Apple Uses Own Chip In iPad, The 1GHz Apple A4

Apple is using the first chip to come out of its PA Semi acquisition in its new iPad, a processor called the Apple A4. Apple CEO Steve Jobs made the announcement at the media event Wednesday where the iPad was unveiled, according to Engadget's coverage of the event, where he said, "It's powered by our own silicon. The 1GHz Apple A4 chip. It screams."

The iPad is Apple's new tablet, a device focused on e-mail, browsing, watching videos, listening to music, playing games, and reading ebooks. While we haven't yet handled the device, commentary from Apple's media event backed up Mr. Jobs's claim that "It screams," with people saying that the device is responsive and didn't stutter when playing HD video.

Apple bought PA Semi in April of 2008, and it has long been speculated the company planned to use chips designed by the firm in its mobile devices. The 1GHz model being used in the iPad is the first such chip to make it into a shipping Apple product.