The fastest way: check Settings on your iPad

Open Settings on your iPad, then tap General. Scroll down and tap About. Look for the line that says Model — it will show something like "iPad (7th generation)" or "iPad Pro (6th generation)". That is your answer.

If you see just "iPad" with no generation number, you have a first-generation iPad from 2010. Every iPad released after that includes its generation number in the model name.

Key Takeaways

  • Your iPad's generation appears in Settings > General > About under the Model line.
  • The model name tells you the iPad line (iPad, iPad Air, iPad Pro, iPad mini) and its generation number.
  • If you do not have access to the iPad itself, you can find the generation from the back of the device or from your Apple receipt and order history.
  • Knowing your generation matters for checking which iOS versions your iPad can run and whether apps will work on it.

Reading the model name correctly

Apple names iPads in a way that can look confusing at first. The model line in Settings shows the iPad line name, then the generation in parentheses. "iPad Air (5th generation)" means it is an iPad Air, and it is the fifth generation of that line — not the fifth iPad overall.

This matters because iPad, iPad Air, iPad Pro, and iPad mini are separate product lines. An iPad Air (5th generation) and an iPad Pro (5th generation) are different devices with different specs, even though they share the same generation number. The line name comes first, so read that carefully.

Finding the generation if you do not have the iPad

If the iPad is not in front of you, look at the back of the device. Near the bottom, you will see small printed text that includes the model number — something like "A2316" or "A2589". You can search that model number on Apple's official iPad specifications page, and it will tell you exactly which iPad it is and what generation.

You can also check your Apple ID account online. Go to appleid.apple.com, sign in, scroll to Devices, and click on the iPad. The device details page shows the model name and generation. If you bought it from Apple, your order history will also show the generation in the product name.

Why the generation matters

The generation tells you which iOS versions your iPad can run. Older generations stop receiving updates after a certain point — for example, iPad (5th generation) maxes out at iOS 16, while newer models get iOS 17 or later. Knowing your generation helps you understand whether a new app or iOS update will work on your device.

The generation also affects performance and features. Newer generations have faster processors, better cameras, and support for newer accessories like the Apple Pencil Pro. If you are shopping for apps or considering an upgrade, the generation gives you a quick way to check compatibility.

What to do if Settings shows only a model number

On very old iPads, the About screen might show only a model number like "iPad3,1" instead of a generation name. This happens on first-generation and early second-generation models. You can take that model number and search it on Apple's support pages or on a tech site like MacRumors, which has a complete iPad model database.

Alternatively, if you remember roughly when you bought it, you can cross-check the year against Apple's release timeline. The first iPad came out in 2010, and Apple has released new models almost every year since then. Your purchase date and the model number together will narrow it down quickly.

Checking your iPad's specs beyond just the generation

While you are in Settings > General > About, you can also see other useful information: the storage capacity (under "Capacity"), the current iOS version (under "Software Version"), and the serial number (under "Serial Number"). The serial number is what you need if you ever contact Apple Support or check your warranty status.

If you want the full technical specifications — processor speed, RAM, camera megapixels, screen resolution — those are not shown in Settings. You can find them on Apple's official iPad tech specs page by searching for your model name, or on third-party sites like iFixit or GSMArena.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the generation number tell me how old my iPad is?

Not exactly. Generation numbers restart for each product line, and Apple releases new generations at different times. An iPad (9th generation) from 2021 is older than an iPad Air (5th generation) from 2022, even though the Air has a lower number. Use the generation to check compatibility, then search the model name online if you need the exact release year.

What if my iPad is so old it does not show a generation number?

It is probably a first-generation iPad from 2010. Check the back of the device for the model number printed there, then search that number on Apple's support site. You can also look up the serial number on Apple's coverage checker to confirm the model and see if it is still under warranty.

Can I find the generation from the box my iPad came in?

Yes. The box lists the model name on the back or bottom, which includes the generation. If you still have the original box, that is the quickest way to check without turning on the device. The receipt or order confirmation email from Apple also shows the full model name.

Does knowing the generation help me sell my iPad?

Yes. Buyers want to know the generation because it determines which iOS versions the iPad can run and how long it will receive updates. When you list it for sale, include the generation number from Settings, the storage capacity, and the current iOS version. That gives buyers the information they need to decide if it will work for them.