How Old Is My iPad? Model/Serial Number Lookup

How Old Is My iPad?

How old is my iPad? Want to know the age of your second-hand iPad? Well, it’s easy to find how old your iPad is, whether you want to fix it technically or update it. The model number and serial number of your iPad are the most crucial information. Note them down. This post will tell you how to know the age of your iPad through model number and serial number.

Two-Step Guide

With just simple two steps, you can speculate how old your iPad is. Here is a simplified version:

Step 1. Find Out the iPad’s Model Number and Serial Number

Find the model number and serial number on:

  • Your iPad’s Settings;
  • Your iPad’s back cover.

Step 2. Get the Details of Your iPad by Looking Up the Found Numbers

  • Look up the model number to get the release details;
  • Look up the serial number to get the purchase details and available Apple services according to expiration status.

How Old Is My iPad: Check the Model and Serial Number

To know how old your iPad is, you need to master the vital information: model number and serial number. You can check them on your iPad. Then, you need to decode those numbers on Apple’s official website or third-party apps. How-to steps are shown below.

Step 1. Find Out the Model and Serial Number

To get the model number and serial number, there are two ways: check your iPad’s Settings; and check the back’s skin to see the clear info.

#1 Check iPad’s Settings

  • Open your iPad’s Settings.
  • Go to General> About.
  • Detailed information is shown for you, including name, iPadOS version, Model name, Model Number, and Serial Number.

Note down the model number and serial number of the iPad and we will use them next step. Take the iPad Air 4 as an example.

Model number: MYFR2CH/A. (Tap it once and it will change into another number form: A2316.)

Serial number: GG7G****Q16R.

iPad Air 4 model info

#2 Check iPad’s Back Cover

  • Turn your iPad over.
  • In the middle of the bottom, there is design and assembly information, and also model number and serial number.
  • Note them down.

Step 2. Look Up Your iPad’s Age Using the Found Number Info

To calculate your iPad’s age, you can use the model number and serial number to check the release and purchase details on Apple’s official website.

#1 Look up the iPad Release Date on Apple Support

Take the mentioned iPad Air 4 as an example:

  • Supported network: Only Wi-Fi
  • Capacity: 64 GB
  • Model Number: A2316
  • Year: 2020

*Calculated iPad Age: 4 years (Until now 21/12/2024)

use model number to look up the release info

#2 Look Up the Purchase Date on Apple Coverage

  • Go to Apple coverage: Check your device’s coverage.
  • Enter the iPad serial number you have noted down.
  • Type the given characters in the blank.
  • Click “Submit”.
  • You will get the detailed purchase date, whether your coverage is expired, and the service options may be available to you.
serial number lookup

Note: The purchase date is not the same as the release date but it can roughly predict your iPad usage situation.

#3 Get Specific Details with Third-Party Apps

Third-party apps can give more than just a single release or purchase date. They can show more info like shipped OS info and resale recommendations.

Tool 1. Reincubate.com: Enter your serial number to find the manufacturing date.

Reincubate.com lookup

Tool 2. imeicheck.net: Offers comprehensive data about your iPad.

Other Way: Physically Estimate Your iPad’s Age

The physical features and technical specifications of your iPad can offer clues about its age.

Key Features to Look For:

Home Button vs. Face ID: iPads with a home button are generally older models, while Face ID was introduced with newer iPad Pro versions in 2018.

Chipset: Check your device’s processor (e.g., A9, A12, M1). Each generation of iPads is associated with specific chipsets.

Screen type: Liquid Retina displays are featured in more recent models, while older models have standard Retina displays.

Special Cases: How Old Is My iPad Pro?

iPad Pro models have unique identifiers that make age estimation easier:

M1 and M2 Chips: iPads with M1 chips were released in 2021, while M2 chips debuted in 2022.

Release schedule: iPad Pros are typically updated annually or biannually. Compare your model’s features to the latest release notes for accurate estimation.

Why Is It Important to Know Your iPad’s Age?

Understanding your iPad’s age can benefit you in several scenarios:

Software compatibility: Older iPads may not support the latest iPadOS updates. Knowing your device’s age ensures you can verify compatibility with new software features.

Warranty and repairs: Apple warranties are based on the purchase date. If you’re unsure whether your iPad is still covered, determining its age can be a helpful first step.

Resale value: Buyers often ask about the age of a device. Knowing its age can help you provide accurate information and determine a fair price.

Warm tips:

Before you sell your iPad to buyers, you’d better reset your iPad and clear out all your private data from the device. Read our guide blog and learn: how to reset your iPad.

In addition, when selling your old iPad, consider using a VPN (like LightningX VPN) to secure your online activities during the payment process. It provides advanced encryption technology such as the strong encryption algorithm AES-256. This helps protect your data while communicating with potential buyers.

Carefully, don’t click the suspicious links the so-called buyers send to you because you don’t know the real identification of the buyers. Always choose the safe transaction platforms.

Device maintenance: The age of your iPad helps you anticipate performance issues or battery degradation, enabling timely maintenance or upgrades.

FAQs – How Old Is My iPad?

Q1: What If I Lost My Receipt and the Serial Number Doesn’t Work?

In this case, use third-party tools or contact Apple Support for assistance.

Q2. What is the lifespan of an iPad?

iPads typically last 5-7 years, depending on usage and support for software updates. Older models may still function but might not support the latest iOS versions.

Q3: Can the Packaging Provide Information About My iPad’s Age?

Yes, the box often includes the serial and model numbers, which you can use to determine the manufacturing date.

Q4. Where Can I Sell My Old iPad?

You can sell your iPad on platforms like eBay, Swappa, and Facebook Marketplace, or trade it in through Apple’s Trade-In program for credit toward a new device.

Conclusion

How old is my iPad? This post has shown you how to correctly calculate your iPad’s age. If you have your iPad on your hand, simply open settings or check your iPad’s back to note down the model number and serial number, then get the release date or purchase date on Apple support or Apple Coverage. If there is any trouble, don’t forget to contact the Apple Team for assistance.

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