Since the launch of the highly versatile original iPad (also known popularly as the iPad 1) in 2010, there have been a total of 11 models, each with some subtle (and some not so subtle) differences from previous models. Apple don’t tend to refer to iPads by model number in the same way as they do with iPhones, where if you have an iPhone 6S Plus, you can be pretty sure which features it has. With iPads, they tend to call them less precise names such as ‘iPad with Retina Display’ or iPad Air.
If you’ve bought or been given an iPad, and you’re not sure which model you have, this is not a problem for day-to-day operation, but it’s possible you may need to know if an app is compatible with your iPad, or if you are running the right version of iOS. Maybe you’re interested in comparing potential performance data for a newer model – if you don’t know which model you actually use, you won’t know how much better (if at all) the performance of a newer one could be.
Physical features & model numbers
There are a number of ways to narrow down the model, including the obvious one of the physical size of the tablet, plus the type of charging connector it uses (Lightning Connector as seen here, or 30-pin connector), available colours, whether it has Touch ID and the presence or absence of a camera aperture.
To get a definitive answer, you can find the model number, which is located on the rear of your iPad and labelled ‘Model’ and compare this number with the list below or you can visit the Apple Support site.
| Model Number | Connection | Charging Port & Visual Features | iPad Model |
| A1219A1337 | Wi-FiWi-Fi + Cellular | 30 pin port, no camera apertures | iPad/iPad 1 |
| A1395A1397, A1396 | Wi-FiWi-Fi + Cellular | 30 pin port | iPad 2 |
| A1416A1430, A1403 | Wi-FiWi-Fi + Cellular | 30 pin port | iPad 3rd generation |
| A1458A1459, A1460 | Wi-FiWi-Fi + Cellular | Lightning port | iPad 4th generation |
| A1474A1475 | Wi-FiWi-Fi + Cellular | Lightning port | iPad Air |
| A1566A1567 | Wi-FiWi-Fi + Cellular | Lightning port, Touch ID (Home button), available in Gold | iPad Air 2 |
| A1432A1454, A1455 | Wi-FiWi-Fi + Cellular | Lightning port, small size (7.9” screen) | iPad Mini 1 |
| A1489A1490 | Wi-FiWi-Fi + Cellular | Lightning port, Retina Display | iPad Mini 2 |
| A1599A1600 | Wi-FiWi-Fi + Cellular | Lightning port, Touch ID (Home button), available in Gold | iPad Mini 3 |
| A1538A1550 | Wi-FiWi-Fi + Cellular | Lightning port, Touch ID (Home button), available in Gold | iPad Mini 4 |
| A1584A1652 | Wi-FiWi-Fi + Cellular | Large size (12.9” screen), available in Gold, smart connector (for Smart Keyboard) | iPad Pro |
