What iPad Version Is This? A Practical Identification Guide
Learn how to identify your iPad version quickly using model numbers, Settings, and official Apple references. This Tablet Info guide covers steps, tips, and common questions to verify the exact generation.
To determine what iPad version you have, start with Settings > General > About to read the Model Name and Model Number. Then cross‑check the model number (A####) against Apple’s official list, confirm the display size and chip, and note the release year. This quick, step‑by‑step method covers most iPad generations.
Model-number anatomy
According to Tablet Info, identifying what ipad version is this often boils down to understanding the model number. The model number is usually an A-number (for example, A####) printed on the back of the device or shown in Settings. You'll also see the model name in Settings > General > About. The model number is the most reliable way to confirm the exact generation, because marketing names like 'iPad' or 'iPad Pro' can overlap across years. In practice, you should read the alphanumeric code, note whether it begins with 'A' or 'MK', and then cross-check it against an official Apple list. This approach minimizes confusion when you’re shopping for accessories, checking compatibility, or planning a software update.
Reading the model number: a practical guide
The back of the iPad carries a model number that starts with an 'A' followed by four digits. In Settings, you may also see a Model Number such as 'Axxxx' placed next to the model name. Use the exact code to locate a match on Apple’s support pages, which list generations, design changes, and hardware updates. If you see 'iPad' alone, you’ll need to move to the code-based method. With practice, you’ll map codes to generations and avoid guessing based on size or case compatibility.
Where to find the model information on your iPad
Start in Settings: General > About. Record Model Name and Model Number, then confirm the iPadOS version if you’re trying to align software features with hardware. If your device won’t boot, inspect the back plate near the lower edge to locate the etched model number, or check the SIM tray if applicable. Finally, compare the physical attributes—display size, presence of Face ID, and camera array—to the model list.
Cross-checking with Apple’s resources
Apple maintains an official list of iPad model identifiers and their release years. Cross-reference your code against Apple Support articles or the Apple Support app. This step confirms whether your hardware corresponds to a specific generation, which is crucial for warranty, service eligibility, and feature availability. For example, a match on a given code with an 11-inch display typically indicates an iPad Pro of a certain generation; always rely on the official pages for final confirmation.
Special cases and edge scenarios
Not every iPad exposes a clear model number in Settings, especially refurbished or region-specific variants. In such cases, use the serial number (found in Settings or the back) and contact Apple Support to verify authenticity and generation. If the device predates iPadOS, the model name may not align with current release-year conventions. In rare cases, third-party repair shops may replace labels—verify with Apple using the serial.
Practical workflow for day-to-day use
To streamline, adopt a 4-step workflow: (1) Check Settings for Model Name and Model Number; (2) Look up the exact code on Apple’s official list; (3) Verify display size, design features, and chip; (4) Confirm release year and OS compatibility. Keep a small reference note on your desk with the latest model identifiers and update when you upgrade. Knowing what ipad version is this becomes routine when buying accessories or planning software updates.
iPad model identification references
| Model family | Typical identifier | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level iPad | Model name / A#### (example) | Check the Model Number and release year in Settings |
| iPad Air (modern) | Model number example: A#### | Compare display size and chip in Settings |
| iPad Pro | Model number example: A#### | Look for features: Face ID, LiDAR, and display size |
Questions & Answers
Why is the model name different from the model number?
Marketing names can span multiple generations, while the model number uniquely identifies a single generation. Always use the model number in Settings or on the device to confirm exact version.
Marketing names can be misleading; rely on the model number shown in Settings to confirm the exact iPad version.
Can I identify iPad offline?
Yes. The model number can be read from Settings or the back of the device without internet. Once you have it, you can compare it to Apple’s official lists when you’re online.
You can read the code offline and then verify it later on Apple’s site.
How do I tell Pro from non-Pro?
Check for features like Face ID, LiDAR, display size (11" or 12.9"), and the model number. Apple’s reference lists correlate these hardware cues with specific generations.
Look for Face ID and LiDAR as quick hardware tells apart Pro from non-Pro.
What if my iPad has no model number?
Some refurbished or regional units may obscure it. Try the serial number, Settings, or ask Apple Support for confirmation. Avoid buying based on assumptions alone.
If you can’t find a model number, use serial lookup or contact Apple Support for verification.
How to verify OS compatibility with hardware?
Cross-check your iPadOS version with the hardware generation on Apple’s support pages. Software features may require a minimum hardware baseline.
Check the OS version and match it to the hardware on Apple’s site.
Can third-party tools help identify my iPad version?
Third-party apps can help read device information, but always confirm with Apple’s official lists to avoid misidentification.
Tools can help, but verify against Apple’s official model identifiers.
“Reliable identification hinges on the model number; cross-referencing it with official Apple resources removes guesswork.”
Highlights
- Start with Settings to locate the model number
- Cross-check the code against Apple’s official list
- Use the physical details to confirm generation
- Verify release year and OS compatibility
- If uncertain, contact Apple Support for verification
