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

[jamface]

I've said it before and i'll say it again.....TAKE MY MONEY!!!!
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I think that will in fact be the name. It is an updated iphone 5/5s. Reminds me of a car....the "se" model .....next we will have the "sel"

The convention of the number and letter denotes the generation of the device - but the processor defines the generation. With the exception of the special case of the 5C, as they change the processor, they then change the name. If this new phone has the A9, then it'll be a 6S... something!

 

[mattopotamus]

The convention of the number and letter denotes the generation of the device - but the processor defines the generation. With the exception of the special case of the 5C, as they change the processor, they then change the name. If this new phone has the A9, then it'll be a 6S... something!

Historically, yes. They may just roll with the 5 number and change the letter. Typically the "body" of the phone will be similar. If the new 4" phone looks like the iphone 5, why give it the 6 name? I really think it will be the 5 something.

 

[solarmon]

i hope they release a 64/128gb version

Same here. 64G might be fine today but a couple of years from now, the 128G will be nice (so I can carry all 10,000 photos of my puppy shown here)
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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.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

I am home recovering from surgery so I will be able to order the 4 inch phone the moment it becomes available. Cannot wait...iPhone 6is too big for me...

 

[Gudi]

I just prefer more real estate when it comes to editing various content.

We all do and we all prefer small and light when it comes to carrying the device around. But you can't have both and you have to prioritize. As an Apple customer you don't even get a free choice in size. First there were no big-screen iPhones, now there are no small-screen iPhones. There was no new iPad Air last year and only a minor update to the iPad mini in the year before. And 17-inch MacBook Pro fans are crying themselves into sleep since 2012. You can't buy what does not exist and you can't form an experienced opinion about it either. We are all subject to confirmation bias and to the ups and downs of Apples release cycle.

 

[mattopotamus]

We all do and we all prefer small and light when it comes to carrying the device around. But you can't have both and you have to prioritize. As an Apple customer you don't even get a free choice in size. First there were no big-screen iPhones, now there are no small-screen iPhones. There was no new iPad Air last year and only a minor update to the iPad mini in the year before. And 17-inch MacBook Pro fans are crying themselves into sleep since 2012. You can't buy what does not exist and you can't form an experienced opinion about it either. We are all subject to confirmation bias and to the ups and downs of Apples release cycle.

there is the regular and plus models (maybe not as small as people want, but choice).

the ipad air 2 ....

 

[jamface]

Historically, yes. They may just roll with the 5 number and change the letter. Typically the "body" of the phone will be similar. If the new 4" phone looks like the iphone 5, why give it the 6 name? I really think it will be the 5 something.

thats my point though - they'll give it the 6 name because of the processor.

the only similarity that they'll mention in marketing would be the screen size. (and perhaps also, if the thickness doesn't change, then also the camera module might be as the 5S). but it won't 'look like' the 5 or 5s apart from the screen size.

 

[mattopotamus]

thats my point though - they'll give it the 6 name because of the processor.

the only similarity that they'll mention in marketing would be the screen size. (and perhaps also, if the thickness doesn't change, then also the camera module might be as the 5S). but it won't 'look like' the 5 or 5s apart from the screen size.

What makes you think that? Every single rumor has pointed to it looking like the 5S just with a curved front.

"Apple's upcoming 4-inch iPhone. It is said to look similar to an iPhone 5s, but with curved cover glass "

 

[KdParker]

Parts? Leaked stuff?

We would normally have seen this by now.

 

[hokieputter]

Please let there be 2GB RAM in the new 4" phone!! I care much more about RAM than storage. Don't hate on me, but I can live with 16GB with little to no issues. I have a 128GB iPod touch for my music needs.

 

[mdridwan47]

I have 3D Touch on my 6S+ and so many times I've just ended up with wiggling apps from trying the same on my iPad!

3D Touch will be the way of the future from apps to gaming. It's coming to Android too. So missing this key feature is really a dealbreaker for me and I assume many others. I mean what else can apple do with the iPads at this point that'll make people to buy another one.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

This is awesome. Lets hope that they won't **** it up and give it 1GB RAM only.

My 4S and iPad 2 work just fine, except for the RAM, which is destroying the experience on both units. The A9 is way overkill for most things people do on a phone, and 1GB RAM on the side would be rediculous.

 

[Ankaa]

Using 2 letter suffixes is laughable. It just makes it sound idiotic.

iPhone 3GS *cough*

What makes you think that? Every single rumor has pointed to it looking like the 5S just with a curved front.

I REALLY hope that's not going to happen. Even after 2.5 years I'm still not really comfortable holding my 5S, to me it's one of the iphones with the worst "holdability".

Also, it would be kinda lame to stick with an almost 4-years old design ....even the 5C back than got an upgraded design.

I would love to get a 6-Design, maybe slightly thicker, I wouldn't mind, and with 4''. I wouldn't even mind to pay a premium for this, it doesn't have to be the entry-level iPhone ...I really just want 4'' with good tech and design.

 

[mattopotamus]

I REALLY hope that's not going to happen. Even after 2.5 years I'm still not really comfortable holding my 5S, to me it's one of the iphones with the worst "holdability".

Also, I would be kinda lame to stick with an almost 4-years old design ....even the 5C back than got an upgraded design.

It would love to get a 6-Design, maybe slightly thicker, I wouldn't mind, and with 4''.

I'm on the opposite end. I do not really care for the design of the 6/6s and everytime I hold the 5S I want that design back.

 

[bassanoclapper]

i hope they release a 64/128gb version

I'm thinking 16/32/64, the 128 stays exclusive to the top tier products

 

[mattopotamus]

I'm thinking 16/32/64, the 128 stays exclusive to the top tier products

How so? Ipad mini, air and pro all have 128 options.
All new iphones have 128 options.

I think the rumor is 16 or 64gb, but nothing in their current lineup screams 128 is reserved. All new products have had 128 since they started it.

 

[gkarris]

$500 for a phone with an A8 is asking way too much...

Good move to include A9's...

 

[mattopotamus]

$500 for a phone with an A8 is asking way too much...

Good move to include A9's...

I also question that. If it has an A9 are they really going to price it anything less that $599? My guess it $599 for 16gb and $699 for 64gb....on the low end $550 and $650.

 

[manu chao]

I'm really dreading that the inclusion of a9x means they will withhold the pencil to differentiate from the Pro. Sad, because that would have gotten my sale. Curious if another speed bump is really going to boost sales since I haven't heard any complaints that processing power is where the iPad is falling behind.

I don't think, withholding the A9X was even an option. Putting a 'plain' A9 into an iPad Air 3 wouldn't make much sense. Every iPad since they got retina screens got extra graphic units compared to the iPhone. If the A9X had three cores, an 'A9y' with only two cores could have found its way into the Air 3, but since the A9X has only two cores, that is not an option.

 

[LCPepper]

If it also has Apple Pencil, then I am camping outside the Apple Store to buy one... Good bye sweetest iPad Mini 4, but OMG A9X and AP... Dying.

 

[marty1980]

If the new iPad (3rd gen) is any indication, a March release of the iPad Air 3 with an A9X is not good for consumers. The A10 and possibly A10X SoCs will come out in the fall with new iPhones, maybe iPad mini 5 and possibly the iPad Pro 2; putting the iPad Air 3 a year behind. Or an iPad Air 4 gets released in the fall too, repeating the history of 2012 with the new iPad and iPad 4.

The iPhone 5se is going to please a lot of people, especially having an A9 SoC inside. Curious how much RAM and what storage options will be. Guessing 1GB RAM and 16&32GB options for storage.

 

[stevemiller]

If the new iPad (3rd gen) is any indication, a March release of the iPad Air 3 with an A9X is not good for consumers. The A10 and possibly A10X SoCs will come out in the fall with new iPhones, maybe iPad mini 5 and possibly the iPad Pro 2; putting the iPad Air 3 a year behind. Or an iPad Air 4 gets released in the fall too, repeating the history of 2012 with the new iPad and iPad 4.

The iPhone 5se is going to please a lot of people, especially having an A9 SoC inside. Curious how much RAM and what storage options will be. Guessing 1GB RAM and 16&32GB options for storage.

Two things will likely prevent an iPad 3 situation, EVEN if they immediately updated an air 4 in the fall:

-a9x is 6 months vs a year old tech, and still is a generational step up from air2, whereas iPad 3 was the same processor as the iPad 2.

-I highly doubt the 4K screen rumours, so the air 3 will not have the handicap of being underpowered for the screen resolution; it'll be driving the same number of pixels as the previous 4 generations of processing hardware. Further it'll have fewer pixels to deal with than the pro, with the same generation of hardware. That makes it arguably more future proof than the pro in some respects.

I say all of this as someone super wary of the rate Apple makes older hardware feel sluggish. Given that iPads are now benchmarking at the same level as my 2008 MacBook Pro, I am really thinking there is no excuse if they still make basic operations like text entry laggy over time when the latest full blown OS X can still run very decently on 2008 hardware.

 

[Zwhaler]

I wonder how ridiculous the pricing on the 5se will be...

 

[mattopotamus]

I wonder how ridiculous the pricing on the 5se will be...

At the absolute most, $100 less than the 6s.

 

[SteveW928]

four inch screen fans are going to love this news.

***IF*** the A9 also means 2GB of RAM. Otherwise, it's rather irrelevant. The A8 is plenty fast enough, though I'd love it to be current tech. But, < 2GB of RAM is a show-stopper.

 

[bassanoclapper]

How so? Ipad mini, air and pro all have 128 options.
All new iphones have 128 options.

I think the rumor is 16 or 64gb, but nothing in their current lineup screams 128 is reserved. All new products have had 128 since they started it.

I just sense that this will be pitched as a slightly cheaper and smaller alternative, not just a different sized screen in the way the iPad is. They'll be some differentiations from the 6S line and storage could well be one of them. Similarly, the camera and possible lack of 3D Touch