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In Settings > General is your iPad's model and age. The model number, also listed on the back of the tablet, is another way to see how old your iPad is
By
Sandra Stafford
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Sandra Stafford
Writer
- Fayetteville State University
Sandra Stafford is a writer who specializes in tech and writes about all sorts of gadgets—tactical flashlights, blue light-blocking glasses, therapy lamps and more.
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Updated on June 3, 2024
Reviewed by
Jon Fisher
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Reviewed byJon Fisher
- Wichita Technical Institute
Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA-certified technologist with more than 10 years of experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.
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In This Article
View All
In This Article
- See Which Gen iPad You Have
- See When It Was Made
- An Alternative Method
- Can I Update My iPad?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What to Know
- To see the iPad generation you have, go to Settings > General > About. Look for Model Name.
- The model number is also on the About page and is printed on the back of the iPad.
- For the sale date, go to Settings > General >Legal & Regulatory.
With the numerous iPad models released over the years, it's easy to forget which one you own. If you're curious about your iPad's eligibility for the latest update or need to get it serviced, there are a few simple methods to find the information you need.
How Do I Know What Generation My iPad Is?
When Apple releases an update or an accessory, they specify which iPad models and generations are eligible. That isn’t any help if you don’t remember which one you own. If you need to double-check which device you have, here’s where to look:
Open the Settings app, then tap General.
Select About.
The About section also has other information helpful for identifying your iPad, like the serial number and model number.
The generation is listed next to Model Name.
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Some iPad models, like the iPad Pro 11”, don’t include a generation number beside the model name.
How Old Is My iPad?
Some iPad models are sold for a few years before Apple discontinues them. If you need to know what year you bought your iPad, you can find that information here:
Go to Settings > General > Legal & Regulatory.
Scroll all the way down.
The date your iPad was sold is listed in YYYY-MM-DD format.
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What If My iPad Won’t Turn On?
If you can't turn your iPad on to get to Settings, you can find the model number on the back of the tablet. Each iPad has a unique model number that can help you determine which generation it is, when it was released, and other helpful information.
Apple provides a list of iPad models and their model numbers. Compare your model number to that list. For example, if your iPad reads A2836 on the back, using Apple's list determines that it's the Wi-Fi variant of the 11-inch M4 iPad Pro released in 2024.
Can I Update My iPad?
The latest version of iPadOS only works on select iPads. If you want to update to iPadOS 17, you must have one of these iPads:
- iPad mini 5th generation and later
- iPad 6th generation and later
- iPad Air 3rd generation and later
- iPad Pro 1st generation and later
FAQ
What year is my iPad Air?
Look for the model number on the back and bottom of your device. Then check Apple's iPad support site to view the complete list of iPad models by year and generation. You can also find your iPad Air's model number from Settings > General > About > Model Number.
When did the iPad Air come out?
Apple launched the original iPad Air in October 2013. Model numbers from this group include A1474, A1475, A1476.
When year did the iPad Air 2 come out?
Apple introduced the iPad Air 2 in October 2014. This new model came with an upgraded Retina display and Touch ID.
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