What Year Is My iPad?

Find out your iPad's model and age

By
Sandra Stafford
Headshot of Sandra Stafford
Sandra Stafford
Writer
  • Fayetteville State University
Sandra Stafford is a writer who specializes in tech and writes about all sorts of gadgets—tactical flashlights, blue light-blocking glasses, therapy lamps and more.
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Updated on December 4, 2021
Reviewed by
Jon Fisher
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Reviewed by Jon Fisher
  • Wichita Technical Institute
Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

What to Know

  • For the model: Go to Settings > General > About.
  • For the sale date: Go to Settings > General > Legal & Regulatory.

There are so many models of iPad; you might have forgotten which one you own. If you’re wondering whether your iPad is eligible for the newest update or you’re trying to get it serviced, there are a few ways to find what you need.

How Do I Know What Generation My iPad Is?

When Apple releases an update or an accessory, they specify which iPad models and generations are eligible. That isn’t any help if you don’t remember which one you own. If you need to double-check which device you have, here’s where to look:

  1. Go to Settings > General > About.

    The About option highlighted from iPad settings.

    The About section also has other information helpful for identifying your iPad, like the serial number and model number.

  2. Find your iPad’s Model Name.

    Model Name highlighted from iPad settings.

  3. The generation will be listed.

Some iPad models, like the iPad Pro 11”, don’t include a generation number beside the model name.

How Old Is My iPad?

Like the iPad Air 2, some iPad models are sold for a few years before Apple discontinues them. If you need to know what year you bought your specific iPad, you can find that information here:

  1. Go to Settings > General >  Legal & Regulatory.

    Legal & Regulatory highlighted from iPad General settings.

  2. Scroll all the way down.

  3. The date your iPad was sold is listed in YYYY-MM-DD format.

    The year an iPad was sold from the Legal & Regulatory section of iPad settings.

What If My iPad Won’t Turn On?

If your iPad isn’t working, you can still find the model number listed on the back of your iPad. Each iPad release is associated with multiple numbers for the Wi-Fi and Cellular devices, storage sizes, and similar options. Apple provides a list of iPad models and their model numbers. You can compare your model number to that list.

Can I Update My iPad?

With the release of iPadOS 15, you might be wondering if your iPad can install the update. The update is available to models that support iPadOS 13 and iPadOS 14. That includes these models:

  • iPad Air 2, released in 2014, and newer
  • iPad (5th generation), released in 2017, and newer
  • iPad Mini (4th generation), released in 2015, and newer
  • iPad Pro, all models

Check here for a detailed list of which iPad models support iPadOS 15.

FAQ
  • What year is my iPad Air?

    Look for the model number on the back and bottom of your device. Then check Apple's iPad support site to view the complete list of iPad models by year and generation. You can also find your iPad Air's model number from Settings > About > Model Number.

  • When did the iPad Air come out?

    Apple launched the original iPad Air in October 2013. Model numbers from this group include A1474, A1475, A1476.

  • When year did the iPad Air 2 come out?

    Apple introduced the iPad Air 2 in October 2014. This new model came with an upgraded Retina display and Touch ID.

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