BSN has the inside scoop on the “Apple A4” processor included in the new Apple iPad, and reveals that it’s actually the ARM Cortex-A9 coupled with their ARM Mali GPU, all clocked at a smooth 1Ghz.

A4 is a System-on-a-Chip, or SOC, that integrates the main processor [ARM Cortex-A9, identical to ones used in nVidia Tegra and Qualcomm Snapdragon] with graphics silicon [ARM Mali GPU], and other functions like the memory controller on one piece of silicon

The 1Ghz is the sweet spot of the processor, which can technically go all the way to 1.3Ghz with additional cooling support.  This would be the main reason everyone says it’s so “snappy” and responsive, as the existing iPhone 3GS processor runs at only 0.6Ghz.  Also, this means it isn’t really an “Apple Chip”, just a regular ARM chip.

This makes it very similar to the NVidia Tegra solution (the same ARM processor), and many others. No details on which of the Mali chips is used internally tho.

UPDATE: 1/29/2010 I’ve just been informed from a very reputable source that this is incorrect.  This makes the 3rd bad article from BSN lately (ORNL dumps Fermi, then Blames it on Heat, now this), so I’m going to start taking their information with a grain of salt from now on.  The actual details will be published from my source in a few days, and I’ll cover it then for you.

Update 2/1/2010: A new story with more accurate information reports the Cortex A9 & an SGX353 make the Apple A4.

via Apple A4 SOC unveiled – It’s an ARM CPU and the GPU! – Bright Side Of News*.

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