How to Identify Your iPad Model | Simple Guide
How to Identify Your iPad Model: A Simple Guide for Every User
Last Updated: 27 Jul 2026
If you’ve ever wondered, “Which iPad do I have?”, you’re not alone. With numerous models and generations across the iPad lineup—including the iPad, iPad Air, iPad mini, and iPad Pro—it’s easy to lose track of which version you own. Knowing your iPad model is crucial for compatibility with accessories, software updates, and troubleshooting.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to identify your iPad model using model numbers, settings, and unique physical features.
Step 1: Check Your iPad Model Number
The easiest and most reliable way to identify your iPad model is by locating its model number.
On Your iPad:
- Open the Settings app.
- Navigate to General > About.
- Find the Model Name (e.g., "iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation)" listed here).
- Look for the Model Number, which will appear in the format "Axxxx" (e.g., A2764). Tap on the number if it starts with an ‘M’ to reveal the "A" model number.
On the Back of the iPad:
- The model number is printed directly on the back of the iPad near the bottom, beneath the word "iPad."
Step 2: Compare Physical Features
Every iPad model includes some unique characteristics that can help you identify it. Here are the key features to compare:
Screen Size and Design:
- Bezels: Older iPads (like early iPad Airs and minis) feature larger bezels, while more modern iPads (like iPad Pro) offer edge-to-edge displays.
- Home Button or Face ID: Earlier models have a Home button — with Touch ID from 2014 onward (the earliest iPads have a plain Home button); modern iPad Pro models (2018 and later) use Face ID, while current iPad, iPad Air, and iPad mini models use Touch ID in the top button.
- Screen Sizes: Measure diagonally to determine the screen size (e.g., 7.9 inches, 8.3 inches, 10.9 inches, 11 inches, 12.9 inches, 13 inches).
Connector Type:
- Older iPads use a Lightning connector, while newer iPads (like iPad Pro and iPad Air) use USB-C.
Camera Layout:
- Look at both the rear camera (number of lenses and placement) and the front-facing camera configuration.
Step 3: Reference Apple’s Model List
Once you’ve identified the model number, cross-reference it with Apple’s list of iPads to determine exactly which iPad you own. Apple publishes this information on their iPad comparison page and official resources. Below is a quick reference for popular iPad models:
- iPad Pro 13-inch (M5): A3360, A3361, A3362
- iPad Pro 11-inch (M5): A3357, A3358, A3359
- iPad Pro 13-inch (M4): A2925, A2926, A3007
- iPad Pro 11-inch (M4): A2836, A2837, A3006
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation): A2436, A2437, A2764, A2766
- iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation): A2759, A2761, A2435, A2762
- 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 13-inch (M4): A3461, A3462, A3464
- iPad Air 11-inch (M4): A3459, A3460, A3463
- iPad Air 13-inch (M3): A3268, A3269, A3271
- iPad Air 11-inch (M3): A3266, A3267, A3270
- iPad Air 13-inch (M2): A2898, A2899, A2900
- iPad Air 11-inch (M2): A2902, A2903, A2904
- 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
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iPad Air (1st generation): A1474, A1475, A1476
- iPad mini (A17 Pro): A2993, A2995, A2996
- 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 (1st generation): A1432, A1454, A1455
- iPad (A16): A3354, A3355, A3356
- iPad (10th generation): A2696, A2757, A2777, A3162
- 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 (4th generation): A1458, A1459, A1460
- iPad (3rd generation): A1416, A1430, A1403
- iPad 2: A1395, A1396, A1397
- iPad (1st generation): A1219, A1337
Step 4: Check the Serial Number
If you’re unable to identify your iPad by model number alone, you can use the iPad’s Serial Number for more detailed information:
Find the Serial Number:
- In the Settings app, go to General > About, and locate the Serial Number.
- You can use the serial number on Apple’s Check Coverage website to reveal your iPad’s exact model and purchase details.
Step 5: Features Unique to Your iPad
Each iPad series comes with distinct features beyond physical appearance that can help confirm its identity:
iPad Pro:
- Current models (M4/M5) support Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C); 2018–2022 models (11-inch 1st–4th generation, 12.9-inch 3rd–6th generation) support Apple Pencil (2nd generation); earlier iPad Pro models use Apple Pencil (1st generation).
- Available in 11-inch or 12.9-inch/13-inch sizes.
iPad Air:
- Display size varies by generation: 9.7-inch (Air 1/Air 2), 10.5-inch (3rd generation), 10.9-inch (4th/5th generation), and 11-inch or 13-inch on M2 and later models.
- Pencil support varies by generation: iPad Air 1 and Air 2 do not support Apple Pencil; iPad Air (3rd generation) uses Apple Pencil (1st generation); Air (4th/5th generation) use Apple Pencil (2nd generation); M2 and later models use Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C). Air (4th generation) and later charge via USB-C.
iPad mini:
- Small, portable design, typically with a screen size of 7.9 inches or 8.3 inches.
- Newer models (6th Gen and A17 Pro) include all-screen designs and USB-C compatibility.
iPad:
- Entry-level model with a 10.2-inch, 10.9-inch (10th generation), or 11-inch (iPad A16) display.
- iPad (6th generation) and later support Apple Pencil (1st generation) (earlier generations do not support Apple Pencil), and use Lightning connector accessories (except the 10th Gen and iPad (A16), which use USB-C and support Apple Pencil (USB-C) in addition to Apple Pencil (1st generation)).
Why Knowing Your iPad Model Matters
Identifying your iPad model is helpful for several reasons:
- Accessory Compatibility: Ensure your iPad supports specific cases, keyboards, or chargers.
- Software Updates: Verify whether your iPad is eligible for the latest iPadOS updates.
- Repairs and Troubleshooting: Access the correct support or find replacement parts such as the screen or battery.
- Value Assessment: Accurately assess the resale value based on its generation and condition.
Conclusion
Determining your iPad model is easier than you think! By following the steps outlined above—checking your model number, comparing features, and consulting Apple’s official resources—you’ll know exactly which iPad you own. This knowledge helps you make the most of your device by ensuring compatibility with accessories and keeping it updated.
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