Since Apple products are famous not only for their high quality, but also for their rather tangible price tag, mistakes in determining the iPad model are unacceptable. Who wants to shell out a tidy sum for a gadget that has lost its relevance?
Why do I need to determine the model of the iPad
Imagine a situation where someone you know offered to buy a used iPad at a bargain price. You have long been looking for some kind of toy for a child or a device for watching movies on the road, and here is a quality device from reliable hands, and even savings. Without thinking, you get a tablet, and then remember that you didn’t even ask: “How do I find out what kind of iPad I have?”.
Or, for example, you are going to buy equipment from a stranger, but you are not sure that you can determine the model of the device yourself.
In these cases, it will be useful to familiarize yourself with the methods described below to find out which model your device is.
What kind of iPads are there?
Before you figure out how to find out what generation of iPad, you should briefly get acquainted with all versions of the device line. On theTo date, Apple has released the following tablet models:
- iPad;
- iPad 2;
- iPad 3;
- iPad Mini (four versions);
- iPad 4;
- iPad Air;
- iPad Air 2;
- iPad Pro.
Air version tablets are thinner and lighter, with a faster processor than previous models. The Pro line iPad is as thin as the Air, only more powerful. There is a standard 9.7" and a larger 12.9" version.
The iPad Mini has a modest size that makes it look like a smartphone. The very first and second models are quite heavy, but they are no less reliable than newer gadgets, and they also hold a charge for a long time.
All iPads look alike. But an experienced user can easily determine what kind of device he is holding in his hands, focusing on its color, connector type and other external differences.
How to identify the iPad model using the box and batch number
If you are tormented by the question: "How do I know what kind of iPad I have?" Consider its original box. It has a sticker on it indicating the iPad model, color, memory capacity, as well as the serial number and IMEI. However, if the device was purchased with hands, there is a possibility that the box is from another tablet. In addition, the model is not always indicated on the sticker. Sometimes there is only the inscription "iPad". Try to guess which one it is. To check if the box is original, just check the serial number on the box with the serial number of the device by looking at it iniPad settings or on the back panel. If there are no clarifications about the version of the gadget on the box, go to the next method.
To find out the iPad model, the batch number will also help. You can find it in the tablet settings, on the back panel or on the box. Then you should compare it with a list of matching numbers for certain versions of the iPad. Such lists are easy to find online.
External differences between the first, second and third iPads
Despite the strong similarities, the iPads still differ in appearance. How do you know which version of the iPad is without even turning it on? The tips below will help you with this.
The first iPad is easily recognizable by its design devoid of any streamlining or fluidity, the wide black front and, of course, the lack of a camera. If you see an iPad without a camera, it's definitely the iPad 1. This model only came in one color and only had a black working panel. Another characteristic feature is the three speaker holes located at the bottom of the case.
The second iPad has smoother lines than its predecessor. It is equipped with two cameras. The distinguishing feature of the second generation tablet is the speaker grill located on the back of the device.
The third iPad is outwardly indistinguishable from the second, it is only slightly heavier and larger. The difference becomes noticeable only when turned on: the display, made using Retina technology, pleases with image quality and color depth. If there is no older model of iPad nearby, it is better to refrainfrom eye detection and use a more reliable method of identification.
Differences between Air and Pro, how to find out which iPad Mini I have and how to identify iPad 4
iPad minis cannot be confused with other models due to their size. Outwardly, they differ from each other only in the quality of the picture on the display. The third iPad mini stands out with a Touch ID scanner and a golden color. The fourth compact version is slightly larger than the previous ones and also lacks the mute switch button.
The fourth iPad cannot be confused with the third - unlike the third generation tablet, it has a standard 30-pin connector replaced by a lightning version.
"Air" iPads live up to their name: they are thinner, lighter and smaller than previous versions. However, the display remained the same size. This is clearly visible in the narrow margins of the work surface.
The iPad Pro is striking in its technical differences - it's easy to get lost in its impressive specs. Therefore, let's do it easier: it's easy to distinguish the Pro version by the Smart Connector on the side of the tablet.
After familiarizing yourself with the above methods, you will no longer torment yourself with the question "How to find out which iPad I have?", And you will be able to accurately determine the version of the tablet.
