64-bits: Good news for users or for Apple’s marketing strategy?

A 64-bit processor in the iPhone 5S sounds like good news. It is. But hold the horses, it isn’t going to result in blistering performance just yet. AllThingsD points out in this article that the benefits of 64-bit architecture will not be fully realised until devices with 64-bit processors have captured a large share of the market and when backward compatibility with 32-bit applications is no longer so important. Cynics might argue that, in the short term at least, the 64-bit processor will be most useful in raising Apple awareness and in promoting the sale of the iPhone 5S above lesser models. On balance, though, the move to 64-bit must be welcomed, cynicism or not.