor that has only shipped in two low volume products so far. And now the iPod touch.

Why would Apple have gone to all that effort, and why wouldn't the iPod touch use it if that was the case?
 
It would be an interesting step for Apple. Their annual release cycle for consumer products has a certain psychological calming effect.

Also rather interesting, if the rumors were true and the intended display for the new iPad weren’t ready in time, Apple’s ability to pivot and use older/bulkier technology is quite remarkable.
 
An iMac... with an A6 chip?

:confused:

No with test results being leaked for an unknown iMac... I very much doubt and iMac with get a CPU designed for a phone.

As for this one maybe Apple is upgrading the internals with A6 and 4G LTE to bring the current iPad in line with the new iPhone and allow 4G use world wide... it would piss off those like my nephew who just got a new iPad :lol:
 
I don't care is it's the Mini. But if they re-release the 3 half way through it's cycle with better specs I'm going to be pissed. I know technology gets better and better but if they update the current iPad with better specs so quickly I'll seriously be disappointed.
 
My 10" iPad 3 is still good enough for me. I don't really see much Apple can do with it besides a processor update.

Keep driving the weight and thickness back down (to a point). I'll be really happy if the 4th gen iPad can get under the iPad 2's weight and bulk.
 
My 10" iPad 3 is still good enough for me. I don't really see much Apple can do with it besides a processor update.

They can bring screen technology used in iPhone5, make it thinner and lighter, and maybe a better speaker.

But eventually, you are right. What can Apple do with MBR other than updating the processor and capacity etc. Drastic improvements take time. Since Tim Cook keeps saying they are moving into the post-PC era, I`m expecting more variations of iPad (such as MBP, MBA and iMac has) in the future. We are going towards that with the mini. Same with the iPhone maybe.
 
Couldn't this be an iPad 3 with a 7.85" screen that is retina? Hence the A6, cause it needs the juice?
 
Why have several people mentioned this in regards to their iPad 3?

From my understanding of all these rumors, this is a small iPad 7"-ish. While portability and a lower price will be a selling point for some, if iPad's MiniMe arrives this fall, there is no way it would even match the 3rd generation's specs.

You will still have the greatest iPad ever (at least until Spring :p)
 
Last edited:
I don't care is it's the Mini. But if they re-release the 3 half way through it's cycle with better specs I'm going to be pissed. I know technology gets better and better but if they update the current iPad with better specs so quickly I'll seriously be disappointed.

It sucks - but thats the nature of commerce. A good mindset to have is the understanding that the moment of purchase of any electronic device it's essential on the downward trend. It's replacement is essentially in the works.
 
mass production

it is good if the have inventory then go ahead and update the new iPad with A6.

with existing supply chain issues (and demand for iPhone 5, iPod touch) I do not see that happening.

also it will piss of lots of new iPad owners.

A6 Will improve performance and if it improves battery life we might see lighter and thinner new iPad.

but at month of Oct, it is too risky to change your product line before the holiday.

----------

Couldn't this be an iPad 3 with a 7.85" screen that is retina? Hence the A6, cause it needs the juice?

then it will priced at $499, you want that?
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.