iPhone 5se and iPad Air 3 to Use A9 and A9X Processors

[MacRumors]

In a profile of Johny Srouji, Apple's SVP of Hardware Technologies who oversees Apple's chip development, Bloomberg quietly confirmed some key processor details about Apple's upcoming devices, the iPhone 5se and the iPad Air 3.

Both products will use Apple's latest chip technologies, with the iPhone 5se adopting the A9 processor from the iPhone 6s and the iPad Air 3 adopting the A9X processor first used in the iPad Pro.

Early iPhone 5se rumors were offered conflicting information on the processor that would be used, with some pointing towards the A9 and others pointing towards the previous-generation A8. Later rumors have solidified around the A9, and now we've got confirmation from a reliable source.

For the iPad Air 3, while the A9X seemed like a logical choice for the tablet, there was no prior rumor suggesting it was indeed the chip Apple would be using, so Bloomberg's concrete information about the chip is worth highlighting.

Bloomberg's piece also further confirms Apple's planned March event, which is rumored to be taking place mid-month, on March 15. Further rumors have suggested the two devices will be released online and in retail stores just days after their unveiling, on March 18.

In March, Apple intends to announce an updated iPad and smaller-screen iPhone featuring the latest A9x and A9 chips, according to a person familiar with the plans, who wasn't authorized to comment publicly

The iPhone 5se is Apple's 4-inch iPhone, which will be sold alongside its larger-screened flagship devices. iPhone 5se rumors suggest it will look like a cross between an iPhone 5s and an iPhone 6s, using the iPhone 5s body with the curved display glass of the newer device.

As for the iPad Air 3, it's expected to take several design cues from the iPad Pro. It is rumored to include four speakers, two at the top and two at the bottom, along with a possible Smart Connector for accessories and a rear LED flash, the first to be implemented in an iPad.

Article Link: iPhone 5se and iPad Air 3 to Use A9 and A9X Processors

 

[thisisnotmyname]

four inch screen fans are going to love this news.

 

[spaceballl]

This is great news... Let's hope they give us a 128GB option!

 

[Bentron]

It'll be interesting to see whether iPad Air 3 will take any other cues from the Pro *cough* Apple Pencil *Cough*.

 

[Futurix]

Good news all around!
Definitely getting iPad Air 3, and I'm sure 4" lovers will be happy too.

 

[TheRealTVGuy]

There are about to be a whole lot of happy MacRumors readers!

 

[Schranke]

Always something that they use the A9 instead of the A8.
But i had really hoped that apple would stop this nonsens with having a flagship line in form factor of the 6 and the 6+ and then the 4" with last years tech.
The worst part would properly be that the price difference isn't that big anyway...

 

[Porco]

This is great news... Let's hope they give us a 128GB option!

I agree... 128GB option for the smaller iPhone would be great news. I'm over worrying about the camera if we get decent performance and storage. I like my iPhone 6, but it's a bit too big for my tastes when I'm fortunate enough to have an iPad as well for larger-screen iOS stuff. A small iPhone and maybe the larger iPad Pro is, to me, a more compelling ideal combination than a huge iPhone (e.g. the + models) and a standard or mini iPad. But obviously everyone is different - choice is good thing.

 

[iTom17]

Not quite surprised, to be honest. Especially when speaking of the iPad Air 3, but it also just makes great sense that the iPhone 5se will have it. They will definitely be underclocked, to save battery life and stuff. You won't need all the power. Although, it would be interesting to see whether the iPhone 5se would be faster than the iPhone 6s because of the smaller screen, if it'll have the same clockspeed. Same with the iPad Air 3, as it is much smaller compared to the iPad Pro.

Looking really forward to all of this.

 

[AppleScruff1]

It will be interesting to see what Apple does with the 5se pricing.

 

[jbachandouris]

Although I sold my Air 2 because I rarely used it, but this peaks my interest...slightly.

If only Apple would ditch the 16GB option. Doubt it though.

 

[guychicago]

Where did this guy say anything about upcoming products or processors? Complete BS article macrumors

 

[Ballis]

I kinda wanna update my 5S but not really sure why I would get the 5SE.

Its faster but should I care when I think the 5S is plenty fast?

Its got NFC but thats no use outside the US and China.

Other than a better camera, faster touch ID and VoLTE support, will the update be meaningful?

 

[arn]

Where did this guy say anything about upcoming products or processors? Complete BS article macrumors

The guy didn't. The article writer did

"(In March, Apple intends to announce an updated iPad and smaller-screen iPhone featuring the latest A9x and A9 chips, according to a person familiar with the plans, who wasn’t authorized to comment publicly.)"

 

[yaxomoxay]

There are about to be a whole lot of happy MacRumors readers!

"MacRumors readers" and "happy" do not belong in the same sentence.

 

[catean]

I am thinking more and more that this will be an iPhone 6S mini not a 5se.

 

[Datalinks]

i hope they release a 64/128gb version

 

[guychicago]

The guy didn't. The article writer did

"(In March, Apple intends to announce an updated iPad and smaller-screen iPhone featuring the latest A9x and A9 chips, according to a person familiar with the plans, who wasn’t authorized to comment publicly.)"

Like Apple will tell Bloomberg that

 

[yaxomoxay]

Like Apple will tell Bloomberg that

It's a controlled leak. nothing weird about it, virtually any company and government on earth does it.

 

[temna]

It'll be interesting to see whether iPad Air 3 will take any other cues from the Pro *cough* Apple Pencil *Cough*.

Nope
[doublepost=1455836179][/doublepost]

Good news all around!
Definitely getting iPad Air 3, and I'm sure 4" lovers will be happy too.

Except the Pro will be faster. Expect the Air 3 to have a 1.8GHz A9X with 2GB DDR4 ram. And no pencil support. If they offer pencil support and they are still weeks out on backorders right now, they will have hell to pay.
[doublepost=1455836286][/doublepost]

Not quite surprised, to be honest. Especially when speaking of the iPad Air 3, but it also just makes great sense that the iPhone 5se will have it. They will definitely be underclocked, to save battery life and stuff. You won't need all the power. Although, it would be interesting to see whether the iPhone 5se would be faster than the iPhone 6s because of the smaller screen, if it'll have the same clockspeed. Same with the iPad Air 3, as it is much smaller compared to the iPad Pro.

Looking really forward to all of this.

You don't really think that the Air 3 will have the same internals do you? No way it will have the same RAM or the same clock speeds as the Pro.

 

[RickInHouston]

I don't know why you all get your hopes up. They are going to hold something significant back to make the good news all turn blue again.

 

[GhostRaider]

So it is an iPhone 6s Mini then. I think MacRumors has the name wrong.

 

[BruceEBonus]

Nothing to see here (again) ... Move along now ....

 

[emm386]

Nothing to see here (again) ... Move along now ....

Jony will make it thinner!
Can't innovate anymore, my ass!

 

[nj-morris]

I swear that there was ONE rumour saying that the new 4-inch iPhone will be called the 'iPhone 5SE'. One. So why is every single article everywhere calling it this?