iPhone 5, iPad 3, Apple TV 3 references found in iOS 5.1 beta

9to5Mac has found some code references in the recently released-to-developers iOS 5.1 beta for iPhone 5 (or whatever Apple ends up calling it), iPad 3, and Apple TV 3.

  • The next iPhone is model number 5,1, representing another large internal upgrade, likely a next-generation Apple A6 system-on-a-chip. (iPhone 3G was 1,2, iPhone 4S was 4,1, so factor that into your tea-leaf reading about Apple's 2012 naming conventions.
  • iPad 3 has already been seen in model number 3,1 and 3,2 and now it's joined by 3,3 and a 2,4 (perhaps a Sprint version) as well.
  • Apple TV 3 is model number 3,1, code-named J33, and again the jump likely represents a processor upgrade, but in this case to the current Apple A5 SoC.

While everyone expects Apple to keep producing iOS devices into 2012, it's still reassuring to see the signs pop up along the way. iPhone 5 could be seen summer/fall 2012, iPad 3 spring 2012, and Apple TV 3... well, that's anyone's guess at this point.

Source: 9to5Mac, x2, x3

Rene Ritchie
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Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.