How Can You Tell What Generation IPad You Have: A Guide

So, you’ve got an iPad, huh? Awesome! Whether it’s a hand-me-down, a recent purchase, or a trusty companion you’ve had for years, knowing exactly which generation iPad you have is surprisingly useful. It impacts everything from software updates and accessory compatibility to potential resale value. It’s like knowing your car’s model year – it helps you understand what it can do and how to best take care of it.

Don’t worry, it’s not a complicated process. We’ll walk through the different methods, from the most straightforward to the slightly more involved, ensuring you can confidently identify your iPad model. This knowledge is important for troubleshooting, understanding feature limitations, and making informed decisions about your device. Let’s get started!

This article will guide you through the process of figuring out your iPad’s generation. We’ll explore various methods, from checking the back of your iPad to digging into the settings menu. By the end, you’ll be an iPad generation identification expert!

Method 1: Checking the Back of Your iPad

This is often the quickest and easiest way to identify your iPad model. Look closely at the back of your iPad. You’ll find some text printed there, usually near the bottom. This text typically includes the model number. This is the key to unlocking your iPad’s generation.

Here’s how to do it:

Locate the Model Number: Turn your iPad over and examine the back. You’re looking for small text. It might be in the middle, or towards the bottom. The model number will usually start with the letter ‘A’ followed by four digits (e.g., A2602).
Identify the iPad Generation: Once you have the model number, you can look it up online. There are many websites and resources that provide a comprehensive list of iPad model numbers and their corresponding generations. Apple’s support website is a great place to start, as are sites that specialize in Apple product information.
Example: If you find the model number A2197, you can research and discover that it’s a 7th generation iPad.

Why this method is helpful: This method is straightforward and doesn’t require you to power on your iPad. It’s helpful if the device isn’t working or if you don’t have access to the device’s settings.

Method 2: Using the Settings App

If your iPad is powered on and functioning, the Settings app provides a direct route to identifying your iPad’s generation. This method is generally more convenient if you have access to the device.

Here’s how to do it: (See Also: How Do I Stop Music From Playing on My iPad? Easy Guide)

Open the Settings App: Find the Settings app icon (it looks like a gear) on your Home screen and tap it.
Go to General: Scroll down the Settings menu until you find ‘General’ and tap it.
Tap ‘About’: In the General settings, tap ‘About’.
Find the Model Name: In the ‘About’ section, you’ll see a line labeled ‘Model Name’. This will tell you the exact name of your iPad (e.g., iPad Air).
Check the Model Number: Below the ‘Model Name’, you’ll find the ‘Model Number’. This is the ‘A’ followed by four digits we discussed earlier. You can use this number to look up your iPad’s generation online.
Example: If the ‘Model Name’ says ‘iPad Air (5th generation)’, you already know the generation. If it says ‘iPad Air’, then you would use the ‘Model Number’ to determine the generation.

Why this method is helpful: This method is simple and doesn’t require any external tools. The information is directly accessible on your iPad.

Method 3: Using the Serial Number (for Further Detail)

The serial number is a unique identifier for your iPad. While not as direct as the model number, it can be used to gather more specific information about your device, especially if you need to determine the exact date and place of manufacture.

Here’s how to use the serial number:

Locate the Serial Number: You can find the serial number in the same ‘About’ section in the Settings app as the model number. It’s usually listed below the model number. You can also find the serial number printed on the back of your iPad, near the model number.
Use Apple’s Coverage Checker: Go to the Apple Support website and find their coverage checker. Enter your serial number into the designated field.
Review the Results: The coverage checker will provide information about your iPad, including its model and whether it is still covered by AppleCare.
Third-Party Serial Number Checkers: There are also third-party websites that can provide information based on your serial number, though always exercise caution when providing personal information on these sites.

Why this method is helpful: It’s useful for verifying warranty status and, in some cases, for obtaining more specific details about your iPad’s configuration.

Method 4: Utilizing Itunes or Finder (on a Computer)

If you have a computer, you can use iTunes (on older macOS versions) or Finder (on newer macOS versions and Windows) to identify your iPad. This method is helpful if you can’t access your iPad’s settings or the back of the device.

Here’s how to do it:

Connect Your iPad to Your Computer: Use a USB cable to connect your iPad to your computer.
Open iTunes or Finder: If you’re using an older Mac or a Windows PC, open iTunes. If you’re using a newer Mac, open Finder.
Select Your iPad: In iTunes, click on the iPad icon that appears in the top-left corner. In Finder, your iPad will appear in the sidebar under ‘Locations’. Click on it.
View Device Information: In iTunes, you’ll see a summary of your iPad’s information. In Finder, you’ll see similar details. Look for the ‘Model’ or ‘Serial Number’ information.
Determine the Generation: Use the model number or serial number to look up your iPad’s generation online, as described in previous sections.

Why this method is helpful: This is a useful method if your iPad’s screen is unresponsive or if you prefer to use a computer interface. (See Also: iPad Storage What Is Media: iPad Storage: What Is Media?…)

Understanding iPad Generations: A Quick Overview

Apple has released numerous iPad generations since the original iPad in 2010. Each generation brings improvements in performance, display quality, features, and design. Here’s a simplified overview to help you understand the different types of iPads:

iPad (standard)

The standard iPad is the most accessible and affordable option. It’s designed for everyday use, such as web browsing, email, and entertainment. The standard iPad has gone through several generations, each improving on the previous one. It’s often the best choice for students, casual users, and those new to the iPad ecosystem.

iPad Mini

The iPad mini is a smaller, more portable iPad. It’s perfect for reading, gaming on the go, and general portability. The iPad mini also receives regular updates, with each generation offering upgrades in performance and features. It’s a great option for those who want an iPad that’s easy to carry around.

iPad Air

The iPad Air sits in between the standard iPad and the iPad Pro in terms of features and price. It offers a balance of performance, portability, and features, making it a popular choice for many users. The iPad Air generally features a more powerful processor and a thinner design than the standard iPad.

iPad Pro

The iPad Pro is the most powerful and feature-rich iPad, designed for professional use. It offers advanced features like ProMotion display technology, more powerful processors, and compatibility with accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard. The iPad Pro is a great choice for creative professionals, students, and anyone who needs a high-performance tablet.

Here’s a table summarizing the key differences between iPad models:

Feature	iPad (Standard)	iPad mini	iPad Air	iPad Pro
Screen Size	Various	8.3 inches	10.9 inches, 11 inches	11 inches, 12.9 inches
Processor	Varies by generation	A15 Bionic	M1, M2	M2
Display Features	Retina display	Retina display	Liquid Retina, ProMotion	Liquid Retina XDR, ProMotion
Apple Pencil Support	1st generation, 2nd gen (depending on model)	2nd generation	2nd generation	2nd generation
Price	Lowest	Mid-range	Mid-range	Highest

Identifying iPad Generations by Model Number

To further clarify, here’s a general guide to help you identify your iPad generation based on the model number (the ‘A’ number): (See Also: Where Are My Audiobooks on My iPad? A Comprehensive Guide)

Important Note: This is a simplified guide. The model number ranges can sometimes overlap, especially with older models. Always verify your iPad’s generation using multiple methods for accuracy.

1st Generation iPad: A1219 (Wi-Fi), A1337 (Wi-Fi + 3G)
2nd Generation iPad: A1395 (Wi-Fi), A1396 (Wi-Fi + GSM), A1397 (Wi-Fi + CDMA)
3rd Generation iPad: A1416 (Wi-Fi), A1403 (Wi-Fi + GSM), A1430 (Wi-Fi + CDMA)
4th Generation iPad: A1458 (Wi-Fi), A1459 (Wi-Fi + GSM), A1460 (Wi-Fi + CDMA)
iPad mini (1st generation): A1432 (Wi-Fi), A1454 (Wi-Fi + GSM), A1455 (Wi-Fi + CDMA)
iPad Air (1st generation): A1474 (Wi-Fi), A1475 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A1476 (Wi-Fi + Cellular – China)
iPad mini 2: A1489 (Wi-Fi), A1490 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A1491 (Wi-Fi + Cellular – China)
iPad Air 2: A1566 (Wi-Fi), A1567 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
iPad mini 3: A1599 (Wi-Fi), A1600 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 1st generation): A1584 (Wi-Fi), A1652 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
iPad Pro (9.7-inch): A1673 (Wi-Fi), A1674 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A1675 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
iPad mini 4: A1538 (Wi-Fi), A1550 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 2nd generation): A1670 (Wi-Fi), A1671 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A1692 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
iPad (5th generation): A1822 (Wi-Fi), A1823 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
iPad Pro (10.5-inch): A1701 (Wi-Fi), A1709 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A1852 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 3rd generation): A1876 (Wi-Fi), A2014 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A1895 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A1983 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
iPad (6th generation): A1893 (Wi-Fi), A1954 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
iPad mini (5th generation): A2133 (Wi-Fi), A2124 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2126 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2125 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
iPad Air (3rd generation): A2152 (Wi-Fi), A2123 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2153 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2154 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
iPad Pro (11-inch, 1st generation): A1980 (Wi-Fi), A2013 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A1979 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A1934 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 4th generation): A2069 (Wi-Fi), A2068 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2069 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2072 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
iPad (7th generation): A2197 (Wi-Fi), A2198 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2200 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
iPad Air (4th generation): A2316 (Wi-Fi), A2324 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2325 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2072 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
iPad (8th generation): A2270 (Wi-Fi), A2428 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2429 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2430 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
iPad Pro (11-inch, 2nd generation): A2228 (Wi-Fi), A2068 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2230 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2231 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 5th generation): A2290 (Wi-Fi), A2459 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2461 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2462 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
iPad mini (6th generation): A2567 (Wi-Fi), A2568 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2569 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
iPad (9th generation): A2602 (Wi-Fi), A2603 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2604 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2605 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
iPad Air (5th generation): A2588 (Wi-Fi), A2589 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2591 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
iPad Pro (11-inch, 3rd generation): A2377 (Wi-Fi), A2459 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2301 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2460 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 6th generation): A2436 (Wi-Fi), A2764 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2437 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2766 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
iPad (10th generation): A2696 (Wi-Fi), A2757 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2777 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A3162 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
iPad Air (5th generation): A2588 (Wi-Fi), A2589 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2591 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
iPad Pro (11-inch, 4th generation): A2759 (Wi-Fi), A2761 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2762 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 6th generation): A2436 (Wi-Fi), A2437 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2764 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2766 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)

Important Note: This list is not exhaustive and only covers the most common models. Always double-check your model number against online resources for complete accuracy.

Final Thoughts

Knowing your iPad’s generation is more important than you might think! It helps you understand your device’s capabilities, what accessories are compatible, and how long it might last with software updates. By using the methods we’ve described, you can easily identify your iPad’s generation and stay informed. Whether you’re upgrading, selling, or just curious, this knowledge is valuable.

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Remember, the model number (the ‘A’ number) is your best friend when it comes to identifying your iPad. However, it’s always a good idea to cross-reference with other methods, such as the Settings app or online resources, for complete accuracy. Now you’re equipped with the knowledge to identify your iPad’s generation with confidence!

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How Can You Tell What Generation iPad You Have: A Guide