You’re staring at the back of a sleek, aluminum slab, squinting at text so small it feels like a vision test. We've all been there. Apple makes beautiful products, but their naming conventions? Honestly, they're a mess. Is it an iPad Air 4 or 5? Is this the Pro with the M4 or the M5 chip? If you’re trying to sell your old device or just buy a case that actually fits, you need the "A" number.
The apple ipad model numbers are the only way to be 100% sure what you're holding. Marketing names like "iPad Air (11-inch)" are great for commercials, but they don't help when you're looking for a specific screen protector.
Why Your iPad Model Number Is Actually Two Different Things
Here is the weird part: Apple uses two different types of model numbers. Most people look in the Settings app and see something like MV7N2LL/A. That is technically a part number. It tells Apple the storage capacity, the color, and even which country it was meant to be sold in. It’s useful for Apple's inventory, but it’s basically gibberish for the rest of us.
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The number you actually want starts with a capital "A" followed by four digits. Something like A2902. This is the "Model Number" that identifies the specific generation and hardware configuration (like whether it has cellular data or just Wi-Fi).
How to Find the "A" Number Quickly
- Flip it over: On older iPads, the model number is printed right on the back, down at the bottom in tiny, gray text.
- The Settings Trick: If the back is scratched or you’re using a newer model where the text is gone, go to Settings > General > About.
- The Tap: You’ll see a line that says "Model Number" with that long part number (the one ending in /A). Tap that line.
- The Reveal: The text will magically change into the shorter "A" number. That’s your golden ticket.
Identifying the 2024 and 2025 Heavy Hitters
Apple refreshed almost the entire lineup recently, making the distinction between the "M" series chips more important than ever. If you're looking at the newest hardware from late 2024 and 2025, the model numbers tell a very specific story about what's under the hood.
The iPad Pro (M5 and M4 Generations)
The Pro line is where things get confusing because the sizes stay the same but the internals change every year. The 2025 iPad Pro M5 models are the current kings. If you see A3006 or A3007, you're looking at the 13-inch M5 powerhouse. The 11-inch version usually falls under codes like A3013 (depending on the region).
Compare that to the 2024 M4 models. The 13-inch M4 Pro uses A2925 for Wi-Fi and A2926 for cellular. If you're buying used, checking this number ensures you aren't paying M5 prices for M4 hardware. Both look identical on the outside.
The iPad Air (M3 and M2)
The Air is now the "middle child" that comes in two sizes. The newest M3-powered Airs (released late 2025) have specific identifiers. For the 11-inch M3, look for codes in the A33xx range. The older M2 versions (from early 2024) use A2902 or A2903.
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The iPad Mini (A17 Pro)
The "PocketPal" as some call it, finally got an update. The iPad mini (A17 Pro) is often identified by A2993. If your mini has a model number like A2567, you've got the 6th generation from 2021. It looks the same, but the A17 Pro version is significantly faster for Apple Intelligence tasks.
The "Base" iPad Confusion
The standard iPad (11th Gen) often gets labeled by its chip rather than just a number. You might see it called the iPad (A16). This is the budget-friendly model. Common model numbers for the 11th Gen include A3354 and A3355.
If you see A2696, you’re holding the 10th Gen. It’s still a great tablet, but it uses the older A14 chip. Knowing this difference is huge if you're trying to figure out if your iPad will support the latest iPadOS 26 features.
Why Does This Matter for Compatibility?
It isn't just about bragging rights. Apple is notorious for changing the Apple Pencil compatibility and keyboard connectors just enough to be annoying.
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- Pencil Pro: Only works with the newer M4/M5 Pros and M2/M3 Airs.
- Magic Keyboard: The 2024/2025 Pro models have a thinner design, meaning older Magic Keyboards literally won't fit, even if the screen size is the same.
- USB-C vs. Lightning: If your model number belongs to an iPad (9th Gen) or earlier, you're stuck with Lightning cables.
Decoding the Wireless Mystery
Most iPad generations have three or four different "A" numbers. Why? It's all about the antennas.
- Wi-Fi Only: Usually the first number listed in any database.
- Wi-Fi + Cellular: A different number because it has the GPS chip and the SIM/eSIM tray.
- China Mainland Models: Apple often has a specific model number just for the Chinese market to comply with local wireless regulations.
For example, on the iPad Air (M2), A2898 is the 13-inch Wi-Fi model, while A2899 is the one with a cellular radio. If you're buying a used iPad to use as a GPS for a boat or a car, you must get a cellular model number. The Wi-Fi-only iPads do not have a dedicated GPS chip—they use Wi-Fi trilateration, which is way less accurate when you're moving.
What to Do If Your Model Number Isn't on the Back
Sometimes the world is against you. The back is scuffed, and the iPad won't turn on. You can't get into Settings. What now?
Check the SIM tray. On cellular models, the model number is often etched (extremely small) on the top side of the SIM tray. You’ll need a magnifying glass or a very good phone camera to see it. If it’s a Wi-Fi-only model and it's dead, your best bet is to plug it into a Mac or PC. Even if the screen is black, specialized software like Apple Configurator can sometimes pull the device info, including the model number, from the logic board.
Quick Summary for the Modern Lineup
To make this actionable, here is how the landscape looks right now for apple ipad model numbers in the wild:
- iPad Pro 13" (M5): A3006, A3007
- iPad Pro 11" (M5): A3013
- iPad Pro 13" (M4): A2925, A2926
- iPad Pro 11" (M4): A2836, A2837
- iPad Air 13" (M3): A33xx series (Latest)
- iPad Air 11" (M3): A33xx series (Latest)
- iPad Air 13" (M2): A2898, A2899
- iPad Air 11" (M2): A2902, A2903
- iPad mini (A17 Pro): A2993, A2995
- iPad 11th Gen: A3354, A3355
Your Next Steps
Before you spend a dime on a new case or a stylus, take sixty seconds to verify your number. Go to Settings > General > About and tap that model number line. Once you have your "A" number, write it down in a notes app or a label maker.
If you are buying a used device, ask the seller for a screenshot of that specific screen. Never trust a listing that just says "iPad Air." There are six generations of the Air now, and the difference between an Air 2 and an Air (M2) is about ten years of technology. Check the number, match it to the chip, and ensure you’re getting exactly what you're paying for.