Introduction
With many iPad models available today, it can be confusing to determine the generation of your device. Knowing your iPad’s generation can be helpful in troubleshooting issues, understanding which accessories are compatible, and gauging its resale value. This article will provide you with a beginner’s guide to identifying the generation of your iPad, explaining the differences between each generation and the new features included, and a checklist to simplify the identification process.
How to Determine the Generation of Your iPad: A Beginner’s Guide
You can identify an iPad’s generation in a few ways. The easiest method is to check the model number on the back of the device. You can also check the settings menu or physical features to determine the generation of your device.
Model Number: Apple includes the iPad’s model number on the back of the device. Tap the Settings app on your iPad, then navigate to General> About> Model, and compare the model number with the list on Apple’s support page to determine its generation.
System Settings: To determine your iPad’s generation through the settings menu, open the Settings app, navigate to General> About and locate the generation information beside the Model number.
Physical Features: You can identify your iPad’s generation by observing the physical features such as the size of the device, presence of a Touch ID sensor or a headphone jack, the positioning of the power button, camera, or speaker, and the color of the device.
Is Your iPad Out-of-Date? Discovering Which Generation You Own
It’s essential to know your iPad’s generation to determine if it’s updated or out-of-date. Apple regularly introduces new features and functionalities in the latest iPad models, so understanding the differences between the generations is crucial to comprehend what you might be missing out on.
Each generation of the iPad includes new features, improved design, and better performance. For example, newer iPad models benefit from faster processing speed, upgraded camera capabilities, support for Apple Pencil or Smart Keyboard, increased storage capacity, and longer battery life. So, if you own an older device and tend to use it for more demanding tasks such as video editing or gaming, you might be better off upgrading to a newer device.
Uncovering the Mystery of Your iPad: Finding Out What Generation it Belongs To
If you still can’t determine your iPad’s generation through its model number or physical features, there are other ways to find out. Apple provides online support pages and manuals that list the different models, their specs, and features. You can also visit third-party websites that help with identifying your iPad’s generation based on the model number or other characteristics.
When researching your device’s generation, be cautious of common mistakes such as mistyping the model number or being misled by the device’s color or storage capacity. Additionally, some websites and forums may provide inaccurate information or confuse you with technical terminology.
The Ultimate Guide to Understanding iPad Generations
Understanding the differences between each iPad generation can be challenging, so we have compiled an in-depth overview of each generation, its features, and specifications.
iPad (1st Gen – 2010): This was the first generation of the iPad and featured a 9.7-inch display, Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi+3G connectivity, and an Apple A4 chip.
iPad 2 (2nd Gen – 2011): The iPad 2 included a 9.7-inch display, a 30-pin dock connector, FaceTime camera, and a new A5 chip that offered faster performance than its predecessor.
iPad (3rd Gen – 2012): The third generation of the iPad featured Retina display technology, a faster A5X chip, and 4G LTE connectivity options.
iPad (4th Gen – 2012): This fourth-generation iPad featured a Retina display, improved A6X chip, and new Lightning connector.
iPad Air (5th Gen – 2013): The iPad Air introduced a slimmer and lighter design, an A7 chip, dual-microphone setup, and introduced Apple’s new Smart Cover and Smart Case accessories.
iPad Air 2 (6th Gen – 2014): The iPad Air 2 included a faster A8X chip, Touch ID, and improved camera quality.
iPad Pro (7th Gen – 2015): The iPad Pro boasted a larger 12.9-inch display, full Apple Pencil support, and an A9X chip which was the fastest iPad chip at that time.
iPad Pro (9.7 inch – 8th Gen, 2016):The iPad Pro 9.7 inch featured a sharper, high-resolution display, 64-bit A9X chip, improved cameras, and support for Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard.
iPad (9th Gen – 2017): The iPad 9th Gen featured an A10 Fusion chip, a touch ID, and support for the Apple Pencil.
iPad Pro (10.5 inch – 10th Gen, 2017): The 10.5-inch iPad Pro introduced ProMotion display technology, which allowed the display to refresh at up to 120 Hz, an improved camera system, and Apple’s flagship A10X Fusion chip which is the fastest iPad processor to date.
iPad (11th Gen – 2018-2019): The iPad 11th Gen featured a powerful A12 Bionic chip, Face ID, support for Apple Pencil, and a new generation of Smart Keyboards and Smart Cover.
iPad Air (3rd Gen – 2019-2020): The iPad Air 3rd Gen featured a 10.5-inch Retina display, A12 Bionic chip, Touch ID, and support for Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard.
iPad Pro (12.9 inch – 12th Gen, 2021): The latest 12.9-inch iPad Pro features a Liquid Retina display, M1 chip, 5G connectivity, Thunderbolt ports, and support for Apple’s advanced accessories such as the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil.
Demystifying the Jargon: Identifying Your iPad’s Generation
Understanding the technical terms related to iPads can unlock a wealth of information. Here are some terms to consider when identifying the generation of your device:
Retina display: This term refers to the high-resolution display that made its debut on the third generation of the iPad.
A-series chipsets: These refer to the various processors used in iPads, starting with the A4 and progressing to the current M1 chip.
Model Numbers: Every iPad model has a unique model number that you can use to identify the generation.
iPad Generations 101: Which One Do You Have?
Here is a checklist to identify your iPad generation based on physical characteristics:
iPad (1st Gen): Thicker body, aluminum rear casing, 30-pin dock connector, and no camera.
iPad 2: Slimmer than the 1st Gen iPad, aluminum rear casing, black or white color options, and a 30-pin dock connector.
iPad (3rd Gen): Retina display, 4G LTE option, and a 30-pin dock connector.
iPad (4th Gen): Retina display, 30-pin dock connector, and new Lightning port.
iPad Air: Slimmer profile than the previous models, silver or space gray finish, a 9.7-inch Retina display, and an A7 chip.
iPad Air 2: Thinner build than the iPad Air, Touch ID, and Smart Cover integration.
iPad Pro: Larger 12.9-inch display, introduced the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, and included the fastest processor to date for any iPad.
The Latest Generation iPads (7th-12th): Slimmer build than the Pro, Apple’s powerful A-series chipset, and compatibility with Apple’s advanced accessories.
From iPad 1 to iPad Pro: Determining Your Device’s Generation
When it comes to identifying your iPad’s generation, it is helpful to have a more in-depth view of each period’s models. Here is an overview of all iPad generations and their respective models:
iPad (1st Gen): A1219, A1337
iPad 2: A1395, A1396, A1397
iPad (3rd Gen): A1416, A1430, A1403, A1460 (Wi-Fi + Cellular model)
iPad (4th Gen): A1458, A1459, A1460, A1550 (Wi-Fi + Cellular model)
iPad Air: A1474, A1475, A1476, A1566 (Wi-Fi + Cellular model), A1567 (Wi-Fi + Cellular model)
iPad Air 2: A1566 (Wi-Fi), A1567 (Wi-Fi + Cellular model)
iPad Pro: A1584 (Wi-Fi), A1652 (Wi-Fi + Cellular model), A1673 (Wi-Fi), A1674, A1675 (Wi-Fi + Cellular model)
The Latest Generation iPads (7th-12th): Multiple models depending on the storage and connectivity options, all with distinct model numbers.
Conclusion
Understanding the generation of your iPad is essential, especially if you’re new to the device. In summary, this article has covered various methods to identify your iPad’s generation, the importance of knowing your device’s generation, how to research it, and how to decode technical terms. Additionally, you can refer to the checklist and model number to determine the generation of your iPad accurately. Knowing your device’s generation ensures that you can receive the best support and offers a valuable insight into the available updates and features.
If you’re still unsure of your device’s generation, you can contact Apple support or consult forums and resources online.