How To Know Ipad Generation

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Unmasking Your iPad: A Comprehensive Guide to Knowing Your iPad Generation

Ever wondered exactly which iPad you hold in your hands? Perhaps you're looking to buy a new accessory, troubleshoot an issue, check compatibility for a new app, or even sell your device. Knowing your iPad's generation is crucial for all these reasons and more! Apple has released a plethora of iPad models over the years, from the original iPad to the latest M4 iPad Pros, and distinguishing between them can sometimes feel like a puzzle. But don't worry, we're here to help you solve it!

Let's embark on this iPad identification journey together!

Step 1: Engage with Your iPad – The Easiest Method (Settings App)

Alright, let's start with the most straightforward way. If your iPad is powered on and you can access its settings, this is your fastest route to discovery.

Sub-heading: Navigating the Digital Realm

  1. Unlock your iPad.

  2. Tap the Settings app icon. It looks like a gray gear and is usually found on your home screen.

  3. In the Settings menu, scroll down on the left-hand side (or in the main view if your iPad is in landscape orientation) and tap on General.

  4. At the top of the "General" settings, you'll see About. Tap on it.

  5. On the "About" screen, look for Model Name. This is where your iPad will tell you its name, such as "iPad Air (5th generation)" or "iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation)". This is usually all the information you need!

    What if you don't see "Model Name"? If your iPad is running an older version of iPadOS, you might not see "Model Name" directly. Instead, you'll see Model Number. This number will likely start with an "M" followed by some characters (e.g., "MNXT3ZP/A"). Don't panic! This is actually a part number.

    • Tap on the part number. After you tap it, the display will change to show the actual model number, which begins with the letter "A" followed by four digits (e.g., "A2602"). This "A" number is your key! Make a note of this number. We'll use it in the next steps if needed.

Step 2: Physical Inspection – The "A" on the Back

What if your iPad won't turn on, or you're locked out? No problem! Apple kindly prints the model number directly on the back of every iPad.

Sub-heading: The Secret Etching

  1. Flip your iPad over.

  2. Look for the very small print near the bottom of the back casing, right under the word "iPad".

  3. You'll see a line that begins with "Model" followed by an "A" and four digits (e.g., Model A1822). This is your model number!

    Important Note: If your iPad is in a case, you'll likely need to remove it to see this print. It can be quite small, so you might need good lighting or even a magnifying glass!

Step 3: Cross-Reference with the Apple Database (Your Decoder Ring!)

Now that you have your "A" model number (from either Step 1 or Step 2), it's time to decode it and find out the exact generation of your iPad.

Sub-heading: Decoding Your Device's Identity

Here's a comprehensive list of iPad models and their corresponding "A" model numbers. Find your "A" number in the list below to identify your iPad's generation and family (iPad, iPad Air, iPad mini, or iPad Pro).

  • iPad Models (Standard)

    • iPad (1st generation): A1219, A1337 (2010)
    • iPad 2: A1395, A1396, A1397 (2011)
    • iPad (3rd generation): A1416, A1430, A1403 (Early 2012)
    • iPad (4th generation): A1458, A1459, A1460 (Late 2012)
    • iPad (5th generation): A1822, A1823 (2017)
    • iPad (6th generation): A1893, A1954 (2018)
    • iPad (7th generation): A2197, A2200, A2198 (2019)
    • iPad (8th generation): A2270, A2428, A2429, A2430 (2020)
    • iPad (9th generation): A2602, A2603, A2604, A2605 (2021)
    • iPad (10th generation): A2696, A2757, A2777, A3162 (2022)

  • iPad Air Models

    • iPad Air (1st generation): A1474, A1475, A1476 (2013)
    • iPad Air 2: A1566, A1567 (2014)
    • iPad Air (3rd generation): A2152, A2123, A2153, A2154 (2019)
    • iPad Air (4th generation): A2316, A2324, A2325, A2072 (2020)
    • iPad Air (5th generation): A2588, A2589, A2591 (2022)
    • iPad Air 11-inch (M2): A2902, A2903, A2904 (2024)
    • iPad Air 13-inch (M2): A2898, A2899, A2900 (2024)

  • iPad mini Models

    • iPad mini (1st generation): A1432, A1454, A1455 (2012)
    • iPad mini 2: A1489, A1490, A1491 (2013)
    • iPad mini 3: A1599, A1600 (2014)
    • iPad mini 4: A1538, A1550 (2015)
    • iPad mini (5th generation): A2133, A2124, A2126, A2125 (2019)
    • iPad mini (6th generation): A2567, A2568, A2569 (2021)
    • iPad mini (A17 Pro): A2993, A2995, A2996 (2024)

  • iPad Pro Models

    • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation): A1584, A1652 (2015)
    • iPad Pro 9.7-inch: A1673, A1674, A1675 (2016)
    • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation): A1670, A1671, A1821 (2017)
    • iPad Pro 10.5-inch: A1701, A1709, A1852 (2017)
    • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation): A1980, A2013, A1934, A1979 (2018)
    • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation): A1876, A2014, A1895, A1983 (2018)
    • iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation): A2228, A2068, A2230, A2231 (2020)
    • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation): A2229, A2069, A2232, A2233 (2020)
    • iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation): A2377, A2459, A2301, A2460 (2021)
    • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation): A2378, A2461, A2379, A2462 (2021)
    • iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation): A2759, A2761, A2435, A2762 (2022)
    • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation): A2436, A2437, A2764, A2766 (2022)
    • iPad Pro 11-inch (M4): A2836, A2837, A3006 (2024)
    • iPad Pro 13-inch (M4): A2925, A2926, A3007 (2024)

Step 4: The Serial Number Method (For Deeper Dive)

While the model number is usually sufficient, your iPad's serial number is a unique identifier that can also be used for more detailed information, especially if you need to check warranty status or original purchase details.

Sub-heading: Unlocking Hidden Data

  1. Find the Serial Number:

    • Go to Settings > General > About.
    • Locate Serial Number on this screen.
    • Alternatively, the serial number is also printed on the original packaging of your iPad.

  2. Use Apple's Check Coverage Website:

    • Go to Apple's official "Check Coverage" website (support.apple.com/en-us/repair/checkcoverage).
    • Enter your iPad's serial number into the provided field.
    • This will display information about your specific iPad model, including its coverage status and sometimes even the exact model name.

Step 5: Visual Cues – A Quick Glance (Less Precise, But Helpful)

Sometimes, a quick look at your iPad's physical characteristics can give you a strong hint about its generation, even without checking settings or model numbers. This is less precise for exact generation but can help narrow down the possibilities.

Sub-heading: Reading Between the Lines (and Bezels!)

  • Home Button vs. No Home Button:

    • Older iPads (up to iPad 9th Gen, and some older iPad Air/mini models) have a circular Home button at the bottom of the screen with Touch ID.
    • Newer iPads (like most iPad Pro, iPad Air 4th Gen and later, iPad mini 6th Gen and later, and iPad 10th Gen) have an edge-to-edge display and no Home button. They use Face ID or Touch ID integrated into the Top button.

  • Charging Port Type:

    • Very old iPads (iPad 1st-4th Gen) used a wide, rectangular 30-pin connector.
    • Most iPads released after late 2012 (including many iPad Air, iPad mini, and non-Pro iPads) use the smaller, reversible Lightning port.
    • Newer iPad Pro models (2018 onwards), iPad Air 4th Gen and later, iPad mini 6th Gen and later, and the iPad 10th Gen use a USB-C port. The very latest iPad Pro M4 models use Thunderbolt/USB 4, but visually it's still a USB-C port.

  • Design of the Edges:

    • Older iPads generally have curved edges on their aluminum backs.
    • Newer iPad Pro models (2018 onwards), iPad Air 4th Gen and later, and iPad mini 6th Gen feature more flat, squared-off edges, similar to modern iPhones.

  • Camera Layout:

    • Older iPads typically have a single, simpler rear camera.
    • Newer iPad Pro models often feature a multi-lens camera system (Wide and Ultra Wide) with a LiDAR scanner, resembling the camera bumps on advanced iPhones.

By combining these methods, you'll be able to definitively identify your iPad's generation and gain valuable insights into its capabilities and compatibility!

10 Related FAQ Questions

How to know if my iPad supports the latest iPadOS?

To know if your iPad supports the latest iPadOS, identify its model and then check Apple's official website for compatibility lists. Generally, newer generations will support the latest software updates.

How to check the storage capacity of my iPad?

To check your iPad's storage, go to Settings > General > iPad Storage. This will show you how much storage you have and how it's being used.

How to find my iPad's serial number?

You can find your iPad's serial number in Settings > General > About, or printed on the back of the device near the bottom.

How to determine if my iPad has cellular capabilities?

If your iPad has a SIM tray on the side (usually the right side), it has cellular capabilities. You can also tell by the model number: cellular models often have an "A" number that's different from the Wi-Fi only version, and the "Model Name" in Settings will often specify "Wi-Fi + Cellular".

How to identify if my iPad is refurbished?

Check the model number in Settings > General > About. If the model number starts with an "F", it was officially refurbished by Apple. If it starts with an "M", it was likely sold as new.

How to know which Apple Pencil is compatible with my iPad?

First, identify your iPad's generation. Then, consult Apple's compatibility guide for Apple Pencil, as different iPads support different Apple Pencil models (1st Gen, 2nd Gen, Apple Pencil Pro, etc.).

How to check the battery health of my iPad?

Unlike iPhones, iPads do not have a direct "Battery Health" percentage in Settings. You can see battery usage patterns in Settings > Battery, but for detailed health, third-party apps or an Apple Store visit might be needed.

How to find out the year my iPad was released?

Once you identify your iPad's model number and generation (using the steps above), you can cross-reference it with online Apple resources or dedicated tech sites that list iPad release years by model.

How to tell the screen size of my iPad?

You can measure the screen diagonally from corner to corner. Common sizes include 7.9-inch (iPad mini), 9.7-inch, 10.2-inch, 10.5-inch (older Air/Pro), 10.9-inch (newer Air/iPad), 11-inch (iPad Pro), and 12.9-inch (iPad Pro).

How to know if my iPad supports Touch ID or Face ID?

If your iPad has a Home button, it uses Touch ID (fingerprint sensor). If it has an edge-to-edge display and no Home button, it uses Face ID (facial recognition), or Touch ID integrated into the Top button (like the iPad Air 4th Gen and later, iPad mini 6th Gen, and iPad 10th Gen).

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How To Know Ipad Generation

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