# Apple A7

> system on a chip (SoC) designed by Apple Inc.

**Wikidata**: [Q14887104](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14887104)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_A7)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/apple-a7

## Summary
The Apple A7 is a system on a chip (SoC) designed by Apple Inc., first announced on September 10, 2013. It was introduced in the iPhone 5S and iPad Air, marking Apple's transition to 64-bit mobile processors. Manufactured by Samsung Electronics using a 28 nm lithography process, it features a dual-core CPU and PowerVR G6430 GPU.

## Key Facts
- **Announcement Date**: September 10, 2013.
- **Developer**: Apple Inc.
- **Manufacturer**: Samsung Electronics (2013–2017).
- **Microarchitecture**: Apple Cyclone (first 64-bit ARM CPU in a smartphone).
- **Fabrication Process**: 28 nm lithography.
- **Specifications**: Dual-core CPU at 1.3 GHz, PowerVR G6430 GPU with 4 cores.
- **Part of**: Apple A series (preceded by Apple A6, succeeded by Apple A8).
- **Discontinued**: March 21, 2017.
- **Dimensions**: 102 mm².

## FAQs
### Q: What made the Apple A7 significant?
A: The Apple A7 was the first 64-bit ARM processor used in a smartphone, revolutionizing mobile computing performance and security.

### Q: When was the Apple A7 released?
A: It was announced on September 10, 2013, and first shipped in the iPhone 5S and iPad Air.

### Q: Who manufactured the Apple A7?
A: Samsung Electronics produced the chip using a 28 nm fabrication process.

### Q: When was the Apple A7 discontinued?
A: Apple discontinued the A7 on March 21, 2017.

## Why It Matters
The Apple A7 was a landmark chip that pushed the mobile industry toward 64-bit architecture, enabling more complex apps, enhanced security, and improved multitasking. As the first 64-bit SoC in a consumer smartphone, it set a new benchmark for performance and power efficiency, influencing subsequent processor designs. Its integration into the iPhone 5S and iPad Air highlighted Apple's focus on hardware-software synergy, driving competitors to adopt similar technologies and accelerating the evolution of mobile computing.

## Notable For
- **First 64-bit ARM CPU in a smartphone**: Introduced 64-bit processing to mainstream mobile devices.
- **Apple Cyclone microarchitecture**: Delivered desktop-class performance in a mobile form factor.
- **PowerVR G6430 GPU**: Supported high-resolution graphics and gaming on iOS devices.
- **Manufactured by Samsung**: Part of Apple's early collaboration with Samsung for chip fabrication.
- **Transition to Apple Silicon**: Laid groundwork for Apple's shift to in-house-designed processors.

## Body
### Development and Release
- **Announced**: September 10, 2013, at Apple's "This is our most ambitious project ever" event.
- **First Devices**: iPhone 5S (2013) and iPad Air (2013).
- **Designer**: Apple Inc., led by the company's growing focus on custom silicon.

### Technical Specifications
- **CPU**: Dual-core "Cyclone" 64-bit ARMv8-A, 1.3 GHz.
- **GPU**: PowerVR G6430 with 4 cores.
- **Fabrication**: 28 nm process by Samsung.
- **Memory**: Integrated LPDDR3 RAM.
- **Dimensions**: 102 mm² die size.

### Legacy and Impact
- **Industry Shift**: Accelerated adoption of 64-bit architectures in mobile devices.
- **Performance**: Provided a 40% speed increase over the Apple A6.
- **Security**: Enabled Touch ID biometric authentication in the iPhone 5S.
- **Discontinuation**: Phased out in 2017 with the retirement of the iPad (4th generation).

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## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013