Unraveling the mystery of iPad model numbers
You're in the store. Or scrolling through Marktplaats. That iPad looks perfect, but which model is it exactly? A1566, A2378, A1458 – those cryptic codes on the back tell you nothing. You Google, compare specs, and lose track. Yet, that model number turns out to be the key to everything : which iOS version does it run, does that case fit, does the Apple Pencil work? The difference between an iPad Pro from 2018 or 2020 can be hundreds of euros, even though they look identical. In fact, many sellers don't even know which model they're offering. With a simple check, you can immediately reveal whether you're getting a bargain or a bad buy. And whether that refurbished iPad really has the specs they promise.
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Where can you find the model number on your iPad?
Your tablet's model number can be found in three places. The quickest way: check the back of the device. There, you'll see small letters under the word "iPad," usually starting with an A followed by four numbers (for example, A1566 or A2378). Is the text too small or faded? Then open the settings, tap "General," and then "About." There, you'll find the model number under "Model." A third option: the original packaging always contains a sticker with the model number.
Note: Some websites confuse the model number with the part number. The latter often begins with M or N and tells you less about the specifications. So focus on the A-numbers for the correct information.
Model numbers per generation explained
Each iPad generation has specific model numbers that immediately indicate which version you have. The differences between numbers within a generation? These are mainly in connectivity (Wi-Fi only or cellular as well) and memory.
Standard iPad models
Regular iPads form the foundation of Apple's tablet lineup. The first model, released in 2010, was numbered A1219 (Wi-Fi) and A1337 (Wi-Fi + 3G). The second generation followed with A1395, A1396, and A1397. The third generation received A1416, A1430, and A1403. The fourth generation includes A1458, A1459, and A1460.
Since 2017, Apple has returned to the simple name "iPad." This fifth generation has A1822 and A1823. The sixth model from 2018 has A1893 and A1954. The seventh generation (2019) has A2197, A2200, and A2198. The eighth model (2020) has A2270, A2428, A2429, and A2430. The ninth generation (2021) uses A2602, A2604, A2603, and A2605. The tenth and latest standard variant (2022) has A2696, A2757, A2777, and A2775.
iPad Air series
The first Air from 2013 has model numbers A1474, A1475 and A1476. The Air 2 (2014) simplified these to A1566 and A1567. After a long hiatus, the third generation Air (2019) arrived with model numbers A2152, A2123, A2153 and A2154. The fourth generation (2020) carries model numbers A2316, A2324, A2325 and A2072. The fifth and latest Air (2022) has model numbers A2588, A2589, A2591 and A2696.
iPad Pro series
The Pro models have the most variants. The first 12.9-inch Pro (2015) has A1584 and A1652. The 9.7-inch version (2016) has A1673, A1674, and A1675. The second-generation 12.9-inch (2017) has A1670, A1671, and A1821. The 10.5-inch version has A1701, A1709, and A1852.
The third generation Pro (2018) with Face ID got A1980, A2013, A1934 and A1979 for the 11-inch version. The 12.9-inch variant has A1876, A2014, A1895 and A1983. The fourth generation (2020) has A2228, A2068, A2230 and A2231 for the 11-inch. The 12.9-inch version carries A2229, A2069, A2232 and A2233.
The fifth generation (2021) with the M1 chip has the A2377, A2459, A2301, and A2460 for the 11-inch. The 12.9-inch gets the A2378, A2461, A2379, and A2462. The sixth generation (2022) with the M2 chip has the A2759, A2435, A2761, and A2762 for the 11-inch. The 12.9-inch version has the A2436, A2764, A2437, and A2766.
iPad mini format
The compact Mini launched in 2012 with the A1432, A1454, and A1455. The Mini 2 (2013) received the A1489, A1490, and A1491. The Mini 3 (2014) retained largely the same hardware with the A1599 and A1600. The Mini 4 (2015) was updated with the A1538 and A1550. The Mini 5 (2019) has the A2133, A2124, A2126, and A2125. The latest Mini 6 (2021) carries the A2567, A2568, A2569, and A2570.
Why the model number is crucial when purchasing
The difference between two seemingly identical tablets can be enormous. An iPad Pro from 2018 (A1980) and one from 2020 (A2228) look virtually identical. Yet, there's a difference in performance, accessory support, and, of course, price. The newer version has a better processor, longer software support, and works with more accessories.
This becomes even more important with refurbished devices. Sellers sometimes advertise "iPad Pro" without any further specifications. Without the model number, you don't know whether you're buying a four-year-old or a two-year-old device. That can easily reduce the value by several hundred euros.
The model number is also essential for accessories. Not every case fits every model, even within the same product line. For example, the first-generation Apple Pencil doesn't work with the latest Pro models. The Magic Keyboard is only compatible with specific Pro and Air models from 2018 onwards.
Check software support per model
Apple supports older devices with new iOS versions for about five to seven years. The model number tells you how many updates you can expect. An A1566 (iPad Air 2 from 2014) runs up to iPadOS 15, while an A2378 (iPad Pro 2021) will last for years.
This has practical consequences. New apps often require recent iOS versions. Banking apps, streaming services, and productivity tools regularly stop supporting older systems. So, an outdated model not only means no new features but also potentially no access to essential apps.
Tips for smart buyers
Always ask for the exact model number before purchasing. Don't rely on vague descriptions like "latest model" or "recently purchased." Check the model number yourself via Apple's official support pages or reputable specifications websites.
When buying secondhand: check the model number on the spot. Some sellers accidentally (or intentionally) list the wrong model. The differences between generations are visually minimal, but technically substantial.
Consider which features you really need. A two-year-old model with Wi-Fi only might be perfect for home use. Aren't you paying unnecessarily for cellular connectivity you never use? The model number immediately reveals which variant you're looking at.
Pay particular attention to the processor architecture. Models from 2020 onwards often have the M1 chip or later. These offer significantly better performance and efficiency than previous A-series processors. For intensive use cases like video editing or graphic design, this makes a world of difference.
Why the model number is your best friend
That cryptic model number on the back of your iPad tells the whole story: which generation, which specs, how many years of updates you'll get, and which accessories are compatible. The difference between a bargain and a bad buy is often the four digits after the letter A. So always check the exact model number before buying a refurbished iPad , especially from private sellers. This way, you avoid surprises and know exactly where your money is going—whether it's a standard iPad for home use or a powerful Pro for professional work.
