Alright, let's dive into figuring out which iPad generation you have! It can be a little tricky sometimes with all the different models Apple has released over the years. Don't worry, we'll go through this step-by-step, and by the end, you'll be a pro at identifying your iPad.
Ready to uncover the secret of your iPad's lineage? Let's get started!
Step 1: The Easiest Way - Checking the Model Number
This is often the quickest and most reliable method. Your iPad has a specific model number, and once you know it, you can easily look up its generation. Here's how to find it:
Finding the Model Number in Settings
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Turn on your iPad and unlock it. Make sure you're on the home screen.
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Tap on the Settings app. It's usually represented by a gear icon.
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In the Settings menu, scroll down and tap on General.
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Within the General settings, tap on About.
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On the About screen, you'll see a list of information about your iPad. Look for the entry labeled "Model Number".
- You might see a number that starts with an "A" followed by four digits (e.g., A1822). This is the model number we're looking for.
- Sometimes, you might see a different format initially (e.g., MPGW2LL/A). If so, tap on that entry, and it should switch to the "A"xxxx format.
Finding the Model Number on the iPad's Exterior
If your iPad won't turn on, or if you prefer not to navigate through the settings, you can also find the model number printed on the back of your device.
- Carefully flip your iPad over.
- Look for small text towards the bottom of the back casing.
- You should see the word "Model" followed by an "A" and four digits (e.g., Model: A1566).
Step 2: Decoding the Model Number - Matching it to the Generation
Once you have your iPad's model number, you can use the following information to identify its generation. This is the most crucial step!
Please note that this list is comprehensive but new iPad models are released periodically. If your model number isn't listed, you can always refer to Apple's official website or other reliable tech resources for the most up-to-date information.
iPad Pro Models
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Generation): A2764, A2436, A2766, A2765
- iPad Pro 11-inch (4th Generation): A2759, A2435, A2761, A2760
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation): A2378, A2461, A2379, A2462
- iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd Generation): A2377, A2459, A2301, A2460
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th Generation): A2229, A2069, A2232, A2233
- iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd Generation): A2228, A2068, A2230, A2231
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation): A1876, A2014, A1895, A1983
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st Generation): A1980, A2013, A1934, A1979
- iPad Pro
12.9-inch (2nd Generation): A1670, A1671, A1821 - iPad Pro 10.5-inch: A1701, A1709, A1852
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch: A1673, A1674, A1675
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st Generation): A1584, A1652
iPad Air Models
- iPad Air (5th Generation): A2588, A2589, A2591
- iPad Air (4th Generation): A2316, A2324, A2325, A2072
- iPad Air (3rd Generation): A2152, A2123, A2153, A2154
- iPad Air 2: A1566, A1567
- iPad Air: A1474, A1475, A1476
iPad Models (Numbered Generations)
- iPad (10th Generation): A2696, A2757, A2777
- iPad (9th Generation): A2602, A2604, A2603, A2605
- iPad (8th Generation): A2270, A2428, A2429, A2430
- iPad (7th Generation): A2197, A2200, A2198
- iPad (6th Generation): A1893, A1954
- iPad (5th Generation): A1822, A1823
- iPad 4: A1458, A1459, A1460
- iPad 3: A1416, A1430, A1403
- iPad 2: A1395, A1396, A1397
- iPad (1st Generation): A1219, A1337
iPad mini Models
- iPad mini (6th Generation): A2567, A2568, A2569
- iPad mini (5th Generation): A2133, A2124, A2126, A2125
- iPad mini 4: A1538, A1550
- iPad mini 3: A1599, A1600
- iPad mini 2: A1489, A1490, A1491
- iPad mini: A1432, A1454, A1455
Find your model number in the lists above, and you'll know exactly which iPad generation you have!
Step 3: Visual Clues - Identifying Key Design Differences
While the model number is the most precise way, there are some visual cues that can often help you narrow down the generation, especially if you have multiple iPads.
Home Button
- Physical Home Button: iPads up to the 9th generation (excluding some iPad Pro models) have a physical home button at the bottom of the screen.
- Home Button with Touch ID (Integrated): Many iPads with a physical home button have Touch ID integrated into it for fingerprint authentication.
- No Home Button: Newer iPad Pro, iPad Air (4th generation and later), and iPad mini (6th generation) models do not have a physical home button. They rely on Face ID or Touch ID integrated into the power button.
Camera Bump
- Single Rear Camera: Most standard iPad and iPad mini models have a single rear camera.
- Dual or Triple Rear Cameras: iPad Pro models typically feature more advanced camera systems with multiple lenses.
Screen Size and Bezels
- Thick Bezels: Older iPad generations tend to have thicker bezels (the border around the screen).
- Slim Bezels: Newer models, especially iPad Pro and iPad Air, often have slimmer bezels, allowing for a larger screen in a similar overall size.
- Specific Screen Sizes: While screen sizes can be similar across generations, certain sizes are unique to specific lines (e.g., the 10.5-inch iPad Pro).
Connector Port
- Lightning Connector: Many older iPads use Apple's proprietary Lightning connector for charging and data transfer.
- USB-C Connector: Newer iPad Pro, iPad Air (4th generation and later), and iPad mini (6th generation) models have adopted the USB-C port, which is more versatile.
By observing these physical characteristics, you can often get a good idea of your iPad's generation, even before checking the model number.
Step 4: Software Features - Another Way to Differentiate
While not foolproof (as software can be updated), certain software features were introduced with specific iPad generations.
- Apple Pencil Support (1st Generation): The original Apple Pencil is compatible with specific iPad Pro models and the iPad (6th, 7th, and 8th generations), and iPad Air (3rd generation), and iPad mini (5th generation).
- Apple Pencil Support (2nd Generation): The second-generation Apple Pencil is compatible with specific newer iPad Pro and iPad Air (4th and 5th generation) and iPad mini (6th generation) models. It magnetically attaches and charges on the side.
- Smart Keyboard/Smart Keyboard Folio Support: Certain iPad Pro and iPad Air models have Smart Connector ports for Apple's Smart Keyboards.
- Stage Manager: This multitasking feature was introduced in iPadOS 16 and is available on specific newer iPad models with M-series chips and some high-end A-series chip iPads.
Knowing which accessories your iPad supports or which advanced software features it has can provide additional clues about its generation.
Step 5: When in Doubt - Consult Apple's Resources
If you're still unsure after going through these steps, Apple provides excellent resources to help you identify your iPad.
- Apple's Support Website: Apple has a dedicated support page where you can enter your iPad's model number and find detailed information about it. Just search for "identify your iPad model" on the Apple support website.
- Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider: If you're still having trouble, you can always take your iPad to an Apple Store or an authorized service provider. They will be able to identify the generation for you.
Don't hesitate to seek help from official sources if needed!
How to Find iPad Generation: Frequently Asked Questions
How to find the model number of my iPad?
You can find the model number in the Settings app under General > About, listed as "Model Number". Alternatively, it's printed on the back of your iPad towards the bottom, starting with "A" followed by four digits.
How to identify my iPad if it won't turn on?
Look for the model number printed on the back of your iPad. You can then use online resources or the lists provided above to identify the generation based on that number.
How to know if my iPad supports the first-generation Apple Pencil?
The first-generation Apple Pencil is compatible with iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generation), iPad Pro 9.7-inch, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad mini (5th generation), and iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th generations).
How to know if my iPad supports the second-generation Apple Pencil?
The second-generation Apple Pencil is compatible with iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation), iPad Air (4th and 5th generation),
How to tell the difference between an iPad Air 4 and an iPad Air 5?
Visually, the iPad Air 4 and 5 look very similar. The easiest way is to check the model number. iPad Air 4 models are A2316, A2324, A2325, or A2072, while iPad Air 5 models are A2588, A2589, or A2591. Internally, the iPad Air 5 has a more powerful M1 chip.
How to differentiate between iPad Pro 11-inch generations?
Again, the model number is the most reliable way. Refer to the lists provided earlier. Design changes are often subtle between consecutive Pro generations, but the internal specifications and supported features (like Apple Pencil compatibility) can differ.
How to check the year my iPad was released?
Once you've identified your iPad generation using the model number, you can easily find its release year by searching online for "[Your iPad Generation] release date".
How to know if my iPad has a Lightning or USB-C port?
Look at the charging port on the bottom of your iPad. A Lightning port is smaller and oval-shaped. A USB-C port is wider and more rectangular with rounded corners. Newer iPad Pro, iPad Air (4th gen and later), and iPad mini (6th gen) models have USB-C.
How to find out the storage capacity of my iPad?
You can find the storage capacity in the Settings app under General > About, listed as "Capacity".
How to ensure I have the latest software updates for my iPad?
Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Your iPad will check for available updates. It's always a good idea to keep your iPad updated to the latest version of iPadOS.
