Which iPad do I have? How to identify your iPad model and generation

Which iPad do I have?

If you’re anything like me, you’ll have had a few different models of iPad and no doubt be aware that they’re not all the same. Why is it good to know? Well, it’s especially important to be aware of different iPad versions, as it makes shopping for accessories and checking for software compatibility much easier.

Stay tuned. I’ll discuss all iPad versions and their differences, as well as how to transfer data between them so you can move data across without a hitch each time you upgrade.

Need quick help? Enter your device's serial number into our iPad serial number lookup (a free GPT assistant) or into iPad serial number check (a free online tool) and reveal its tech specs, production date, model, warranty, and more.

Check your iPad model and generation from settings

How do I know which iPad I have? You can find out more about it by going through the Settings app. Here, you’ll also find out all sorts of essential details, like how much storage you have left on it.

To check your iPad model:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
2. Go to General > About.
3. Look for:
• Model Name: This shows the commercial name of your iPad (e.g., iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation)).
• Model Number: This is a code starting with "A" (e.g., A2459), which corresponds to a specific hardware version.

Below the Model Name, you will see the Model Number, which starts with an “A.” This number differentiates between iPad versions. When you search for iPad accessories and software, this is the number you will need to keep in mind.

Find your exact iPad generation using the model number

Your iPad’s model number is crucial when trying to figure out the exact iPad generation, screen size, or hardware version. 

You can easily check it from Settings > General > About, then match it to the table below to find out which iPad model you have. Note that different model numbers for the same iPad model usually indicate minor variations. 

For example, the 13-inch iPad Pro (M5) A3360 only has Wi-Fi, while the 13-inch iPad Pro (M5) A3361 has Wi-Fi + Cellular. A3362 is meant for the Chinese market only.

If you’re thinking about picking up a new iPad or just want to refresh your old one, here’s a super-easy guide on how to reset your iPad in a few different ways.

Identify your iPad by design and physical features

You don’t always have to take a deep dive into your iPad’s Settings to answer the question, ‘What generation is my iPad?’ If you are trying to distinguish between two models, you can simply look at the different physical features as they’ve been evolving over time. This can be quite helpful when an iPad is powered off or locked.

Screen and bezels

Older iPads tend to have thicker bezels around the screen. They also usually have a physical Home button. If you have a newer model, like the iPad Pro, for example, the display will be edge-to-edge with no Home button at all. 

Face ID and Touch ID

Newer iPads have Face ID for unlocking, while the ones with a Home button use Touch ID. If you’ve got an iPad, you probably already know how to get in, so it’s a simple way to figure out which model you’re using.

Charging ports and connector types

The original iPads came with the Lightning port, but starting in 2018, the iPad Pro models moved over to USB-C. After that, all iPads switched to USB-C as their main port. This change meant faster data transfer speeds and better compatibility with all sorts of accessories.

Check your iPad model using Finder on Mac

If you’d like to know what iPad do I have using a Mac, Finder makes it easy. The method can be particularly helpful when your iPad is unresponsive.

Here’s how to determine what generation is my iPad using Finder:

1. Connect your iPad to your Mac with a cable.

2. Open Finder 

3. Click on your iPad's name in the Finder sidebar.

4. Check the model under your iPad’s name in the “General” tab.

The method will also show you other details like the serial number and the amount of storage you have.

Verify your iPad model using Apple’s official website

If your iPad isn’t working well or you just want an official confirmation of what iPad do I have, you can use Apple’s website. 

1. Find your iPad’s serial number from Settings > General > About.

2. Visit Apple’s Check Coverage page.

3. Enter your serial number and the displayed verification code.

4. Click Submit.

You should see your iPad’s details, including the model name. It’s a great alternative if you need to contact Apple for iPad warranty queries, repairs, or customer support.

Which iPad do I have? Everything you need to know

As we’ve seen, there are many ways to answer “What iPad do I have?” You can simply go to Settings > General > About or check physical features like the charging port, Touch ID, Face ID, Home button, and bezel thickness. There’s also the Finder option and the Apple Check Coverage page if you need to confirm the warranty information. These methods will help make the right decisions about accessories, upgrades, and repairs.

Whether you are upgrading or simply evaluating performance, apps like AnyTrans for iOS and CleanMy®Phone can be extremely useful to have on hand if you need to free up storage or transfer data between iPads, respectively. You can try both through Setapp’s 7-day free trial, a macOS, iOS, and web app platform that gives users 270+ apps to enjoy under a single subscription.