Knowing the exact year your iPad was manufactured can be surprisingly useful. Perhaps you're looking to sell it and need accurate details for a listing, or you're trying to figure out if it supports the latest iOS updates. Maybe you're troubleshooting an issue and knowing the model year helps with compatibility checks. Whatever your reason, pinpointing your iPad's vintage is easier than you might think!
Ready to uncover the truth about your iPad's age? Let's dive in!
Step 1: The Easiest Way - Check Your iPad's Settings
This is by far the quickest and most reliable method to determine your iPad's model and, subsequently, its year of release. You don't need any external tools or detective work – just your iPad!
1a: Navigate to Settings
First, tap on the Settings app icon on your iPad's home screen. It typically looks like a set of gray gears.
1b: Tap on 'General'
In the left-hand menu of the Settings app, scroll down and tap on General.
1c: Select 'About'
Now, in the right-hand pane, tap on About. This section contains a wealth of information about your iPad.
1d: Locate 'Model Name'
Under the "About" section, look for a line that says Model Name. This will tell you exactly which iPad model you have (e.g., iPad Air 4th Generation, iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd Generation), iPad mini 6th Generation).
1e: Uncover the 'Model Number'
Just below the "Model Name," you'll see a line labeled Model Number. This is crucial! It will likely be a series of letters and numbers, starting with an 'M' or 'A' (e.g., A2324, MKM13LL/A). If it starts with 'M', tap on it, and it will change to an 'A' number. Make a note of this 'A' model number.
1f: Use the Model Name and Number to Determine the Year
Once you have your Model Name and especially the 'A' model number, you can easily cross-reference it with Apple's official documentation or a reliable online database. While the Model Name often directly tells you the generation (e.g., "iPad Air 4th Generation"), the 'A' model number is definitive for pinpointing the exact year of release.
Step 2: Visual Inspection - The Subtle Clues
Sometimes, even without turning on your iPad, you can gather clues about its vintage through a quick visual inspection. This is particularly useful if your iPad isn't powering on.
2a: Check the Back of Your iPad
Turn your iPad over. On the back, usually near the bottom, you'll find some small, engraved text. Look for the "Model" line. It will say "Model" followed by an 'A' number (e.g., A1474, A1893). This is the same 'A' model number you'd find in the settings.
2b: Assess Physical Features
- Home Button or Face ID: Does your iPad have a physical home button with Touch ID below the screen? If so, it's an older model (pre-2018 for most Pro models, still present on some current base models and minis). Newer iPad Pro models and recent iPad Air models feature Face ID and edge-to-edge displays without a home button.
- Charging Port: Does your iPad use a Lightning connector (smaller, reversible) or a USB-C port (larger, oval)? USB-C became standard on iPad Pro models starting in 2018 and has since expanded to the iPad Air and iPad mini lines. Older iPads exclusively use Lightning.
- Speaker Grilles: Look at the speaker grilles. Some older iPads had speakers only on one side, while newer models often have a four-speaker audio system.
- Camera Bump: Does the rear camera protrude significantly? Newer models, especially iPad Pros, tend to have more advanced camera systems with a noticeable camera bump.
- Bezels: How thick are the bezels (the black borders) around the screen? Thicker bezels are indicative of older models. Newer models aim for a more immersive, edge-to-edge display.
2c: Consider Accessories
While not a direct indicator of the iPad's year, the accessories it uses can offer context.
- Apple Pencil Compatibility: Does your iPad support the 1st or 2nd Generation Apple Pencil? The 1st Gen Pencil charges via the Lightning port or adapter, while the 2nd Gen Pencil magnetically attaches and charges to the side of compatible iPads. This can help narrow down the possibilities.
- Smart Keyboard/Magic Keyboard Compatibility: Does your iPad have a Smart Connector (three small magnetic dots on the side or back) for a Smart Keyboard or Magic Keyboard? This indicates a more recent model, as older iPads relied on Bluetooth keyboards.
Step 3: Online Resources - The Definitive Lookup
Once you have your Model Name and especially the 'A' model number, online resources are your best friend for a definitive answer.
3a: Apple's Official Support Pages
The most accurate information will always come directly from Apple.
- Go to Apple's official "Identify your iPad model" page. A quick Google search for "Apple identify iPad model" will lead you there.
- On this page, you'll find a comprehensive list of iPad models, often accompanied by pictures and their corresponding 'A' model numbers. Find your 'A' model number in the list, and it will tell you the Model Name and release year.
3b: Third-Party iPad Model Databases
Several reputable tech websites maintain excellent databases of Apple products. These can be very user-friendly.
- Examples: Websites like EveryMac.com or GSMArena.com (for detailed specifications) have extensive databases where you can input your 'A' model number or model name to find the release year, specifications, and even discontinuation dates.
- Simply type your 'A' model number into a search engine (e.g., "iPad A2324 year") and you'll likely find multiple results pointing to its release year.
Step 4: The Original Packaging or Receipt (If You Still Have It)
This might seem obvious, but if you're one of those meticulous individuals who keeps their original packaging or purchase receipts, you're in luck!
4a: Check the Box
The original iPad box almost always clearly states the model name and sometimes even the storage capacity and color. While it might not explicitly say "2020 Model," knowing it's an "iPad Air (4th Generation)" will easily allow you to look up its release year.
4b: Review Your Receipt or Order Confirmation
If you purchased your iPad directly from Apple or a major retailer, your digital or physical receipt will contain the exact model name and specifications, including the date of purchase. This is the most direct way to know when you acquired it, which often aligns with the release year or shortly after.
Step 5: When All Else Fails - Apple Support
If you've tried all the above methods and are still unsure, don't hesitate to reach out to Apple Support.
5a: Contact Apple Support Online
- Visit support.apple.com.
- You can use their chat feature or schedule a call.
- Provide them with your iPad's serial number (found in Settings > General > About) or the 'A' model number, and they will be able to tell you the exact model and release year.
FAQs: How to Find Out What Year My iPad Is
How to find the model number of my iPad?
You can find the model number (starting with 'A') on the back of your iPad or in Settings > General > About > Model Number. Tap the model number to switch between the 'M' and 'A' numbers.
How to identify my iPad generation from the model number?
Once you have the 'A' model number, you can cross-reference it with Apple's official "Identify your iPad model" support page or a reliable online database like EveryMac.com to find its generation and release year.
How to tell if my iPad is too old for new iOS updates?
Generally, if your iPad is an iPad Air 2 or newer, an iPad mini 4 or newer, or any iPad Pro model, it's likely to support recent iOS updates. However, always check Apple's compatibility list for the latest iOS version.
How to find the serial number of my iPad?
The serial number is located in Settings > General > About, under the 'Serial Number' field. You can also find it on the original packaging.
How to check my iPad's exact release date?
While you can find the release year through the model number, pinpointing the exact date can be trickier. Apple's support pages usually provide the year of introduction.
How to differentiate between different iPad Air generations?
The easiest way is by their 'A' model number, as each generation has a unique one. Visual cues like the presence of a Home Button (older Airs) versus Face ID (newer Airs) and charging port type (Lightning vs. USB-C) also help.
How to find out if my iPad is a Pro model?
iPad Pro models often have distinct features like Face ID (instead of Touch ID), more advanced multi-camera systems, and typically larger displays. Their 'A' model numbers will also explicitly identify them as "iPad Pro" models.
How to determine the year of an iPad without turning it on?
Look for the 'A' model number engraved on the back of the iPad. You can then use this number with online resources to determine the year.
How to use my iPad's storage capacity to determine its year?
While not a primary indicator, very low storage capacities (e.g., 16GB, 32GB) often point to older iPad models, as newer iPads generally start at higher base storage options.
How to find out what accessories are compatible with my iPad once I know its year?
Once you know your iPad's model and year, you can check Apple's support pages or product pages for that specific model. They will list compatible accessories like Apple Pencils, Smart Keyboards, and Magic Keyboards.
