Check the iPad model name in Settings

The fastest way to find your iPad's generation is to open Settings, tap General, then tap About. Look for the line that says Model. You will see text like "iPad (7th generation)" or "iPad Air (5th generation)" or "iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation)". That line tells you exactly what you have.

If you see just "iPad" without a generation number, you have a first-generation iPad from 2010. Every iPad released after that includes a generation number in its official name.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap General, then tap About to see your iPad's full model name and generation number.
  • The model name appears on a single line and includes the generation — for example, "iPad (7th generation)" or "iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation)".
  • If you cannot access Settings, you can find the model number on the physical device or in your Apple account purchase history.
  • Different iPad lines (iPad, iPad Air, iPad Pro, iPad mini) have separate generation counts, so a 5th-generation iPad Air is different from a 5th-generation iPad Pro.

Find the model number on the back of your iPad

If your iPad will not turn on or you cannot reach Settings, look at the back of the device. Near the bottom, you will see small text that starts with "Model A" followed by four numbers — for example, "Model A2316". This is the model number, not the generation, but you can use it to look up which generation you own.

Write down the full model number exactly as it appears. Then visit Apple's official iPad model list (search "iPad models" on Apple's support website) and find your number. The page will tell you the generation, screen size, and release year.

Check your Apple account if you bought it from Apple

If you bought your iPad directly from Apple online or in a store, you can see the exact model in your purchase history. Sign in to your Apple account at appleid.apple.com, go to Purchase history, and find the iPad in your order. The order details will show the full product name, including the generation.

This method works even if you no longer have the iPad or cannot turn it on. It also shows you the exact date you bought it, which can be useful if you need to know the age of the device.

Look up the serial number for complete details

Your iPad's serial number is printed on the back of the device (below the model number) and also appears in Settings under General > About. The serial number is unique to your device and can tell you the exact week and year it was manufactured.

You can enter your serial number into Apple's coverage checker at checkcoverage.apple.com to see when your device was made and whether it is still under warranty. This does not directly tell you the generation, but it confirms you have the right device and shows you its manufacturing date.

Understand the difference between iPad lines

Apple makes several different iPad lines, and each has its own generation count. An iPad (standard model) has a different generation number than an iPad Air, iPad Pro, or iPad mini, even if they were released in the same year. For example, there is a 5th-generation iPad, a 5th-generation iPad Air, and a 5th-generation iPad Pro — these are three completely different devices.

When you look at your model name in Settings, it will tell you which line you have. If it says "iPad Air (5th generation)", you own an iPad Air, not a standard iPad. This matters because different lines have different features, screen sizes, and performance levels, and the generation number only makes sense within its own line.

Use the model name to find your iPad's specs

Once you know your full model name and generation, you can find detailed specifications on Apple's website. Search for "iPad [your model] [generation] specs" — for example, "iPad Pro 11-inch 6th generation specs". Apple's official tech specs page will show you the processor, screen size, storage options, camera details, and battery life for your exact device.

Knowing your generation also helps you understand which software updates your iPad can run. Older generations may not support the newest versions of iPadOS, so if you are troubleshooting a problem or looking to update, your generation number tells you what is available for your device.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if Settings shows only "iPad" with no generation number?

You have the original iPad from 2010. It is the only iPad that does not include a generation number in its official name. You can confirm this by checking the model number on the back (it will be Model A1219 or A1337) or by looking at the release date in your purchase history.

Is the model number the same as the generation?

No. The model number (like A2316) is a code Apple uses internally to track hardware. The generation (like "5th generation") is what you see in Settings and in the product name. You need the generation to understand which version of the iPad you own; the model number is mainly useful for warranty checks or looking up exact manufacturing details.

Can I find my iPad's generation if I sold it or gave it away?

Yes, if you bought it from Apple. Sign in to your Apple account and check your purchase history — it will show every iPad you have ever bought, along with the full product name and generation. If you bought it from a retailer like Best Buy or Amazon, you may be able to find the receipt in your email or account history with that retailer.

Why does my iPad say "iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation)" instead of just "iPad Pro (4th generation)"?

iPad Pro comes in different screen sizes — 11-inch and 12.9-inch are the current options. The screen size is part of the official name because the two sizes sometimes have different generations and different specs. A 4th-generation 11-inch iPad Pro is not the same device as a 4th-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Does knowing my generation help me sell my iPad?

Yes. When you list your iPad for sale, including the generation helps buyers know exactly what they are getting. Buyers often search by generation because it tells them the processor, screen quality, and which software updates the device can run. Including "iPad Air 5th generation" in your listing is much more useful than just saying "iPad Air".