If you have an iPad, you may not know which generation it is. It might be essential to know which generation you have, especially if you’re planning on selling or buying one. The good news is that there are several ways to determine the model and generation of your iPad. This blog post will go through each method, giving you all the information you need to identify your iPad correctly.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
You’ll need some basic things to identify which generation of iPad you have:
- Your iPad
- Internet Connection
- iTunes
- Official Apple Website
What Requires Your Focus?
Identifying iPad’s generation is not rocket science, but it might be challenging to learn for some users. You must pay attention to your iPad’s physical design, software, and serial numbers to determine its generation and model. This guide includes some simple steps that you can follow to understand which generation of iPad you have.
Different Methods to Figure Out Which Generation iPad You Have
Method 1: Check iPad’s Physical Design
The first method to identify which generation iPad you have is to check your iPad’s physical design. Apple changes its iPad design with each generation, making it simple to distinguish which model you have by examining the device’s physical exterior. You can check the following aspects:
- Screen Size: The iPad has a variety of sizes screen sizes with each generation.
- Buttons: Different models have different button styles and placements.
- Connectors: The new models come with different connectors for charging and syncing.
- Color: Apple introduces new colors in different generations.
Steps to Check iPad’s Physical Design
- Find your iPad and look at the physical design.
- Note down the screen size, buttons, connectors, and color.
- Use the information you noted down to match with the correct generation iPad.
Pros
- You don’t need an internet connection to check the physical design.
- It is easy to identify which model you have once you know the design.
Cons
- It might be challenging to match the device’s physical design if you’re not familiar with iPad models.
- The physical design might change due to repairs or third-party case usage.
Method 2: Check iPad’s Settings
You can learn your iPad’s generation by checking the software that is running on it. Apple releases different versions of iOS based on the model of your iPad, so you can determine the generation by looking at the software version. This method is relatively easy to do, and you don’t need to power off your iPad.
Steps to Check iPad’s Settings
- Open the iPad’s "Settings" app.
- Tap on "General."
- Tap on "About."
- Find the "Model" entry and note the alphanumeric string that follows this text.
- Look up the model’s string on the Apple website to determine which iPad generation you have.
Pros
- Detailed information about the model is available in the settings.
- You don’t need an internet connection to check the iPad’s software.
Cons
- You must have an iPad with its battery at least partially charged to get this information.
- If the iPad is dead or inaccessible, you won’t be able to get this information.
Method 3: Check iPad’s Serial Number
The third method to identify the generation of your iPad is by looking at its serial number. The serial number tells you about the model, the manufacture date, and the factory ID. You can find the serial number on the iPad’s packaging or engraved on the back of the iPad.
Steps to Check iPad’s Serial Number
- Find your iPad’s Serial Number
- Visit the official Apple Check Coverage website.
- Enter the serial number for the iPad of which you want to know the generation.
- Once entered, the screen will show the model name of the iPad along with the Warranty and support status.
Pros
- The serial number provides detailed information about the iPad model and manufacture date.
- You don’t need an internet connection to check the serial number.
Cons
- If you don’t have the packaging, then you might have to power off and open the iPad to check the serial number.
- Not all iPad models list serial numbers on their packaging.
Method 4: Connect to iTunes
The fourth method involves connecting your iPad to iTunes on either a Mac or a PC and checking the device’s information. iTunes will show your iPad details, including the generation and model number.
Steps to Connect to iTunes
- Connect your iPad to the computer using a USB cable.
- Open iTunes on your Mac or PC.
- Click on the iPad icon from the list of devices visible in iTunes.
- Look under the options tab to view details of your iPad.
Pros
- iTunes provides comprehensive details about the iPad, such as capacity, model, and generation.
- You don’t need an internet connection to check your iPad details using iTunes.
Cons
- You must have iTunes installed on your computer.
- The iPad must be turned on and operational.
Method 5: Use an App
You can get the model and generation of your iPad by using third-party apps, such as the Mactracker app. The Mactracker app is a free iOS app available on the App Store that provides detailed information about Apple products, including the iPad. The app will display your iPad’s details, including the model number, design, and specifications.
Steps to Use an App
- Download Mactracker app from the App Store.
- Open the Mactracker app.
- Select "iOS Devices" from the dropdown.
- Find your iPad’s model number to see the generation and model details.
Pros
- You’ll get detailed information about the iPad, including its design, specifications, and model number.
- You don’t need an internet connection to get the iPad information.
Cons
- You’ll need to download a third-party app, and this may use up your device’s storage space.
- You may need to sift through additional product entries that don’t relate directly to your iPad model.
Why Can’t I Identify My iPad’s Generation?
There could be multiple reasons that you can’t figure out your iPad’s generation. Some of them are:
- Physical Damage: If your iPad has physical damage, some features may not work correctly, and you might not be able to identify the model by looking at the device’s physical design.
- Software Glitch: Some software bugs may hinder your ability to use some features of the iPad, including settings and serial numbers analysis.
- The Battery is Dead: If your iPad’s battery is dead, you won’t be able to check the settings or connect to iTunes to find the generation/ model of your iPad.
Fixes:
- Repair the physical damage.
- Stop the app that is creating software glitches or update the app.
- Charge your iPad, so its battery is working again.
Implications and Recommendations
If you’re planning on selling your iPad, knowing which generation it belongs to is critical. Having this information ensures that you can set a fair price and advertise it accurately. The same goes for purchasing an iPad, knowing the iPad’s generation means you’re getting the best value for your money when shopping.
Our recommendation is to use multiple methods to identify your iPad’s generation. This ensures that you have accurate information from different sources and helps avoid mistakes.
You can also take help from an Apple representative, take your iPad to an official Apple store, or contact Apple Support to determine which iPad generation you have.
5 FAQs about How to Figure Out Which Generation iPad You Have
Q1: Does the serial number reveal the exact model of an iPad?
A: Yes, the serial number can provide you with detailed information about your iPad model, manufacturing date, and other features.
Q2: How to check the iPad’s software version?
A: You can check the software version of your iPad by navigating to the iPad’s "Settings" app, select "General," and then "About."
Q3: Are there any apps available to find out which generation iPad I have?
A: Yes, you can download and use apps such as Mactracker to determine which generation of iPad you have.
Q4: Can I get help figuring out which generation iPad I have from an Apple store?
A: Absolutely, an Apple representative can help you identify which generation iPad you have if you provide the device and other related information.
Q5: If my iPad’s model number is not in the list of Mactracker, what should I do?
A: If your model number is not listed in the Mactracker app or any other third-party app/application, go to an official Apple store or contact Apple Support to get the information you need.
Final Words
Identifying which generation iPad you have is critical if you want to know what you’re working with and its compatibility with specific apps and features. We hope this guide has helped you learn more about how to identify your iPad’s generation and model number. Follow the steps in this guide to get accurate data on your device, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions