Check your iPad version in Settings

Open the Settings app on your iPad, then tap General. Scroll down and tap About. You will see several pieces of information listed here. Look for the line that says Software Version or iOS Version — the number shown there is your iPad's operating system version.

The version number appears as a series of numbers separated by periods, like 17.2.1 or 16.5. This tells you which release of iPadOS your device is running. If you see iPadOS in the name rather than iOS, your iPad is running iPadOS 13 or newer — Apple renamed the operating system for iPad starting with that version.

While you are in the About section, you can also find your iPad's model name, storage capacity, and serial number. The model name appears near the top and tells you whether you have an iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, or iPad mini, along with the screen size.

Key Takeaways

  • Your iPad's software version is listed in Settings > General > About under the line labeled Software Version or iOS Version.
  • iPads running iPadOS 13 or newer show "iPadOS" in the version name, while older models show "iOS".
  • The About section also displays your iPad's model name, storage capacity, and other hardware details in one place.
  • Knowing your version number helps you understand which features are available and whether your device can run specific apps.

What the version number tells you

The version number uses a three-part system. The first number is the major release — for example, 17 or 16. The second number indicates a smaller update within that release, and the third number is a security patch. A version like 17.2.1 means you are on major release 17, with update 2, and security patch 1 applied.

Newer version numbers mean your iPad has the latest features and security updates. Older versions may lack certain capabilities or have known security issues. If an app you want to download says it requires iPadOS 16 or later, you can check your version number to see whether your iPad can run it.

Finding your iPad model and generation

The model name in the About section tells you what type of iPad you own, but it does not always tell you which generation. For example, you might see "iPad Pro" without a year. To find the exact generation, look for the model number, which appears as a code like "A2379" or "A2696" in the same About section.

You can search that model number on Apple's website or on tech sites like MacRumors to find the exact year and generation of your iPad. This matters if you are selling your device, checking warranty coverage, or troubleshooting a problem that affects only certain generations.

Check for available updates

If you want to update your iPad to a newer version, go to Settings > General and tap Software Update. Your iPad will check whether a newer version is available. If one is found, you can read what is new and choose to download and install it.

Updates usually take 15 to 30 minutes to download and install, depending on the file size and your internet speed. Your iPad will restart during the process, so plug it in and make sure you have time before starting. You can also schedule updates to happen overnight if you prefer.

Why your version number matters

App developers write apps to work with specific versions of iPadOS. If your iPad is running an older version, some newer apps will not appear in the App Store for your device, or they may not work correctly if you already have them installed. Knowing your version helps you understand which apps are compatible.

Security updates are released regularly to fix vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. Running an older version leaves your iPad at risk, especially if you use it for email, banking, or shopping. Keeping your version current is one of the most important things you can do to protect your data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between iOS and iPadOS?

iOS is the operating system for iPhones, while iPadOS is the operating system for iPads. Apple created iPadOS as a separate system starting with version 13 to reflect the different features and screen sizes of tablets. If your iPad shows "iOS" in Settings, it is running an older version from before iPadOS existed.

Can I downgrade my iPad to an older version?

Apple does not allow downgrading to older versions through Settings. Once you update, you are locked to that version or newer. If you need to run an older version for a specific reason, you would need to contact Apple Support, and even then, downgrading is rarely possible.

Why does my iPad say a different version than my friend's iPad?

Different iPad models and different purchase dates mean devices update at different times. Your friend may have updated their iPad already, or they may own a newer model that shipped with a newer version. Updates are not forced immediately, so you can update whenever you choose.

Does updating my iPad erase my data?

No. Software updates preserve all your apps, photos, documents, and settings. Your iPad simply installs a newer version of the operating system on top of what you already have. You should back up your iPad before updating just in case, but data loss during a normal update is extremely rare.