The Apple A9 processor was a real turning point in the world of mobile chipsets. Its advanced A9 architecture was realized in the then state-of-the-art 16 nm manufacturing process. This laid the foundation for a remarkable balance of computing power and energy efficiency. This was crucial at the time for the performance of the devices in which it was installed.

The powerful integrated graphics unit is particularly noteworthy. This Apple A9 graphics solution ensured an amazingly smooth display of complex applications and demanding games. Key features of Apple A9 processor:
  • Energy-efficient design
  • Powerful integrated graphics unit
  • Extensive cache structure
  • High system response
Another crucial factor for the consistently positive user experience was the cleverly dimensioned cache structure.

With 3 MB Level 2 cache and an additional 4 MB Level 3 cache, the processor could always quickly access important data. This led to excellent system response and a very pleasant user experience in everyday use. The respectable maximum memory bandwidth of 26 GB/s also underlined the overall well-thought-out configuration.

It was obvious that Apple placed great emphasis on a harmonious coordination of all components here. This chip laid the foundation for many future developments in the mobile sector. It shows how important an integrated design is for overall performance.

Performance Overview
Average performance across multiple benchmarks

Single-core performance
Rank 109 / 176
In segment Smartphone / Tablet
Multi-core performance
Rank 150 / 177
In segment Smartphone / Tablet
Geekbench 6 Single-Core

Geekbench 6 Single-Core
Single-core performance

MediaTek Helio G95
8C / 8T · 2.05 GHz
662
MediaTek Helio G90T
8C / 8T · 2.05 GHz
633
Apple A9
Apple A9 100 %
2C / 2T · 1.85 GHz
632
MediaTek Dimensity 720
8C / 8T · 2.00 GHz
599
Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
8C / 8T · 2.80 GHz
552
Geekbench 6 Multi-Core

Geekbench 6 Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

Samsung Exynos 850
8C / 8T · 2.00 GHz
942
Qualcomm Snapdragon 625
8C / 8T · 2.00 GHz
941
Apple A9
Apple A9 100 %
2C / 2T · 1.85 GHz
921
Qualcomm Snapdragon 652
8C / 8T · 1.80 GHz
920
Samsung Exynos 7904
8C / 8T · 1.80 GHz
910
Geekbench 5, 64bit Single-Core

Geekbench 5, 64bit Single-Core
Single-core performance

Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G
8C / 8T · 2.00 GHz
585
MediaTek Dimensity 810
8C / 8T · 2.40 GHz
564
Apple A9
Apple A9 100 %
2C / 2T · 1.85 GHz
558
Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2
8C / 8T · 2.55 GHz
553
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G
8C / 8T · 2.30 GHz
549
Geekbench 5, 64bit Multi-Core

Geekbench 5, 64bit Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

Samsung Exynos 850
8C / 8T · 2.00 GHz
1,027
Qualcomm Snapdragon 653
8C / 8T · 1.95 GHz
1,026
Apple A9
Apple A9 100 %
2C / 2T · 1.85 GHz
1,024
Qualcomm Snapdragon 630
8C / 8T · 2.20 GHz
1,014
Qualcomm Snapdragon 652
8C / 8T · 1.80 GHz
1,007
iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)

iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)

Samsung Exynos 880
ARM Mali-G76 MP5
260
MediaTek Dimensity 930
PowerVR IMG AXM-8-256
250
Apple A9
Apple A9 100 %
Apple A9
250
HiSilicon Kirin 960S
ARM Mali-G71 MP8
245
HiSilicon Kirin 960
ARM Mali-G71 MP8
245
AnTuTu 8 Benchmark

AnTuTu 8 Benchmark

Qualcomm Snapdragon 670
8C / 8T · 2.00 GHz
175,698 pts
Samsung Exynos 8895
8C / 8T · 2.30 GHz
175,045 pts
Apple A9
Apple A9 100 %
2C / 2T · 1.85 GHz
172,160 pts
Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
8C / 8T · 2.00 GHz
171,683 pts
Samsung Exynos 9610
8C / 8T · 2.30 GHz
171,465 pts

More benchmarks

At a glance

PropertyValue
FamilyApple A series (27)
CPU groupApple A9/A9X (2)
ArchitectureA9
Technology16 nm
SegmentSmartphone / Tablet
Socket
Generation9
PredecessorApple A8
Q3/2014
SuccessorApple A10 Fusion
Q3/2016

CPU Cores and Base Frequency

PropertyValue
CPU Cores / Threads2 / 2
Hyperthreading / SMT
Core architecturenormal
Cores: 2x Twister
Frequency: 1.85 GHz
Turbo Frequency (1 Core):
Turbo Frequency (2 Cores):
L2-Cache3.00 MB
L3-Cache4.00 MB
OverclockingNo

Integrated graphics (iGPU)

PropertyValue
GPU nameApple A9
GPU frequency0.65 GHz
CUs / Shader24 / 192
Raytracing
Max. displays1
Max. GPU Memory4 GB
Technology16 nm
Release dateQ3/2015

Memory & PCIe

Memory typeMemory bandwidth
LPDDR4-3200
25.6 GB/s
PropertyValue
Max. Memory2 GB
Memory channels1
ECC
PCIe
PCIe Bandwidth

Thermal Management

PropertyValue
TDP5 W
TDP (PL2)
TDP up
TDP down
T. junction max.

Technical details

PropertyValue
Chip designChiplet
AES-NI
Operating systemsiOS
Instruction setArmv8-A (64 bit)
ISA extensions
Release dateQ3/2015
Release price
Documents
Apple A9
Apple A9
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