You might be on the search for your new iPad, iPad Pro or iPad Air. Naturally, when searching to wonder when iPad generations were made to get a better picture of how old the model is, we’re going to cover when each generation was released and what iPad generations are outdated.
For a lot of us, iPads are vital for our work, our kid’s school, or our favorite hobby (I’m looking at you Minecraft), so choosing the right one whether new, refurbished, or used is essential.
Having a useful device like an iPad can even make your mornings with the kids easier, so let’s go over the iPad generations so you make the best choice when purchasing your next iPad.
All iPad Generations Oldest To Newest
How to Choose A Used Or Refurbished iPad
Since buying new can be pricy alot of us choose to go the used/refurbished or older model route, especially if your 4 year old might spill cheerios and milk all over it..i’m not speaking from experience or anything…ok maybe I am.
Diving into the market for used, refurbished or just something off amazon, its a must to know the difference between models since some are simply outdated, or aren’t what they claim to be, like the time I bought a ipad that was supposed to be a gen 6 but ended up being a gen 5 and could be updated…always check your model number folks!
Here are the top 3 things to keep in mind when buying a used or refurbished ipad:
- Know the difference between ipad generations
- Look for only the generations that are still supported and can be updated
- Always check the model number to ensure its the generation the seller claims it is
Where to Find the iPad model number
If buying off amazon you will find the model number under the item description, in most cases, you will be required to select a drop-down button “see product details” to get this section (pictured below) to appear then look under item model number (circled below). Then use the apple tool to check the model number and make sure to confirm the generation is correct and matches the item description. I’ve heard horror stories of sellers claiming to sell an iPad generation 7, but the buyer receiving a generation 5, which isn’t compatible with the apple pencil, which it turns out is what the buyer intended to use with it, so they we’re upset of course, to me its a must to double check the model number!
Not All Available iPad Generations Work With the Apple Pencil
Were going to go over when the different gerenerations of ipads were released, if they are obsolete and when they stopped being supported and the difference between each type so you can make the most informed choice when purchasing your next ipad.
With all the options out there on the market, its important to know the difference between the types of ipads and their models, especially because some of the models are no longer supported. Which most importantly means they will not be able to get the newest updates or support. Be aware currently (as of 2022) anything under generation 6 will not be compatible with the apple pencil.
I’ve linked generation 4-9 since some don’t care for the apple pencil or updates, and perhaps they just need a cheap iPad for their 4 year old to play games on, the generation 4 ipad, while outdated is a nice cheap alternative if thats what you need it for, and high graphics or heavy processors are needed it can handle youtube kids and some puzzle games for sure! Or if you want to dip your toe in the ipad water so to speak specially for little kids its also a nice cheaper option for that as well!
Let’s jump into the list of diffrent types of Ipad’s and their generations as well as when they were released and if they have been discontinued there will be a date for when they we’re discontinued.
| iPad Model | Release Date | Discontinued |
| Air (1st gen) | November 1, 2013 | March 21, 2016 |
| Air (2nd gen) | October 22, 2014 | March 21, 2017 |
| Air (3rd gen) | March 18, 2019 | September 15, 2020 |
| Air (4th gen) | October 23, 2020 | March 8, 2022 |
| Air (5th gen) | March 18, 2022 | |
| Core ipad(1st gen) | April 3, 2010 | March 2, 2011 |
| Core ipad (2nd gen) | March 11, 2011 | March 18, 2014 |
| Core ipad (3rd gen) | March 16, 2012 | October 23, 2012 |
| Core ipad (4th gen) | November 2, 2012 | October 16, 2014 |
| Core ipad (5th gen) | March 24, 2017 | March 27, 2018 |
| Core ipad (6th gen) | March 27, 2018 | September 10, 2019 |
| Core ipad (7th gen) | September 25, 2019 | September 15, 2020 |
| Core ipad (8th gen) | September 18, 2020 | September 14, 2021 |
| Core ipad (9th gen) | September 24, 2021 | |
| Mini (1st gen) | November 2, 2012 | June 19, 2015 |
| Mini (2nd gen) | November 12, 2013 | March 21, 2017 |
| Mini (3rd gen) | October 22, 2014 | September 9, 2015 |
| Mini (4th gen) | September 9, 2015 | March 18, 2019 |
| Mini (5th gen) | March 18, 2019 | September 14, 2021 |
| Mini (6th gen) | September 24, 2021 | |
| Pro (1st gen) | November 11, 2015 | June 5, 2017 |
| Pro (2nd gen) | June 13, 2017 | March 18, 2019 |
| Pro (3rd gen) | November 7, 2018 | March 18, 2020 |
| Pro (4th gen) | March 25, 2020 | April 20, 2021 |
| Pro (5th gen) | May 21, 2021 |
How many generations of the iPad are there?
Currently (as of august 2022) there are 9 generations of the core iPad, 5 generations of the iPad Air, 6 generations of iPad Mini, and 5 generations of the iPad Pro, however, there is speculation a new generation 10 of the iPad core, as well as new generations of the other iPad models will debut at this years “special” apple reveal coming this September 2022.
What years are the generations of iPads?
1st gen): April 3, 2010.
(2nd gen): March 11, 2011.
(3rd gen): March 16, 2012.
(7th gen): September 25, 2019.
(8th gen): September 18, 2020.
(9th gen): September 24, 2021.
What’s the difference in iPad generations?
There are # of important differences between iPad generations:
- Camera Quailty
- Speed
- Capability
- Accessories (like the apple pencil)
- Screen Size
- Resolution
- Warrenty
- Price
- Support & Updates (usually only for 5 or 6 years after its been released)
Is iPad 9th generation worth buying?
The 10.2-inch Apple iPad (9th generation) offers the best balance of price and performance, and it can do most of the things that the more expensive iPad Pro can do—such as pair with a Smart Keyboard or Apple Pencil—even though it’s smaller and its screen isn’t as good.
Which generation of iPad is best?
The iPad 9th Gen can easily last for another four to five years, here is why. The latest version of iPadOS, i.e., iPad OS 15, was launched in June 2021. Taking a look at the list of compatible devices, the oldest iPad to support this update is the iPad Air 2, which was launched in 2014.
What generation is the newest iPad 2022?
The 9th generation is the newest model of iPad, it was released on September 24, 2021.
What’s the difference between an iPad and iPad Air?
Other than size, the iPad has Apple’s Retina display, while the iPad Air has a Liquid Retina display. That’s to say the iPad Air essentially has slightly richer colors. Otherwise, both iPads basically have the same sharpness relative to their display size.
Why iPad mini is more expensive than iPad?
The iPad mini has always been more expensive than the regular iPad, not least because of its regularly more powerful processor, a higher-resolution display in terms of pixel density and more. Where the iPad comes in at $329 and up, the iPad mini costs from $499.
How old is a 9th generation iPad?
The 9th generation ipad core is currently 11 months old, it was released september 24th, 2021.
When did the 9th edition iPad come out?
The 9th-generation iPad, also referred to as iPad 10.2 inch and iPad 9, is a tablet computer that was announced by Apple in a special event on September 14, 2021 and released on September 24.
How old is the 8th generation iPad?
The 8th generation of ipad was released on September 18, 2020. Making it almost 2 years old, this is a great option since it saves a bit of change, still supports updates for at least 3 more years, and supports the apple pencil!
How old is the 7th generation iPad?
The 7th generation of ipad was released on September 25, 2019. So the 7th generation of ipad is almost 3 years old. This is a popular option since it doesn’t empty the bank and still supports updates for at least 2 more years, and supports the apple pencil!
How many iPad generations are there 2022?
So far there are 9 generations of ipad, however we anticipate a possible 10th generation coming next month during apples annual september reveal, if they do it will be great for those who would like to purchase a newer ipad as new releases often drive down the older models pricing, just like a new model of car.
When did iPad 9th generation come out?
The newest generation of ipad so far is the 9th generation it was released September 24, 2021. (9th gen): September 24, 2021.
Is 7th generation iPad the latest?
No, the latest ipad generation (9th gen) was released September 24, 2021. Although its anticipated a new generation (10) will be released in just under a month September 2022.
When was the 5th generation iPad released?
The 5th generation ipad was released on March 24, 2017. While this is a great option for the price, just beware of some set backs, it won’t support new updates, or the apple pencil, but if those types of things don’t matter to you, then by all means take advantage of a great deal!
Is 64gb sufficient for an ipad?
An iPad with 64GB storage is suitable if you want to browse the internet, check your email, Facetime, or watch series. It’s enough storage capacity to download apps and play some games.
How Many Years Should an iPad Last?
Another question I often hear is how long does an ipad last?
Apple usually supports a new iPad with iPadOS updates for at least five years and often several years longer. Most iPad models hold up well in performance, features, and storage over this timeframe which means that five years is a standard lifespan for any iPad. source
They can however last longer than that, you just won’t get the new updates, or fun gadgets like the apple pencil, etc. If you manage to keep the screen intact, the most common downfall over 5+ years is the degeneration of the battery, but it still hold on stronger than any other tablet on the market! I have an original iPod touch generation 1and it’s amazing how well it holds up again the current apple products and turns out I still have old spongebob, rugrats and avatar shows and movies still on it, and the picture is impressive for how old this device is! I included a few actual images of my device for some good reminiscing! It’s funny to look at it now and realize just how tiny it is, and how massive our phones are in comparison! (that’s my old Samsung S10+ next to it for size reference)
A Visual of the ipad, ipad air, and ipad pro generation timeline
Here is a handy dandy visual of the different ipad, ipad pro and ipad air generations and their release dates, plus bonus it’s color coated! Thanks wikipedia!
iPads are powerhouses, no matter what iPad generation
Now you know when each model and generation of iPad was released, which are outdated, what that means, and which offer the best usability and price.
Did i miss something? Leave a comment and let me know! I always appreciate tips from my readers, we all can’t know everything! We just try our best, with your help we will make sure we cover all our bases!
What’s the oldest Apple product you still own? Be sure to leave it in the comment below!
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Thanks, it's great to hear from you, I'm happy you stumbled upon my blog and found it helpful!