Which iPad Has the A16 Chip? A Clear, Data-Backed Guide
Find out if any iPad uses the A16 chip. Learn which processors power current iPads, how chip naming differs between iPad models, and what to expect in future Apple devices.
There is currently no iPad that uses the A16 Bionic chip. Apple reserved the A16 for iPhone 14 Pro models, while iPads have relied on A13–A15 chips or Apple’s M-series in the Pro line. For buyers, this distinction matters for performance, software longevity, and future-proofing. Understanding the chip landscape helps align apps, games, and peripherals.
What ipad has the a16 chip
As of 2026, there is no iPad that uses the A16 Bionic chip. Apple reserved the A16 for iPhone 14 Pro models, while iPad devices have continued with earlier A-series chips or transitioned to Apple’s M-series in the Pro line. This distinction matters for performance benchmarks, app behavior, and long-term software support. The Tablet Info Team emphasizes that chip naming is tied to device class: phones often receive cutting-edge, power-efficient cores, while tablets balance battery life with multitasking. If you own an iPad and want to gauge its performance ceiling, the absence of an A16 is a key factor to consider when comparing models or planning an upgrade.
How chip naming evolved from A-series to M-series
Apple’s chip strategy evolved from the A-series (designed for iPhones and iPads) to the M-series (designed for Macs and iPad Pro hardware). The A16, introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro, is the latest generation of the A-series, but it was not rolled into the iPad lineup. In contrast, Apple began migrating the higher-end iPad Pro models to the M-series (M1 in 2021, M2 in 2022), aligning tablet performance with Mac-era expectations while preserving classic A-series chips for non-Pro iPads. This shift explains why today’s top-tier iPads feel more like laptops in terms of raw performance. For Apple shoppers, understanding this transition helps anticipate which devices will handle demanding apps and multitasking over the next few years.
Current iPad lineup and their processors
The iPad Pro line has moved to the M-series (M1 and M2), providing substantial gains in CPU, GPU, and machine-learning tasks. The iPad Air lineup adopted M1 in its 5th generation, expanding performance without the need for a full Pro-class chassis. Entry-level iPads (the standard iPad family) still rely on A-series chips in earlier generations, such as A13 or A14, depending on the model year. The iPad mini maintains a compact form factor with an A-series chip (A15 in the latest model). This ecosystem mix means you’ll find iPads with A-series chips in the basic models and M-series in the Pro and newer Air variants, while no current iPad carries the A16. This landscape matters when planning gaming, design, or software-heavy workflows.
Chip performance vs. everyday use
For everyday tasks—browsing, video streaming, email—the difference between modern iPads is subtle but real. A14–A15-era iPads feel snappy for most apps, while M1- and M2-powered devices excel at multitasking, photo editing, and transformer-like productivity workflows. The M-series cores also improve efficiency, which translates into longer battery life under heavy loads. If you rely on demanding apps, a newer iPad Pro with M2 or an iPad Air with M1/2 will deliver smoother performance, faster app launches, and better multitasking. Tablet Info’s testing indicates that the most noticeable gains show up in sustained workloads rather than single, short bursts.
Checking your iPad’s processor in settings
To verify your iPad’s processor: open Settings, tap General, then About. Look for the Chip or Processor line to see the exact model (e.g., A13 Bionic, A14 Bionic, M1, or M2). Cross-check this with Apple’s official specifications for your device. If you’re shopping, this check helps you match model expectations with your software needs and future upgrade plans. By knowing your chip family, you’ll better anticipate compatibility with apps and performance under multitasking.
What this means for buyers in 2026
If you’re shopping for performance today, aim for iPad Pro models with M1 or M2 or the iPad Air with M1, which deliver the best balance of speed, display quality, and multitasking. Non-Pro iPads with A13–A15 still provide solid everyday use, but they won’t match the sustained performance of the M-series under heavy workloads. For creators and power users, the M2-equipped Pro models remain the most future-proof option, especially as software increasingly leverages hardware acceleration and multitasking features. The Tablet Info team notes that choosing a device with modern silicon is a practical hedge against software bloat and upcoming app requirements, even if you don’t need peak performance today.
How to stay informed about Apple’s chip roadmap
Apple’s official newsroom and product pages are your primary sources for confirmed silicon roadmaps. Tech outlets frequently speculate between events, but confirmed updates come from Apple announcements. Subscribe to Apple’s updates and reputable outlets like The Verge or MacRumors for timely coverage. Tablet Info recommends keeping an eye on the iPad Pro and iPad Air release cycles, since those models tend to receive the clearest signal about Apple’s next-gen silicon and what it means for future iPad models.
Chip landscape across iPad models (as of 2026)
| Model Type | Chip Type | Intro Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro (2020) | A12Z Bionic | 2020 | First Pro refresh with A-series for iPad Pro |
| iPad Pro (2021) | M1 | 2021 | Transition to M-series in Pro line |
| iPad Pro (2022–present) | M2 | 2022 | Current Pro line with M2 |
| iPad Air (4th Gen, 2020) | A14 Bionic | 2020 | Non-Pro Air with A-series |
| iPad Air (5th Gen, 2022) | M1 | 2022 | Air powered by M1 |
| iPad mini (6th Gen, 2021) | A15 Bionic | 2021 | Compact iPad with A-series |
| iPad (9th Gen, 2021) | A13 Bionic | 2021 | Entry-level iPad with A-series |
| iPad (10th Gen, 2022) | A14 Bionic | 2022 | Updated entry-level iPad |
Questions & Answers
Does any iPad have the A16 chip?
No. As of 2026, Apple has not placed the A16 Bionic in any iPad. The A16 remains part of the iPhone lineup, while iPads run A13–A15 or the M-series depending on model.
No iPad has the A16 chip yet; check current specs for your model.
Which iPad models use M-series chips?
iPad Pro models (with M1 and M2) use the M-series, and the iPad Air (5th Gen) also uses M1. Other iPads use A-series chips. This matters for heavy multitasking and future-proofing.
Pro models use M-series; Air may use M1.
Why doesn’t Apple put A16 in iPads?
Apple’s chip strategy distinguishes devices: iPhones often get the latest A-series, while iPads in higher tiers leverage M-series for desktop-like tasks. This aligns with performance needs and battery efficiency across form factors.
Apple separates chip families by device class.
Is A16 more powerful than M1?
Direct comparisons are complex; A16 and M1 are designed for different ecosystems. In most real-world tasks, M1 tends to outperform A-series in multitasking and sustained workloads on iPad Pro.
M1 typically wins in heavy multitasking.
Will there be an iPad with A16 in the future?
There’s no official confirmation. Apple typically announces chip upgrades during events. Stay tuned to official Apple channels for any new iPad silicon announcements.
No official word yet.
How can I verify my iPad’s processor?
Go to Settings > General > About. Look for Chip or Processor to see the exact model. This helps you plan app compatibility and upgrade timing.
Check Settings to see your processor.
“The real takeaway for buyers is to match silicon to your intended use. Apple’s shift to M-series for higher-end iPads signals a stronger emphasis on multitasking and desktop-like workflows.”
Highlights
- Know that no iPad uses the A16 chip
- Pro models rely on M-series (M1, M2) for top performance
- Non-Pro iPads use A-series chips up to A15 or A14
- M-series devices tend to be more future-proof for demanding apps
- Check your iPad’s chip in Settings to confirm its capabilities
