Which iPad Do I Have? How to Identify Models

To identify which iPad model you have, check the model number printed on the back of the device or in Settings under General > About. That number (like A2602) tells you the exact generation, screen size, and connectivity options. This guide explains how to find that number, decode it, and distinguish between the current iPad lineup.

Why the Model Number Matters

Apple has sold dozens of iPad models since 2010, and many look nearly identical from the front. The model number is the only reliable way to know whether you have a 3rd-generation iPad Air or a 5th-generation iPad Pro, which matters for:

• Checking iOS/iPadOS compatibility for the latest updates
• Buying the correct case, screen protector, or keyboard
• Determining trade-in or resale value
• Finding compatible Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard accessories

You do not need the original box or receipt—the number is physically on the device and also stored in software.

How to Find Your iPad Model Number

There are two primary methods: on-device and physical inspection.

Method 1: In Settings (Fastest)

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap About.
4. Look for Model Number. It may show as a string like “MKGX3LL/A�. Tap that field to reveal the short “A� number (e.g., A2602).

Method 2: Physical Back

On all iPads, the model number (starting with “A�) is printed in tiny text near the bottom of the aluminum back. On newer iPad Pro models with a flat edge, it is on the bottom edge. If the text is faded or hard to read, use the Settings method.

Decoding the Model Number

Every iPad model number starts with “A� followed by four digits. For example, A2602 is the 5th-generation iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021). The “A� number is unique to each generation and configuration. Apple also uses a marketing name (e.g., “iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation)�) that appears in Settings > About > Model Name, but that name alone does not tell you the year or chip. To match your “A� number to a specific model, use Apple’s official “Identify your iPad model� support page or a reliable third-party lookup table.

Current iPad Lineup (as of 2024)

Apple currently sells four distinct iPad families. Knowing which family you have narrows down the generation:

• iPad Pro (11-inch and 12.9-inch) – highest performance, ProMotion display, Face ID, no home button, supports Apple Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard.
• iPad Air (10.9-inch and 11-inch) – mid-range, Touch ID in power button, supports Apple Pencil 2 (and newer models support Apple Pencil Pro).
• iPad (10.9-inch, 9th/10th generation) – entry-level, home button on 9th gen, Touch ID on top button on 10th gen, supports 1st-gen Apple Pencil (with adapter on 10th gen).
• iPad mini (8.3-inch) – compact, Touch ID in power button, supports Apple Pencil 2.

Within each family, generations are numbered (e.g., iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation)). The model number is essential because two generations of the same size often look identical.

Common Misconceptions

One frequent mistake is confusing the “iPad� (base model) with the “iPad Pro� because both have a similar rectangular design. Another is assuming that the year you bought it equals the model year—Apple sometimes sells a previous-generation model at a discount. Also, the storage capacity (e.g., 64GB vs 256GB) does not affect the model number; the same “A� number covers all storage options for that generation.

What to Do If You Still Cannot Identify It

If the model number is unreadable and the device won’t boot, try these:

• Connect the iPad to a computer and open iTunes or Finder. The device name and capacity often appear, but not the generation.
• Check the original purchase receipt or Apple ID purchase history (if you bought it from Apple).
• Measure the screen diagonally and note the presence of a home button, headphone jack, or camera placement—these clues can narrow it down to a few generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the model number tell me the year?

Not directly. The “A� number maps to a specific generation, and each generation has a release year. For example, A2602 corresponds to the 5th-gen iPad Pro 12.9-inch released in 2021. You need a lookup table to convert the number to a year.

Why does my iPad show a different model number in Settings vs on the back?

The back shows the regional “A� number (e.g., A2602). In Settings, the Model Number field may show a longer part number (e.g., MKGX3LL/A) that includes region and color codes. Tapping that field switches it to the “A� number.

Can I identify my iPad by its serial number?

Yes, but the serial number is not a simple decoder. You can enter it on Apple’s coverage check website, which will display the model name and purchase date. The serial number is also in Settings > General > About.

Is the iPad Pro the same as the iPad Air?

No. The iPad Pro has a faster chip, ProMotion display (120Hz), Face ID, and more speakers. The iPad Air uses Touch ID and lacks the ProMotion display. They also differ in Apple Pencil support: Pro uses 2nd-gen or Pro, Air uses 2nd-gen or Pro (depending on year).

What if my iPad is too old to update to the latest iPadOS?

If your model number corresponds to a device released before 2017, it may not support iPadOS 17 or later. You can still use it, but you won’t get new features or security updates. Check Apple’s compatibility list for the version you want.

How do I tell the difference between an iPad 9th gen and 10th gen?

The 9th gen has a home button with Touch ID and a Lightning port. The 10th gen has a full-screen design with Touch ID in the top button, a USB-C port, and a landscape front camera. The model numbers are A2602 (9th) and A2696 (10th).

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