All IPad Models By Year From First To Last: Overview And Differences Of Each Apple Tablet

2023 Author: Gordon Kinson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-26 08:36

Apple introduced its first iPad in 2010, and since then this name is the first that comes to mind of any user from any country in the world when trying to find an association to the concept of a tablet computer. Thinking about a tablet, and the iPad immediately comes to mind, even if we are an ardent fan of Samsung or Microsoft products. In this material - the history of the development of the iPad from 2010 to 2020.

First iPad (2010)

Screen - 9.7 inches;
Processor - Apple A4;
Memory: 16, 32, 64 GB;
Colors: silver back panel, black front panel;
Model numbers: A1219 (Wi-Fi) and A1337 (Wi-Fi + Cellular).

The idea of creating a tablet originated from Steve Jobs in the middle of the "zero", but the employment of Apple engineers with iPod Touch and iPhone projects made it possible to start its implementation and release the finished device only by 2010. This is how the first iPad appeared - an intermediate link between a laptop and a smartphone, with a multitouch screen with a diagonal of 9.7 inches and a resolution of 1028 × 768 pixels (132 ppi).

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The first iPad had a 1GHz single-core Apple A4 processor and 256MB of RAM, which looks pretty sad by today's standards. The tablet did not have cameras at all, although the iOS 4 supported by it already provided the ability to make video calls via FaceTime.

The first iPad supported a microSIM card.

iPad 2 (2011)

Screen - 9.7 inches;
Processor - Apple A5;
Memory: 16, 32, 64 GB;
Colors: silver back, black or white front;
Model numbers: A1395 (Wi-Fi), A1396 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A1397 (Wi-Fi + CDMA).

So, even for the level of technology development at the end of 2010, the first apple tablet did not impress with its characteristics, to put it mildly. But already in March 2011, Apple introduced a new version of the iPad, in the description of which you can find many numbers "2". The iPad 2 processor became a 2-core, 2 times more RAM (512 MB) was installed, 2 cameras with a resolution of 0.3 and 0.7 megapixels appeared at once. In addition, Cellular models now supported the more popular MicroSIM cards instead of the bulky standard ones.

In 2012, Apple also released a modified version of the iPad 2 with increased battery life, which was achieved through an improved Apple A5 processor (manufactured using 32nm process technology) and a larger battery.

iPad 3 (early 2012)

Screen - 9.7 inches;
Processor - Apple A5X;
Memory: 16, 32, 64 GB;
Colors: silver back, black or white front;
Model numbers: A1416 (Wi-Fi), A1430 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A1403 (Wi-Fi + Cellular, Verizon subscribers only)

The main innovation of the iPad 3 was the Retina display with a resolution of 2048 × 1536 pixels, which provided twice the picture quality - 264 pixels per square inch versus 132 pixels in previous models. In addition, instead of the useless 0.7-megapixel main camera, the iPad 3 was equipped with a competitive optical iSight module with a 5-megapixel matrix. The Apple A5X processor had the same two cores and a clock speed of 1 GHz, but the capacity of the RAM module was doubled again, to 1 GB.

iPad 4 (Late 2012)

Screen - 9.7 inches;
Processor - Apple A6X;
Memory: 16, 32, 64, 128 GB;
Colors: silver back, black or white front;
Model numbers: A1458 (Wi-Fi), A1459 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A1460 (Wi-Fi + Cellular, MM (multi-mode))

Six months later, in October 2012, another update awaited the line of apple tablets. The main thing from the point of view of the evolution of the lineup was the appearance in the new iPad of an 8-pin Lightning port (before that a wide 30-pin port was used), which is used to charge and synchronize iOS devices to this day. In addition, the iPad 4 was equipped with a faster Apple A6X processor and a PowerVR SGX554MP4 graphics core, as well as a front-facing FaceTime camera with a 1.2 megapixel matrix. In February 2013, the iPad 4 went on sale with 128 GB of internal memory.

iPad mini (Late 2012)

Screen - 7.9 inches;
Processor - Apple A5;
Memory: 16, 32 and 64 GB;
Colors: silver or gray back panel, black or white front panel;
Model numbers: A1432 (Wi-Fi), A1454 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A1455 (Wi-Fi + Cellular, (multi-mode)).

The first "minicom" has become another intermediate link between a smartphone and a full-size tablet PC. iPad mini with a screen diagonal of 7.9 inches received a resolution of 1024 × 768 pixels (which corresponds to 163 ppi), as well as an outdated Apple A5 processor at that time. The compactness of the device was ensured by narrowed side frames, and the volume rocker was divided into two autonomous buttons.

iPad Air (late 2013)

Screen - 9.7 inches;
Processor - Apple A7;
Memory: 16, 32, 64 and 128 GB;
Colors: silver back panel or space gray, black or white front panel;
Model numbers: A1474 (Wi-Fi), A1475 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A1476 (Wi-Fi + Cellular, TD-LTE).

The “airy” name of the iPad Air, presented in October 2013, was explained by the compactness and lightness of the device - it became 2 mm thinner, by as much as 16 mm narrower and almost 30% lighter than the previous model. Following the iPhone 5s, the new flagship of the tablet line became the second Apple mobile gadget with a 64-bit A7 processor of its own production (in comparison with the “smartphone” analog, it was even overclocked to 0.1 GHz).

iPad mini 2 (late 2013)

Screen - 7.9 inches;
Processor - Apple A5;
Memory: 16, 32, 64 and 128 GB;
Colors: silver or gray back panel, black or white front panel;
Model numbers: A1489 (Wi-Fi), A1490 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A1491 (Wi-Fi + Cellular, TD-LTE)).

iPad mini 2, aka iPad mini with Retina display, was introduced alongside the iPad Air on October 22, 2013. It is not hard to guess that the main difference from the first mini-model was the high-resolution Retina display (2048x1536 pixels, 326 dpi). The compact version of the tablet was also equipped with a 62-bit Apple A7 chip and an M7 motion coprocessor, thus putting it on the same shelf as the top gadgets of its time.

iPad Air 2 (Late 2014)

Screen - 9.7 inches;
Processor - Apple A8X;
Memory: 16, 32, 64 GB and 128 GB;
Colors: Silver, Gold Back, or Space Gray, Black or White Front;
Model numbers: A1566 (Wi-Fi), A1567 Wi-Fi + Cellular).

In the iPad Air 2, Apple is the first for mobile devices to use the 3-core Apple A8X processor, which had a decent clock speed of 1.8 GHz, and also increased the amount of RAM to 2 GB. In addition, it was decided to abandon the specification with 32 GB of internal memory (it was later added) and to implement the Touch ID fingerprint scanner expected by many users, which has passed the annual test on the iPhone 5s. Another long-awaited improvement is an upgrade of the main iSight camera matrix up to 8 megapixels.

iPad mini 3 (Late 2014)

Screen - 7.9 inches;
Processor - Apple A7;
Memory: 16, 64 and 128 GB;
Colors: silver, gold back panel or space gray, black or white front panel;
Model numbers: A1599 (Wi-Fi), A1600 (Wi-Fi + Cellular).

iPad mini 3 did not receive three processor cores; in general, its filling and design practically does not differ from the previous model. Of the notable innovations, only the appearance of the Touch ID fingerprint sensor and the gold color of the case can be noted.

iPad Pro 12.9-inch (Late 2015)

Screen - 12.9 inches;
Processor - Apple A9X;
Memory: 32, 128 GB and 256 GB;
Colors: Silver, Gold Back, or Space Gray, Black or White Front;
Model numbers: A1584 (Wi-Fi), A1652 (Wi-Fi + Cellular).

In September 2015, Apple introduced the first device in a line of professional tablets that can handle many tasks previously performed exclusively on laptops and desktops. The gadget received a large 12.9-inch screen with a resolution of 2732 × 2048 pixels, a 2-core Apple A9X chip with PowerVR Series 7XT graphics and an M9 co-processor, as much as 4 GB of RAM, a smart connector for connecting an equally smart keyboard, support for a stylus Apple Pencil and four speakers for better sound.

iPad mini 4 (late 2015)

Screen - 7.9 inches;
Processor - Apple A8;
Memory: 16, 32, 64 and 128 GB;
Colors: silver, gold back panel or space gray, black or white front panel;
Model numbers: A1538 (Wi-Fi), A1550 (Wi-Fi + Cellular).

Then, in September 2015, the public was shown the latest iPad mini 4th generation model. The gadget has pulled up to the iPad Air 2 in terms of technical characteristics, having received an Apple A8 processor, 2 GB of RAM, an 8-megapixel camera. In addition, for the first time, the chassis parameters were changed (for example, it became thinner), which made a difference when buying accessories for iPad mini 4 and earlier models of the line.

iPad Pro 9.7-inch (2016)

Screen - 9.7 inches;
Processor - Apple A9X;
Memory: 32, 128 and 256 GB;
Colors: silver, gold back, or space gray, rose gold, black or white front;
Model numbers: A1673 (Wi-Fi), A1674 / A1675 (Wi-Fi + Cellular).

The professional iPad in the usual 9.7-inch form factor is somewhat inferior to its older brother in terms of technical characteristics. It was equipped with a slightly less productive specification of the Apple A9X processor (2.16 GHz versus 2.26 GHz for the 12.9-inch model) and a half-cut RAM module - two gigabytes versus four. But iPad Pro 9.7 inches was the first among all Apple gadgets to receive True Tone technology, which allows the display to change the color temperature depending on the level of ambient light.

iPad 5 (2017)

Screen - 9.7 inches;
Processor - Apple A9;
Memory: 32 and 128 GB;
Colors: silver, gold back panel or space gray, black or white front panel;
Model numbers: A1822 (Wi-Fi), A1823 (Wi-Fi + Cellular).

In March 2017, Apple diversified its tablet line again, offering a more budget-friendly option for users who don't need iPad Pro features. The 9.7-inch gadget received a rather modest display matrix with a resolution of 2048 × 1536 (like the first generation iPad Air), an Apple A9 processor (without the "X"), an 8-megapixel main camera. At the same time, the device added in size and weight when compared with the iPad Air 2.

iPad Pro 10.5-inch (2017)

Screen - 10.5 inches;
Processor - Apple A9X;
Memory: 64, 256 and 512 GB;
Colors: silver, gold back, or space gray, rose gold, black or white front;
Model numbers: A1701 (Wi-Fi), A1709 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A1852 (Wi-Fi + Cellular, China market).

Apple engineers managed to fit the 10.5-inch iPad Pro into a body comparable in size to the iPad Pro 9.7, while equipping the device with the top-end 6-core Apple A9X processor, manufactured using a 10-nanometer process technology. In addition, ProMotion technology has been introduced into the tablet, which allows to achieve a display refresh rate of 120 Hz.

iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation (2017)

Screen - 10.5 inches;
Processor - A10X Fusion;
Memory: 64, 256 and 512 GB;
Colors: Silver, Gold Back, or Space Gray, Black or White Front;
Model numbers: A1670 (Wi-Fi), A1671 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A1821 (Wi-Fi + Cellular, China market).

Like the 10.5-inch model, the second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro was introduced in June 2017 and was mainly distinguished from its predecessor by the presence of a productive Apple A10X Fusion chip, as well as a display with support for ProMotion technology. In addition, a new 512GB storage option has been added.

iPad 6 (2018)

Screen - 9.7 inches;
Processor - Apple A10 Fusion;
Memory: 32 and 128 GB;
Colors: silver, gold back panel or space gray, black or white front panel;
Model numbers: A1893 (Wi-Fi), A1954 (Wi-Fi + Cellular).

A year after the fifth-generation iPad was released, Apple made a minor update to the device, mainly related to performance. Visually, the tablet has not changed at all, but it received a new Apple A10 Fusion processor, an M19 Motion co-processor and updated graphics.

iPad Pro 11-inch (2018)

Screen - 11 inches;
Processor - Apple A12X Bionic;
Memory: 64, 256, 512 GB and 1 TB;
Colors: silver or dark gray back panel, black front panel;
Model numbers: A1980 (Wi-Fi), A2013 & A1934 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A1979 (Wi-Fi + Cellular, China market).

Once again, Apple engineers demonstrated their ability to save space - with an 11-inch Liquid Retina screen with a resolution of 2388 × 1688 pixels, the new tablet fits into the body of the previous 10.5-inch model, and even became a little thinner and lighter.

At the same time, the gadget was equipped with the top-end 8-core Apple A12X Bionic processor, Face ID face recognition technology (TrueDepth, Portrait Mode, Animoji and Memoji) and a USB-C port for charging. We should also note the appearance of a version with a 1 TB drive.

iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation (2018)

Screen - 12.9 inches;
Processor - Apple A12X Bionic;
Memory: 64, 256, 512 GB and 1 TB;
Colors: silver or dark gray back panel, black front panel;
Model numbers: A1876 (Wi-Fi), A2014 & A1895 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A1983 (Wi-Fi + Cellular, China market).

The larger model has the same distinctive features as the 11-inch model. There is also no 3.5 mm jack for connecting a headset, Lightning is replaced by USB-C, the Home button along with Touch ID gave way to Face ID technology. The latter, by the way, implies the presence of another patented Apple development TrueDepth, which allows you to take pictures in the Portrait mode, create Animoji and Memoji.

iPad Air 3 10.5-inch (2019)

Screen - 10.5 inches;
Processor - Apple A12 Bionic;
Memory: 64 and 256 GB;
Colors: silver, gold back panel or space gray;
Model numbers: A2152 (Wi-Fi), A2123 and A2153 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2154 (Wi-Fi + Cellular, China market).

Apple hasn't released updates to its line of "air" tablets for a long time, taking a solid pause between the 2nd generation iPad Air of 2014 release and the last representative of the series at the moment - the 3rd generation iPad Air of 2019 release. Naturally, it makes no sense to compare the models separated by such a large time interval, so we will only briefly dwell on the key features of the latter.

In general, the tablet is a composite hodgepodge of time-tested modules, assembled in order to get a cross between the basic iPad and the top-end iPad Pro. So, the Apple iPad Air of the 3rd generation received the Apple A12 Bionic processor, borrowed from the flagship (at that time) iPhone XS, the design and dimensions of the device body are indistinguishable from the 10.5-inch iPad Pro, the usual 12-megapixel main camera is installed, 3 GB RAM, stereo speakers, announced support for the 1st generation Apple Pencil.

iPad mini 5, 2019

Screen - 7.9 inches;
Processor - Apple A12 Bionic;
Memory: 64 and 256 GB;
Colors: silver, gold back panel or space gray;
Model numbers: A2133 (Wi-Fi), A2124 and A2126 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), A2125 (Wi-Fi + Cellular, China market).

Along with the iPad Air 3 in March 2019, Apple also decided to reincarnate a line of compact 7.9-inch tablets. The 5th generation iPad mini inherits the design, screen, and main camera from the previous iPad mini 4, released in 2015, but features the same Apple A12 Bionic processor as the iPad Air 3, True Tone support, and the first generation Apple Pencil stylus.

Thus, the iPad mini 5th generation has a Retina screen with a diagonal of 7.9 inches and a resolution of 2048 × 1536 pixels (image density of 326 ppi), the leading Apple A12 Bionic processor for its time and a mediocre, to put it mildly, 8-megapixel camera. By the way, the front camera received a new 7 MP matrix, which came in 2019 to replace the 1.2-megapixel module from the 4th generation iPad.

iPad 7, 2019

Screen - 10.2 inches;
Processor - Apple A10 Fusion;
Memory: 32 and 128 GB;
Colors: silver, gold back panel or space gray;
Model numbers: A2197 (Wi-Fi), A2200, A2198 (Wi-Fi + Cellular).

The budget version of the 7th generation iPad full-size apple tablet was presented in September 2019 along with new iPhone models. As expected, the base tablet received a half-inch enlarged screen and the ability to connect a physical keyboard via the Smart Connector, but was clearly delimited from top-end devices by performance capabilities.

The 7th generation iPad is powered by the Apple A10 Fusion processor, which debuted back in the iPhone 7/7 Plus in 2016. The capabilities of the chip are sufficient to work with most of the applications available in the App Store at the time of the release, but today it is considered significantly outdated. The screen diagonal has increased from the usual 9.7 to 10.2 inches, which minimally affected the dimensions of the case, the Lightning port is used as the main interface, which means the presence of a 3.5 mm audio jack, and a Touch ID scanner is used to identify the user. The cameras have not changed - on the back there is an 8-megapixel lens with flash, and a real museum piece is responsible for FaceTime calls - a front-facing camera with a resolution of 1.2 MP.

iPad Pro (11-inch, 2nd generation) 2020

Screen - 11 inches;
Processor - Apple A12Z;
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB;
Colors: silver back panel or space gray;
Model numbers: A2228 (Wi-Fi), A2068 & A2230 (Wi-Fi + Cellular) and A2231 (Wi-Fi + Cellular, China market).

The next spring update of Apple tablets traditionally passed without fanfare, especially considering the 2020 coronavirus quarantine, and the main surprise was the absence of the expected Apple A12X processor. Nevertheless, a few pleasant surprises for potential buyers were announced.

So, as mentioned above, instead of the expected Apple A12x, both iPad Pro 2020 models were equipped with chips with a new naming for the company - Apple A12Z. It was not possible to reveal a tangible superiority of this processor over the base Apple A12, the company itself only stated improved performance at peak load. The good news is that the 2020 iPad Pro's physical keyboard has been updated to include a full-fledged built-in touchpad to match the new features of iPadOS. And of course, one cannot fail to mention the dual camera, which also has a new LiDAR sensor that accurately determines the distance to the object.

iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 4th generation) 2020

Screen - 12.9 inches;
Processor - Apple A12Z;
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB;
Colors: silver back panel or space gray;
Model numbers: A2229 (Wi-Fi), A2069 and A2232 (Wi-Fi + Cellular) and A2233 (Wi-Fi + Cellular, China market).

The most top-end Apple tablet for 2020 differs from its 11-inch counterpart only in size and screen size. The 12-inch iPad Pro of the second generation is visually distinguishable from the 2018 model only by the presence of a triple main camera. The tablet has support for Face ID for user identification, a front panel without physical controls, a USB Type-C port and a Smart Connector for connecting a QWERTY keyboard with a touchpad.

According to experts, Apple continues to pin great hopes on augmented reality technologies and is rolling out new developments in this direction on a new type of Apple A12Z processor. In addition, for the same purposes, a new LiDAR scanner was introduced, which is able to determine the speed of light transmission and, therefore, a very accurate distance to an object within a radius of five meters. Other updates include a dual main camera (12 MP with f / 1.8 aperture and 10 MP with f / 2.4 aperture) and support for new physical keyboards with a touchpad.

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