Over the years, Apple has brought many iOS tablet models onto the market, so it’s quite difficult to distinguish. For this reason we decided to create a guide in which we explain how to recognize an iPad using various methods.
Content index
- How to recognize an iPad with its design
- How to recognize an iPad from the IMEI code
- How to recognize an iPad from the model code
- How to recognize a stolen iPad
How to recognize an iPad with its design
Some models of the famous iOS tablet can be recognized taking into account the distinctive aesthetic details or the model code on the back-cover.
iPad Pro 12.9 third generation
This is the model marketed since November 2018 in versions with 64, 256 and 512 GB and 1 TB storage and in the Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular models only. The model code that distinguishes the iPad Pro 12.9 from others is A1876 for the Wi-Fi only version or A2014 / A1895 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular variant.
Among its distinctive features we find the Smart Connector located on the back, a USB Type-C (the first iDevice mobile to have it), the Face ID (the first Apple tablet to have it) and 4 speakers. The large 12.9 inch display covers much of the front area and there is also the iconic Home button. Finally, the device is compatible with the second generation Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard accessories.
iPad Pro 11
We have in front of the only iPad produced so far to have an 11-inch display. This offers the same features offered by the older brother seen a short time ago but obviously has a smaller overall size. The model codes identified are A1980 for the Wi-Fi only version and A2013/A1934 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular version. Pure 11-inch iPad Pro is compatible with Apple Pencil and second-generation Smart Keyboard.
iPad Pro 12.9 second generation
Let’s talk about the impressive tablet marketed in 2017 in 64, 256 and 512 GB memory cuts and in the Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular versions only. The identification code is A1670 (Wi-Fi only) or A1671 (Wi-Fi + Cellular).
In this case, the Smart Connector is on the left side and there is a Lightning door and a circular Home button that integrates the Touch ID sensor. There is no shortage of 4 speakers for an audio experience at the top. This model is compatible with Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard of the first generation.
iPad Pro 10.5 second generation
This tablet borrows the features of the larger version but carries the model code A1701 for the Wi-Fi only variant and A1709 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular variant.
iPad Pro 9.7
The Pro series tablet with a 9.7-inch display was marketed in 2016 and you can still find it on the market in versions with 32, 128 and 256 GB storage and in the only Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular variants. The model numbers are A1673 and A1674 / A1675, respectively. In this case we find Smart Connector, Lightning port, Touch ID, 4 speakers and compatibility with Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard of the first generation.
iPad 12.9 of the first generation
This is the model put on the market by Apple in 2015 in the 64, 256 and 512 GB memory cuts and in the Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular versions. The respective identification code is A1584 and A1652. We find the same characteristics seen in the aforementioned model.
6th generation iPad
The iDevice was marketed in 2018 in 32 and 128 GB memory cuts and in Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular versions. The model code is A1893 or A1954, respectively. Compared to the predecessor, we have support for the first generation Apple Pencil.
Fifth generation iPad
This model was released on the market in 2017 and is practically identical in appearance to the sixth generation, except for compatibility with the first generation Apple Pencil. We find model codes A1822 for Wi-Fi only and A1823 for Wi-Fi + Cellular.
iPad Air 2
Towards the end of 2014, Apple sold the latest Air series tablet in 16, 32, 64 and 128 GB denominations. This model differs from the predecessor due to the presence of the Touch ID and the reduced thickness. The model code for the Wi-Fi-only version is A1566 while the Wi-Fi + Cellular variant is A1567.
iPad Air
We have in front of the model that started the Air tablet line composed of two models. The launch took place between the end of 2013 and the beginning of 2014. On the market, the iOS tablet was offered in 16, 32, 64 and 128 GB memory cuts. The identification code is A1474 for the Wi-Fi-only model, A1475 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular (3G) version and A1476 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular LTE variant (marketed at the beginning of 2014). It is possible to distinguish the iPad Air from the successor due to its greater thickness and the lack of the Touch ID sensor.
iPad Mini 4
This is Apple’s latest compact tablet on the market and marketed since 2015 with the same characteristics of the iPad Air 2. Obviously, there is a 7.9-inch display instead of 9.7. The model number is A1538 for the Wi-Fi-only version and A1550 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model.
Apple, however, provides two pages that allows you to compare the various models of iPad available on the market and one to find out how to identify the model of tablet in your possession.
How to recognize an iPad from the IMEI code
Another solution that you could consider to recognize your model is to use the IMEI code. This uniquely identifies a device, so you will not be wrong! To identify the IMEI of your iPad, you can search for it on the label in the sales package.
Once found, connect to the appropriate Web page of the official Apple website, enter the IMEI code in the field under Enter the serial number, enter the verification code in the image in the appropriate text field and click on Continue. On the page that will open, you will find the name of the iPad you have.
How to recognize an iPad from the model code
A third solution to recognize the tablet model in your possession is to identify the model code that is used to easily recognize the version and type of iPad in your possession. The code can be found on the back-cover of the terminal (after the words Designed by Apple in California Assembled in China ) with the writing Model Axxx, on the label on the back of the sales box (which bears the word Part No. ) or IOS settings by following the General > Info path. Once you have identified the model code, refer to the information at the beginning of the guide or to the page how to identify the model linked a little while ago.
How to recognize a stolen iPad
If you have purchased an iOS tablet from a person or you are going to buy it used, maybe you might suspect it may be stolen. In this case, you can recognize it by the IMEI code or by checking the warranty.
If you chose to carry out the verification via IMEI, log on to the page of Apple giveback using a simple web browser and type in the empty field’s IMEI (found next to the button Search ). From the result you will be able to find out if the device has been blocked following a theft.
As for the warranty check, instead, enter the serial number in the empty field below the Enter the serial number you find on the page Check the coverage linked a little while ago. After entering the security code in the appropriate field, click Continue to display the result. If you notice any difference between the date of purchase indicated on the page and the one declared by the person who sold you the iPad, then it could be a stolen device.