These iPads are listed with the latest iPad first to make it easier to identify your iPad.
The History of the iPad
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iPad Air 2 (6th Generation)
The iPad Air 2 marks a distinct departure for the iPad. Previous models always followed the iPhone, with a processor and features that were similar to the latest iPhone. The iPad Air 2 is powered by Apple's first triple-core processor, making it significantly faster than the iPhone 6. It also upgrades the internal memory used to run apps from 1 GB to 2 GB.
CPU: 1.5 GHz Tri-Core 64-bit Apple A8X w/Apple M8 Motion Co-Processor
RAM: 2 GB
Display: 2056x1536
Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 4G
Storage: 16 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB
Model Numbers: A1566 (Wi-Fi), A1667 (4G)
Buy an iPad Air 2 from Amazon.
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The iPad Mini 3 (3rd Generation Mini)
The iPad Mini 3 is essentially the same as the iPad Mini 2 with a Touch ID sensor tacked on. The Touch ID supports unlocking your iPad with your thumbprint, purchasing apps, and using the new Apple Pay.
CPU: 1.4 GHz Dual-Core 64-bit Apple A7 w/Apple M7 Motion Co-Processor
RAM: 1 GB
Display: 2056x1536
Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 4G
Storage: 16 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB
Model Numbers: A1599 (Wi-Fi), A1600 (4G)
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The iPad Air (5th Generation)
The iPad Air's jump to a 64-bit processor was initially dismissed as more of a marketing ploy, but as the initial benchmarks were posted, it soon became apparent that the jump was worth it. The iPad Air is around twice as powerful as its predecessor, the iPad 4, and it has the same slim form factor as the iPad Mini.
CPU: 1.4 GHz Dual-Core 64-bit Apple A7 w/Apple M7 Motion Co-Processor
RAM: 1 GB
Display: 2056x1536
Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 4G
Storage: 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB
Model Numbers: A1474 (Wi-Fi), A1475 (4G)
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The iPad Mini 2 (2nd Generation Mini)
The first iPad Mini was a bit underpowered, sharing the same processor and memory as the iPad 2. The second generation Mini jumped in price, but also jumped in terms of power. Utilizing the same basic A7 processor used in the iPad Air, the Mini 2 is only slightly less powerful. This makes it essentially an iPad Air for $100 off the price.
The iPad Mini 2 is officially referred to as the "iPad mini with Retina display".
CPU: 1.4 GHz Dual-Core 64-bit Apple A7 w/Apple M7 Motion Co-Processor
RAM: 1 GB
Display: 2056x1536
Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 4G
Storage: 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB
Model Numbers: A1489 (Wi-Fi), A1490 (4G)
Buy an iPad Mini 2 from Amazon.
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iPad (4th Generation)
The 4th generation iPad was a surprise release during the unveiling of the iPad Mini. This generation of iPad had the same features of the iPad 3, but included a much more powerful processor. Debuting in early November, it also changed the release cycle of the iPad, which had previously seen its releases in the March or April. The early release created some backlash among those who had recently purchased an iPad 3.
CPU: 1.4 GHz Dual-Core Apple Swift (Apple A6)
RAM: 1024 MB
Display: 2056x1536
Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 4G
Storage: 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB
Model Numbers: A1458 (Wi-Fi), A1459 (4G), A1460 (4G MM)More »
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iPad Mini (1st Generation Mini)
With a 7.9-inch display, the original iPad Mini was slightly larger than competing 7-inch tablets. It was powered by the same processor as the iPad 2, but it included many of the same features as the latest full-sized iPad, including 4G compatibility and superior dual-facing cameras. At $329 for the entry level model, it was the cheapest iPad.
CPU: 1 GHz Dual-Core ARM Cortex-A9 (Apple A5)
RAM: 512 MB
Display: 1024x768
Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 4G
Storage: 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB
Model Numbers: A1432 (Wi-Fi), A1454 (4G), A1455 (4G MM)More »
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iPad (3rd Generation)
The 3rd generation iPad dropped the numbering system in the official name, though releases were still referred to using this numbering system in the press. The "new iPad" (as it was called during the announcement) included a 2056x1536 resolution "Retina Display", making the highest resolution display for a tablet at its release. It kept the same basic processor as the iPad 2 with updated graphics chip to help power the new display. It was also the first iPad to offer 4G compatibility.
CPU: 1 GHz Dual-Core ARM Cortex-A9 (Apple A5X)
RAM: 1024 MB
Display: 2056x1536
Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 4G
Storage: 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB
Model Numbers: A1416 (Wi-Fi), A1430 (4G), A1403 (4G VZ)More »
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iPad 2 (2nd Generation)
The iPad 2 added dual-facing cameras to the iPad, allowing users to snap photos, capture movies and added video conferencing capabilities. The second generation iPad doubled the processing speed, and with games becoming more popular on the iPad, it included a much more powerful graphics processor. The iPad 2 was 33% thinner and 15% lighter than its predecessor. It also gained a gyroscope, making its basic features equal to the iPhone except for voice calling.
CPU: 1 GHz Dual-Core ARM Cortex-A9 (Apple A5)
RAM: 512 MB
Display: 1024x768
Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G
Storage: 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB
Model Numbers: A1395 (Wi-Fi), A1396 (3G GSM), A1397 (3G CDMA)More »
iPad (1st Generation)
The original iPad was released on April 3, 2010. It included many of the same features as the iPhone and iPod Touch, including the 3-axis accelerometer that enables the device to detect when it is being moved or tilted. The iPad was powered by the same operating system as the iPhone, allowing it to run the same apps in compatibility mode. It also had unique user interface elements that made use of the larger screen. The day before its official release, Netfix announced it would be supporting the tablet with a streaming app built from the ground up for the iPad.
CPU: 1 GHz ARM Cortex-A8 (Apple A4)
RAM: 256 MB
Display: 1024x768
Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G
Storage: 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB
Model Numbers: A1219 (Wi-Fi), A1337 (3G)More »