Which chip does iPad use?

Johnson Francis | October 6, 2026 | Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) | No Comments

Apple uses its own custom-designed “Apple Silicon” processors across its entire tablet lineup, but the specific chip depends on the iPad model you choose. High-end models use the same desktop-class M-series chips found in Mac computers, while the standard and mini models use the mobile A-series chips found in iPhones. As of late 2026, the current iPad lineup uses the following chips:

iPad Pro (11-inch and 13-inch):Uses the Apple M5 chip.This is Apple’s most powerful tablet chip, featuring hardware-accelerated ray tracing and Neural Accelerators for demanding professional workflows.
iPad Air (11-inch and 13-inch): Uses the Apple M4 chip. It offers desktop-level performance similar to entry-level MacBooks.
iPad mini (7th Generation):Uses the Apple A17 Pro chip. This is the same high-performance mobile chip initially introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro.
iPad (11th Generation):Uses the Apple A16 chip. This chip powers Apple’s base-level 11-inch tablet for everyday tasks, web browsing, and casual gaming.