Apple’s next-generation 4-inch ‘iPhone 5se’is more likely to include variants of the A9 and M8 co-processor. However, as per the latest information received by 9to5Mac, Apple now plans on using the A9 chipset and M9 motion co-processor inside its new 4-inch iPhone.
The report claims the so-called “iPhone 5se” will likely replace the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in Apple’s fall 2016 smartphone lineup, while the iPhone 5s will then be discontinued.
Because the iPhone 7 will include a faster chip potentially known as the A10 processor, Apple likely does not want its new 4-inch iPhone to fall two processor generations behind in just six months.
Apparently, Apple is testing multiple variants of the iPhone with some them being powered by an A8 chipset and others being powered by an A9 chipset, but in the end, it has decided to go with the more powerful A9 chipset. Beside being more powerful, the A9/M9 chipset from Apple will also make sure that the 4-inch iPhone will feature always-on ‘Hey Siri’ functionality as seen on the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus.
Lastly, the source claims that Apple will continue to offer the 4-inch iPhone with only 16GB of base storage. Just like the iPhone 6 series though, the company will offer 64GB as the next storage variant instead of 32GB.
The next-generation 4-inch iPhone reportedly entered mass production last week, ahead of a rumored March event announcement, alongside the iPad Air 3 and Apple Watch updates including new bands and possibly other minor improvements. The smartphone is expected to ship in late March or early April.
Source: 9to5Mac
Next 4-inch ‘iPhone 5se’ to Feature A9 Chip, and more