You're looking at a slab of glass and aluminum. It looks like every other iPad. Maybe you found it in a drawer, or you're trying to sell it on eBay, or perhaps you're just wondering if the new Apple Intelligence features will actually work on your device. Whatever the reason, figuring out how do i know which ipad generation i have is a common headache because Apple’s naming conventions are, frankly, a bit of a mess.
It's not just "iPad 1, 2, 3" anymore. We have Pros, Airs, and Minis, all with overlapping years and similar designs.
The Settings app is your best friend
If your iPad still turns on, don't bother squinting at the tiny text on the back. Just open it up. Go to Settings, tap General, and then hit About.
Look for the line that says Model Name.
Honestly, this is where most people should stop. It will literally say "iPad Air (5th generation)" or "iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)." It’s the most direct answer you'll get. But sometimes, life isn't that easy. Maybe you’re looking at a refurbished unit or a model where the software is acting funky and just shows a cryptic string of letters like "MV7N2LL/A."
If you see that weird code, just tap it. Seriously. Tapping that part number will toggle it to a shorter code that starts with the letter A, followed by four numbers. That "A" number is the DNA of your device.
Decoding the "A" Number on the back
What if the screen is cracked? Or the battery is dead? You’ve got to go old school. Flip the iPad over. Way down at the bottom, under the word "iPad," there’s a block of text so small you might need a magnifying glass or a quick photo with your phone to zoom in.
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You are looking for the word Model followed by that same "A" identifier.
Once you have that code, you can match it to the actual generation. Here is how some of the most common (and newest) models as of 2026 break down:
iPad Pro Models
The Pro line is the most confusing because of the screen sizes. If you have an A2925, you're holding the massive 13-inch M4 model from 2024. If it's an A2836, that’s the 11-inch version of the same year. The newest 2025/2026 M5 models have already started pushing into the A3000 series.
iPad Air Models
The Air is the "middle child." The 2024 M2 13-inch model is usually A2898. If you have an older 5th Gen (the one with the M1 chip), you'll see A2588.
The Standard iPad
This is the one most students have. The 10th Gen (the colorful one with USB-C) is A2696. If your iPad still has a circular Home button on the front, it's definitely an older generation, likely a 9th Gen (A2602) or older.
iPad mini
The tiny powerhouse. The newest "mini" with the A17 Pro chip (2024) is A2993. If it’s the older 6th Gen with USB-C but the older chip, it's A2567.
Visual clues that give it away
Sometimes you don't even need the model number. You can just look at the port or the edges.
Does it have a USB-C port or a Lightning port? If it’s Lightning, it’s an older model. Period. Apple has moved almost everything to USB-C now. If it has a Home Button, it is 100% an older "budget" iPad or an ancient Pro.
Another big giveaway is the Apple Pencil compatibility. The newest iPads (M4 Pro and M3/M2 Air) use the Apple Pencil Pro. These iPads have magnets on the long side that are positioned differently than the older 2nd Gen Pencil models. If your Pencil won't pair or stick, you might have a mismatch in generations.
Why the generation actually matters in 2026
We’ve hit a point where the "generation" determines more than just speed. With the rollout of iPadOS 26, the divide between "M-series" chips (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5) and the older "A-series" chips is huge.
If you want to use Stage Manager on an external monitor, or if you want the full suite of Apple Intelligence (AI) tools, you generally need an iPad with an M-series chip. If you find out your iPad is a 9th Gen standard model, you’re basically stuck with the basic tablet experience—which is fine for Netflix, but lousy for pro-level multitasking.
Checking by Serial Number
If you're still paranoid or the "A" number is rubbed off the back casing, take the Serial Number from that same "About" menu in Settings. Head over to Apple’s official Check Coverage page. Plug that number in.
It won't just tell you the generation; it’ll tell you exactly when the warranty expired and if the device was originally sold in a different region. This is the "nuclear option" for identification. It’s impossible to fake.
Final Steps for your iPad
Now that you know exactly which version you're holding, you should check two things immediately. First, see if there is an iPadOS update waiting for you in Settings > General > Software Update. Newer generations get more features, but even old ones need security patches. Second, check your Battery Health if you're on a newer model (Settings > Battery > Battery Health). If your generation is more than three or four years old, a battery replacement might be why the "Pro" feels like a "Slow."
Knowing your model also makes buying a case a lot easier. Don't just search for "iPad Air Case." Search for "iPad Air 13-inch M2 case" to ensure the camera cutouts and magnets actually line up. It saves you a return trip to the store and a whole lot of frustration.
To get the most out of your device, check the specific compatibility for the Apple Pencil Pro or the Magic Keyboard, as these accessories are strictly locked to specific generations of the Pro and Air lineups. If you are planning to sell the device, keep that model number handy—it's the first thing any savvy buyer is going to ask for.