Since the iPod Touch isn't getting a new processor doesn't that make the A5 chip in the iPhone pointless? Many people use the iPod Touch as a gaming device and I would think that developers would develop games that are more compatible with the older A4 chip. If that's the case, then I don't see what kind of other apps, apart from games, will really push the A5 to its limits.
What do y'all think?
Question about
Is the A5 processor in the iPhone 4S pointless?
top answers
timchoi89's pick
I think the A5 being in an iPhone 4 shell is pointless. I get the feeling that not nearly as many people are planning on buying a 4S as they were a 5, so much so in fact that the iPhone 4 will still be the dominant phone. Developers, as a result of this and the iPod Touch thing you mentioned, will still develop apps for the more widely used platform iPod Touch + iPhone 4, and the A5 will only truly be put to the test when the iPhone 5 arrives as a significant majority of current iPhone users convert to the new chip.
mark as good answer
3 people like this answer
Clicking the mark as good answer button helps us highlight the best answers.
timchoi89's pick
Maintaining processor and RAM parity with the iPad 2 is important to developers of universal apps. Particularly for those developers looking to build more ambitious apps. Apple needs to keep advancing the iOS platform; and, in terms of apps, the 4S puts the iPhone back in parity with the iPad 2.
That said, you are entirely right about the Touch being out of sync with the rest of the iOS product line. That is the problem; not the better internals in the 4S.
That said, you are entirely right about the Touch being out of sync with the rest of the iOS product line. That is the problem; not the better internals in the 4S.
mark as good answer
2 people like this answer
timchoi89's pick
I think you made a good point Tim. I hadn't really thought about it until I read your question, but it totally makes sense.
mark as good answer
1 person likes this answer
I just think that it's interesting this is the first time the iPod Touch has lagged behind spec-wise. The third generation required 32 or 64 GB to get the spec bump but at least it was an option.
mark as good answer
1 person likes this answer
Apple will probably do a processor upgrade on the iPod touch later on. Right know they are trying to make the iPhone 4S look more powerful. The Mac store will go down and come back up with iPod's with A5 processors. Surprise!
mark as good answer
0 people like this answer
This is a dumb question. IT'S FASTER! BY A LOT! Tens of millions will be sold! Do you really think developers aren't going to make games for a device that's now on 3 carriers and will outsell any other smartphone, period?
Don't look too far into it.
Don't look too far into it.
mark as good answer
0 people like this answer
I think Apple is preparing their market for the eventual cancellation of the iPod touch. They may maintain one SKU for the 2012 holiday season, mayhap even longer. Eventually, maybe as soon as 2012, Apple will sell an unlocked iPhone 4 w/16 GB storage for $249, with unlocked iPhone 4S phones filling higher price tiers. They'll have iPad like optional data plans.
As for the A5, within 9 months, the iPhone 4S will likely be the majority of the iPhone market or at least a significant chunk, so the apps will start pushing the A5 more and more. On top of that, it is immediately useful now as the dual-cores can work-share all the processes than run on iOS today.
As for the A5, within 9 months, the iPhone 4S will likely be the majority of the iPhone market or at least a significant chunk, so the apps will start pushing the A5 more and more. On top of that, it is immediately useful now as the dual-cores can work-share all the processes than run on iOS today.
mark as good answer
0 people like this answer
I think the A5 is also needed for the Siri assistant.
mark as good answer
0 people like this answer
follow this question
share:
Products mentioned
10 users following this question:
This question has been viewed 2076 times.
Last activity .