Adviser to the Ministry of Justice Sir Martin Narey had suggested the tablet be given to people behind bars so they could improve a numeracy and literacy skills.
He said it would also help maintain family relationships because the prisoner could video call loved ones.
"We could look at giving prisoners iPads in their cells," he said, "prisoners should be skyping or facetiming their children. We should use technology for education and to maintain family times."
Darren Richards the head of Reflex, a Christian charity which works with young offenders, said he didn't support the plan but told Premier's News Hour there was something in the idea of creating better family ties.
"I am saying we need to make it easier and if necessary use what technology is available to allow prisoners to keep contact with the young people and children who they love.
"Because we don't want to punish families as well as the people who've committed the crime."
The proposals are being considered by Justice Minister Michael Gove, the Times reported.
The Ministry of Justice said it was speculation to suggest a review into education in prisons will recommend giving inmates iPads before it has finished collecting evidence.
A spokesman said: "We want to improve education so prisoners are less likely to commit crime on release.
"Ministers will need to see evidence that new technologies have tangible benefits, in terms of improving rehabilitation, cutting crime and protecting the public before making any decisions."