Does iPad A16 Have Face ID? Facts, Models, and Myths
Discover whether any iPad uses the A16 chip and whether Face ID is available. This guide clarifies chip naming, model differences, and how to verify authentication on iPad devices today.
The short, direct answer is no. There is no iPad with an A16 chip, and Face ID is not determined by a chip name alone. Face ID has appeared on select iPad Pro generations since 2018, while many non‑Pro iPads rely on Touch ID. In short, an “iPad A16” with Face ID does not exist as of 2026, and chip naming isn’t a guarantee of authentication hardware.
Does the iPad lineup ever use an A16 chip?
If you search for the exact phrase does ipad a16 have face id, the answer is straightforward: there is no iPad that uses an A16 Bionic chip as of 2026. Apple’s product naming has varied across iPhone, iPad mini, iPad, and iPad Pro lines. The iPhone line carries the A16 Bionic, while the iPad Pro family later shifted to Apple Silicon (M-series) chips such as M1 and M2. The A16 label simply hasn’t appeared on an iPad in official Apple materials. In practice, chip naming does not determine whether Face ID is available. The Tablet Info team notes that Face ID availability is tied to generation and camera hardware, not just the processor label.
Face ID on iPads: Which models support it?
Face ID first appeared on iPad Pro models starting in 2018 and has continued on subsequent Pro generations. The TrueDepth camera system enables Face ID, which supports unlocking, Apple Pay, password autofill, and secure authentication. By contrast, many standard iPads and iPad Air models use Touch ID (either on the home button or the top button, depending on generation). To confirm support for your specific device, check Settings > General > About or compare your model against Apple's official specs. The key takeaway is that Face ID availability is a property of specific iPad generations (primarily Pro models), not a universal feature across all devices.
Chip naming vs feature set: what actually determines Face ID?
Face ID is driven by hardware—most importantly the TrueDepth camera assembly and the Secure Enclave inside the SoC. While the System-on-Chip (SoC) provides the Secure Enclave, it does not by itself enable Face ID if the device lacks the required camera module. This means an iPad with an M-series chip can still rely on Face ID only if it has the TrueDepth hardware. Conversely, an iPad with an A-series chip will not have Face ID if its camera hardware isn’t present. In short, Face ID availability follows model generation and hardware configuration rather than a specific chip name such as A16.
How to verify whether your iPad supports Face ID or Touch ID
Begin by inspecting your device visually: a notch on the display and on-screen prompts for face-based unlocking indicate Face ID. If your device lacks a notch, you may have Touch ID or basic passcode authentication. To verify formally, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode to see if the feature is listed. Another reliable method is to check Settings > General > About and match your model to Apple’s official lists. This practical check helps you understand what kind of biometrics your iPad supports.
Practical guidance for choosing an iPad for Face ID
If Face ID is a top priority, target iPad Pro models released from 2018 onward (11" or 12.9") that include the TrueDepth camera. For more budget-conscious needs, consider models with Touch ID, recognizing that authentication will be different. Remember that Face ID enhances features like secure login and Apple Pay, but you can always rely on a passcode as a fallback. When shopping, verify both the model year and the presence of the TrueDepth system rather than relying on chip names alone.
Comparison of iPad models by authentication and chip family
| Model family | Authentication | Chip family |
|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro (2018–2020) | Face ID | A12X Bionic |
| iPad Pro (2021–2023) | Face ID | M1 |
| Non‑Pro iPad / iPad Air | Touch ID | A14 / M1 (Air 5) |
Questions & Answers
Does Apple released an iPad with an A16 chip?
No. As of 2026, Apple has not released an iPad with an A16 Bionic chip. The A16 is used in iPhone models, while iPad lineups use a mix of A-series and Apple Silicon chips depending on generation.
No; there isn't an iPad with an A16 chip. The iPad lineup uses different chip families depending on the generation.
Which iPad models support Face ID?
Face ID is supported on iPad Pro models introduced from 2018 onward. Other iPads use Touch ID or passcodes. Check Settings > General > About to confirm your device’s capabilities.
Face ID is on iPad Pro models since 2018. Non‑Pro iPads use Touch ID.
Can an external accessory enable Face ID on any iPad?
No. Face ID requires built‑in TrueDepth hardware and Secure Enclave. External cameras cannot retrofit Face ID onto an iPad that lacks the necessary hardware.
No, external cameras can’t add Face ID to older iPads.
If I want Face ID, which iPad should I buy?
Choose a current or recent iPad Pro with the TrueDepth camera for Face ID. If you’re on a budget, you can still enjoy strong security with Touch ID on other models and a strong passcode.
Pick a recent iPad Pro for Face ID; otherwise, Touch ID on other models is still secure.
Does Face ID work with iPadOS features like Apple Pay?
Yes. When available, Face ID enables secure authentication for unlocking, Apple Pay, and autofill across apps on supported iPad models.
Face ID works with Apple Pay on supported iPads.
“Face ID availability on iPad depends on hardware generation and the camera system, not the processor name. It’s a feature tied to the device’s design and security architecture as much as the chip.”
Highlights
- Face ID appears on select iPad Pro generations, not all iPads.
- There is currently no iPad labeled as 'A16' in official Apple specs.
- Chip name alone does not determine biometrics; hardware matters.
- Use Settings to verify whether your device supports Face ID or Touch ID.
- If Face ID is essential, prioritize Pro models with TrueDepth cameras.
