What Generation IPad Are They On? A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re curious about iPads, huh? Maybe you’re eyeing a new one, or perhaps you’re just trying to figure out which generation your current iPad belongs to. Well, you’ve come to the right place! The world of iPads can seem a little confusing at first, with different models, names, and generations floating around.

Don’t worry, though. I’m here to break it all down for you in a way that’s easy to understand. We’ll explore the various iPad generations, from the original to the latest models, and help you identify which one you have or are considering purchasing. I’ll also give you some tips on how to determine your iPad’s generation and why it matters.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be an iPad generation expert! We will cover everything you need to know about what generation iPad are they on.

Understanding iPad Generations: A Beginner’s Guide

Apple’s iPad lineup has evolved significantly since its debut in 2010. Each generation brings improvements in performance, display technology, and features. Knowing the generation of an iPad is crucial for several reasons.

Compatibility: Older iPads may not support the latest iPadOS updates or apps.
Performance: Newer generations usually have faster processors and more RAM, leading to a smoother experience.
Features: Each new generation often introduces new features, such as improved cameras, Apple Pencil support, or updated displays.
Value: Knowing the generation helps you assess the iPad’s value, whether you’re buying, selling, or trading it in.

Identifying your iPad’s generation can be done in a few ways. You can check the model number, which is usually found on the back of the iPad or in the Settings app. You can also use online resources, such as Apple’s website or third-party websites, to look up the model number and determine its generation.

The iPad Family: A Quick Overview

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s briefly look at the different iPad models currently available. Apple’s iPad lineup has expanded to include several models, each catering to different needs and budgets.

iPad: The standard iPad is the entry-level model, perfect for everyday use, such as browsing the web, checking email, and watching videos.
iPad mini: The iPad mini is a compact version of the iPad, ideal for portability. It’s great for reading, gaming, and taking on the go.
iPad Air: The iPad Air sits in the middle of the lineup, offering a balance of performance, features, and portability.
iPad Pro: The iPad Pro is the most powerful iPad, designed for professionals and users who need the best performance and features.

How to Determine Your Ipad’s Generation

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of identifying your iPad’s generation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:

Check the Model Number: The model number is the most reliable way to determine your iPad’s generation. It’s usually printed on the back of your iPad, near the bottom. It will be a string of letters and numbers, such as A1234.
Use the Settings App: You can also find the model number in the Settings app. Open the Settings app, tap ‘General,’ then ‘About.’ Look for the ‘Model Name’ and ‘Model Number.’
Consult Apple’s Website: Once you have the model number, you can visit Apple’s official website and look up your iPad’s specifications. Apple provides a list of all iPad models with their corresponding model numbers.
Use Third-Party Websites: Several websites specialize in identifying Apple devices. These websites often have extensive databases of model numbers and generations.

iPad Generations: A Detailed Breakdown

Now, let’s explore the different iPad generations, from the original to the latest models. I’ll provide a brief overview of each generation, highlighting key features and changes.

1st Generation iPad (2010)

The original iPad, released in 2010, started it all. It featured a 9.7-inch display, a single-core processor, and a basic design. While it’s outdated by today’s standards, it was revolutionary at the time.

Key Features: 9.7-inch display, single-core processor, Wi-Fi and optional 3G connectivity.
Identifying: Model number starts with A1219 (Wi-Fi) or A1337 (Wi-Fi + 3G).

2nd Generation iPad (2011)

The second-generation iPad brought significant improvements. It had a faster dual-core processor, a front-facing camera for FaceTime calls, and a thinner design.

Key Features: Dual-core processor, front-facing camera, thinner design.
Identifying: Model number starts with A1395, A1396, or A1397.

3rd Generation iPad (2012)

Also known as the ‘new iPad,’ the third-generation iPad introduced the Retina display, a major upgrade in screen quality. It also had a faster processor and improved graphics.

Key Features: Retina display, faster processor, improved graphics.
Identifying: Model number starts with A1403, A1416, or A1430.

4th Generation iPad (2012)

This generation, also known as the iPad with Retina display, featured a faster processor than its predecessor and the Lightning connector, replacing the 30-pin connector. (See Also: How Can You Tell What Generation Your iPad Is: A Complete Guide)

Key Features: Faster processor, Lightning connector.
Identifying: Model number starts with A1458, A1459, or A1460.

iPad Air (1st Generation, 2013)

The iPad Air marked a significant redesign, with a thinner and lighter form factor. It also had a faster processor and improved performance.

Key Features: Thinner and lighter design, faster processor.
Identifying: Model number starts with A1474, A1475, or A1476.

iPad Mini (1st Generation, 2012)

The iPad mini introduced a smaller, more portable iPad. It had a 7.9-inch display and a design similar to the iPad 2.

Key Features: 7.9-inch display, compact design.
Identifying: Model number starts with A1432, A1454, or A1455.

iPad Mini 2 (2013)

The iPad mini 2 brought the Retina display to the mini lineup, making the screen much sharper. It also had a faster processor.

Key Features: Retina display, faster processor.
Identifying: Model number starts with A1489, A1490, or A1491.

iPad Air 2 (2014)

The iPad Air 2 further refined the design, making it even thinner and adding a Touch ID fingerprint sensor for added security.

Key Features: Thinner design, Touch ID.
Identifying: Model number starts with A1566 or A1567.

iPad Mini 3 (2014)

The iPad mini 3 added Touch ID, but otherwise, it was very similar to the iPad mini 2.

Key Features: Touch ID.
Identifying: Model number starts with A1599 or A1600.

iPad Pro (1st Generation, 2015)

The first iPad Pro introduced a larger 12.9-inch display and a more powerful processor, targeting professional users. There was also a 9.7-inch model released later.

Key Features: Larger display, powerful processor, optional Apple Pencil support.
Identifying: 12.9-inch model: A1584 or A1652; 9.7-inch model: A1673, A1674, or A1675.

iPad Mini 4 (2015)

The iPad mini 4 was a significant upgrade over the mini 3, with a thinner design and improved performance.

Key Features: Thinner design, improved performance.
Identifying: Model number starts with A1538 or A1550.

iPad (5th Generation, 2017)

The fifth-generation iPad was a more affordable option, offering a good balance of features and performance for everyday use.

Key Features: Affordable price point.
Identifying: Model number starts with A1822 or A1823.

iPad Pro (2nd Generation, 2017)

The second-generation iPad Pro offered the same design as the first generation but with a faster processor and improved display technology.

Key Features: Faster processor, improved display.
Identifying: 12.9-inch model: A1670 or A1671; 10.5-inch model: A1701 or A1709.

iPad (6th Generation, 2018)

The sixth-generation iPad added Apple Pencil support, making it more versatile for creative tasks and note-taking.

Key Features: Apple Pencil support.
Identifying: Model number starts with A1893 or A1954.

iPad Mini (5th Generation, 2019)

The iPad mini 5 brought a faster processor and Apple Pencil support to the mini lineup. (See Also: How Old Is This iPad? A Comprehensive Guide)

Key Features: Faster processor, Apple Pencil support.
Identifying: Model number starts with A2133, A2124, A2126, or A2125.

iPad Air (3rd Generation, 2019)

The iPad Air 3 offered a more powerful processor and a larger display than its predecessor.

Key Features: Faster processor, larger display.
Identifying: Model number starts with A2152, A2123, A2153, or A2154.

iPad (7th Generation, 2019)

The seventh-generation iPad had a larger display and support for the first-generation Apple Pencil.

Key Features: Larger display, Apple Pencil support.
Identifying: Model number starts with A2197, A2198, or A2200.

iPad Pro (3rd Generation, 2018)

This generation introduced a redesigned iPad Pro with a thinner bezel, Face ID, and a USB-C port.

Key Features: Redesigned with Face ID, USB-C port.
Identifying: 12.9-inch model: A1876 or A2014; 11-inch model: A1980 or A2013.

iPad Air (4th Generation, 2020)

The iPad Air 4 brought a new design with thinner bezels, a larger display, and a Touch ID sensor in the power button.

Key Features: Redesigned with Touch ID in the power button, larger display.
Identifying: Model number starts with A2316, A2324, A2325, or A2072.

iPad (8th Generation, 2020)

The eighth-generation iPad offered a faster processor than its predecessor.

Key Features: Faster processor.
Identifying: Model number starts with A2270, A2428, A2429, or A2430.

iPad Pro (4th Generation, 2020)

This iPad Pro offered the same design as the previous generation but with a faster processor and improved cameras.

Key Features: Faster processor, improved cameras.
Identifying: 12.9-inch model: A2069, A2232, A2229, or A2233; 11-inch model: A2068, A2230, A2228, or A2231.

iPad Mini (6th Generation, 2021)

The iPad mini 6 brought a major redesign with thinner bezels, a larger display, and a USB-C port.

Key Features: Redesigned with larger display, USB-C port.
Identifying: Model number starts with A2567, A2568, or A2569.

iPad (9th Generation, 2021)

The ninth-generation iPad offered a faster processor and a better front-facing camera.

Key Features: Faster processor, improved front-facing camera.
Identifying: Model number starts with A2602, A2603, A2604, or A2605.

iPad Air (5th Generation, 2022)

The iPad Air 5 featured the M1 chip, offering a significant performance boost.

Key Features: M1 chip, significant performance boost.
Identifying: Model number starts with A2588, A2589, or A2591.

iPad Pro (5th Generation, 2021)

The fifth-generation iPad Pro featured the M1 chip and a Liquid Retina XDR display on the 12.9-inch model.

Key Features: M1 chip, Liquid Retina XDR display (12.9-inch model).
Identifying: 12.9-inch model: A2378, A2461, A2379, or A2462; 11-inch model: A2377, A2459, A2300, or A2460.

iPad (10th Generation, 2022)

The tenth-generation iPad featured a new design with thinner bezels, a larger display, and a USB-C port. (See Also: How Do I Know What Gen iPad I Have? A Simple Guide)

Key Features: New design with larger display, USB-C port.
Identifying: Model number starts with A2696, A2757, A2759, or A3162.

iPad Pro (6th Generation, 2022)

The sixth-generation iPad Pro features the M2 chip, offering even more performance. It also has Wi-Fi 6E support and other improvements.

Key Features: M2 chip, Wi-Fi 6E.
Identifying: 12.9-inch model: A2436, A2764, A2437, or A2766; 11-inch model: A2435, A2759, A2761, or A2762.

iPad Air (6th Generation, 2024)

The iPad Air 6 (released in May 2024) is powered by the M2 chip, and is available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes.

Key Features: M2 chip, available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes.
Identifying: 11-inch model: A2898, A2899, A3097, or A3098; 13-inch model: A2836, A2837, A3094, or A3095.

iPad (10th Generation, 2023)

This is a typo, the 10th generation was released in 2022.

iPad (11th Generation, 2024)

The 11th generation iPad (released in May 2024) is powered by the M2 chip. It also features a landscape-oriented front camera.

Key Features: M2 chip, landscape-oriented front camera.
Identifying: Model number starts with A3094, A3095, A3096, or A3162.

Why Knowing Your iPad Generation Matters

Understanding your iPad’s generation is more than just a matter of curiosity. It impacts your overall iPad experience in several ways.

Software Updates: Older iPads may not receive the latest iPadOS updates, which include new features, security patches, and performance improvements.
App Compatibility: Newer apps are often optimized for the latest hardware and software. Older iPads may not be able to run these apps or may experience performance issues.
Performance: Newer iPads generally have faster processors and more RAM, leading to a smoother and more responsive experience. This is especially noticeable when multitasking or running demanding apps.
Resale Value: The generation of your iPad significantly affects its resale value. Newer models with better features and performance are typically worth more.
Accessories: Some accessories, such as the Apple Pencil or specific keyboard cases, are only compatible with certain iPad generations.

Tips for Choosing the Right iPad Generation

If you’re in the market for a new iPad, here are some tips to help you choose the right generation for your needs:

Consider Your Budget: Newer iPad models are generally more expensive. Determine your budget and see which generation fits within it.
Assess Your Needs: Think about how you’ll use your iPad. If you need a lot of processing power for creative tasks or gaming, consider the iPad Pro or iPad Air. If you primarily use your iPad for basic tasks like web browsing and email, the standard iPad may be sufficient.
Research Features: Compare the features of different iPad generations. Consider factors like display size, processor speed, camera quality, and Apple Pencil support.
Read Reviews: Read reviews from other users and tech experts to get a better understanding of each iPad generation’s strengths and weaknesses.
Visit an Apple Store: If possible, visit an Apple Store and try out the different iPad models. This will allow you to experience the devices firsthand and see which one feels best for you.

iPad Generation Comparison Table

Here’s a handy table to compare the key features of the current iPad models:

Model	Display Size	Processor	Apple Pencil Support	Price (Starting)
iPad (10th Generation)	10.9-inch	A14 Bionic	1st Generation	$349
iPad Air (5th Generation)	10.9-inch	M1	2nd Generation	$599
iPad Air (6th Generation)	11-inch and 13-inch	M2	2nd Generation	$599
iPad mini (6th Generation)	8.3-inch	A15 Bionic	2nd Generation	$499
iPad Pro (6th Generation)	11-inch and 12.9-inch	M2	2nd Generation	$799
iPad (11th Generation)	10.9-inch	M2	1st Generation	$349

Note: Prices may vary based on storage capacity and other factors.

Final Verdict

So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide to understanding iPad generations! We’ve covered the different models, how to identify your iPad’s generation, and why it matters. Armed with this knowledge, you can now confidently navigate the world of iPads and make informed decisions about which one is right for you. Whether you’re upgrading, buying your first iPad, or simply curious, understanding the generations is essential.

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Remember to consider your needs, budget, and desired features when choosing an iPad. With the information in this guide, you’re well-equipped to make the right choice. Enjoy your iPad experience!

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What Generation iPad Are They on? A Comprehensive Guide