Type in your device's serial number, Apple order number, or model number for detailed model info and part lists for your device. Test Start typing in your model number (i.e. A1181), order number (i.e. MA255LL/A) or Apple serial number (i.e. W88010010P0) in the box above.
To pinpoint an exact iPad Air 2 by a variety of different identifiers -- including its Serial Number-- please refer to the Ultimate iLookup feature as well as the EveryMac app available for iOS 5 or later, Android, and Kindle Fire. Particularly now that Apple have iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3 in the market. An image from Apple's website showing the model and serial numbers on the back of the. The serial number of your iPad can be found through your Settings App.
The iPad's model number doesn't just designate the generation of iPad such as the iPad 2 or iPad 4; it also differentiates an iPad with data connectivity (4G LTE) and one that can only connect via Wi-Fi. So, for every iPad generation and size, there are two model numbers.
Even more confusing, a model number is listed in the iPad's Settings under About. This model number designates the amount of storage in the iPad as well as the model, but even Apple's website doesn't use this number to identify the iPad.
Yes, it is confusing. Leave it to Apple to slap two model numbers onto each iPad.
The model number you want to know is the one located on the back of the iPad. This model number is located below the Apple logo toward the bottom of the case immediately under iPad. There are two tiny lines of text, and depending on which iPad you are holding, the model number is on the first or second line. For the latest models, it is located just before the serial number. All model numbers begin with the letter A, so you can use that to determine which number is the model number.
The tiny numbers are tough to see, so if your eyesight is weak, use your smartphone to identify the iPad. Open the camera, aim it at the text and zoom in until the letters are big enough to be legible. You may need to hold the phone steady for a few seconds to allow the letters to come into focus, or you could go old school and use a magnifying glass or reading glasses.
There are a few reasons why you may want to know the exact model number of your iPad. If you are having it repaired or calling in for support, you may need to identify your iPad. More importantly, if you are buying a used iPad, you should double-check that the model of the iPad matches the description. It is challenging to tell an iPad Air from an iPad Air 2 without the model number.
The same applies if you are selling the iPad on Craigslist or putting it on eBay. If you have any doubts about the iPad model, check the model number and match it to the iPad generation.
Here is a list of the most recent iPad releases along with their model numbers:
Is your iPad model number not on the list? Cross check the big list of iPad models and model numbers, which also contains basic information about each iPad model. Feel free to use those descriptions in an eBay or Craigslist listing.
Are you getting ready to sell your iPad or use a trade-in program? Due to the nature of trade-in programs, you won't get the best value for your iPad, but they are a hassle-free way to get some money for your iPad. You need to know the iPad's model to determine how much money you can get for it.
If you are selling on Craigslist or to a friend, one trick to finding the right price to want for your iPad is to use eBay's completed sales to get an idea how much similar iPads are going for on the market. You can get to the prices on eBay by clicking the Advanced link next to the search button. Remember to limit your results to Sold Listings and not Completed Listings, which includes items that did not sell.
Get more tips on how to sell your iPad.
Update Published August 30, 2017
All Apple Q&As >>iPad Air Q&A (Home) Also see: All iPad Specs
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What are all the differences between the iPad Air 2 models?
The iPad Air 2 models have been discontinued. However, this Q&A is up-to-date and can be particularly useful for anyone buying or selling one of these models on the used market.
There only are two iPad Air 2 models -- the iPad Air 2 (Wi-Fi Only) and iPad Air 2 (Wi-Fi/Cellular) -- which differ in connectivity, battery life, identifiers, and price. There are many similarities that can be useful to review, too.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad Air 2 - 'Space Gray' Back, Gold Back, White Front)
Device Similarities
Both iPad Air 2 models use essentially the same 'thinner than a pencil' case design -- with thin bezels on the sides of the display and thicker bezels on the top and bottom of the display (when held in portrait orientation) -- and weigh a bit less than one pound.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad Air 2 - Right Side)
Color options include a white front and silver colored back, a white front and gold colored back, or a black front and 'Space Gray' back.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad Air 2 Color Options - Silver, Gold & Space Gray)
Both iPad Air 2 models also pack the same 'fully laminated' 9.7-Inch 2048x1536 (264 ppi) LED-backlit IPS 'Retina' display with an anti-reflective coating. As first reported by PassMark and confirmed by AnandTech, the iPad Air 2 models are powered by a 1.5 GHz, three core, Apple A8X processor, and have an M8 motion coprocessor, an Apple/PVR GXA6850 graphics processor, 2 GB of RAM, and can be configured with 16 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB (but not 32 GB) of storage.
Both iPad Air 2 models likewise have the same front and rear mounted cameras. Specifically, they have a rear-mounted 8 megapixel 'iSight' camera with an f/2.4 aperture that can both shoot still photos and 30 FPS 1080p video and a front-mounted 1.2 megapixel 'FaceTime HD' camera that can shoot still photos and shoot video up to 720p.
Other identical features include a 'Touch ID' fingerprint sensor, a 'Lightning' port for power and connecting the device to a computer, if desired, support for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11ac HT80 with MIMO Wi-Fi (backwards compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.0, and built-in speakers and dual microphones. In addition to the standard assortment of iPad sensors -- an accelerometer, three-axis gyroscope, ambient light sensor, and digital compass -- the iPad Air 2 models also add a barometer.
iOS Support Similarities
The iPad Air 2 models both originally shipped with iOS 8.1 and are fully supported by the final version of iOS 8 in addition to iOS 9 with the exception of the 'Health' functionality. They fully support iOS 10 with the exception of the minor 'Raise to Wake' and Ride-Booking features. Finally, the support iOS 11, as well.
They support Apple Pay, also, but only for apps and not for use within retail stores.
Identification Differences
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad Air 2 -- Wi-Fi Only, Left; Wi-Fi/Cellular, Right)
At the time of introduction, it was simple to differentiate between the iPad Air 2 (Wi-Fi Only) -- on the left -- and the iPad Air 2 (Wi-Fi/Cellular) -- on the right -- because the cellular capable model has a plastic portion at the top of its aluminum case. It also is simple to differentiate between these models and the original iPad Air models because the iPad Air 2 has a icon-less 'Touch ID' home button.
However, as subsequent iPad models look similar, visual identification is not a good long-term method.
Consequently, one of the best methods for external identification is via Model Number. Model numbers are provided in tiny type toward the bottom of the back of each iPad.
Specifically, the iPad Air 2 (Wi-Fi Only) is model number A1566 and the iPad Air 2 (Wi-Fi/Cellular) is model number A1567.
The iPad Air 2 models can be differentiated by other identifiers as well, such as the Order Number, which can be located by selecting the Settings app and pressing General > About and scrolling down to what is specified as 'Model' within the iOS. For example, the Wi-Fi only configuration of the iPad Air 2 in gold with 16 GB of storage is MH0W2LL/A.
To pinpoint an exact iPad Air 2 by a variety of different identifiers -- including its Serial Number -- please refer to the Ultimate iLookup feature as well as the EveryMac app available for iOS 5 or later, Android, and Kindle Fire.
Connectivity & Battery Life Differences
As noted above, the iPad Air 2 models mostly are differentiated by connectivity and battery life. While using Wi-Fi, both models support a maximum of ten hours of runtime, but the cellular data capable model only supports a maximum of nine hours of runtime when using cellular connectivity.
The iPad Air 2 (Wi-Fi Only) (A1566) supports 802.11ac (backwards compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n) on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies (dual channel) as well as HT80 with MIMO.
The iPad Air 2 (Wi-Fi/Cellular) (A1567) supports the same Wi-Fi as the Wi-Fi Only model, but also supports LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 38, 39, 40, and 41), CDMA EV-DO Rev. A and Rev. B (800, 1900 MHz), GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz) and UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz). Unlike the Wi-Fi Only model, it supports A-GPS, too.
The cellular capable model (A1567) is shipped unlocked. In the US, this single iPad Air 2 model supports AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
In the US and UK, if purchased from Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller -- like site sponsor Adorama -- the cellular capable iPad Air 2 also shipped with a new 'Apple SIM' that is designed to support multiple carriers via a single Apple-issued Nano SIM card, but in practice it has a frustrating list of limitations imposed by some carriers.
Pricing Comparison Chart
All iPad Air 2 color options cost the same amount. Pricing is differentiated by capacity and connectivity alone.
As introduced, the iPad Air 2 sold at these price points:
| Original Capacity: | 16 GB | 64 GB | 128 GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Wi-Fi Only Price: | US$499 | US$599 | US$699 |
| Original Wi-Fi/Cellular & A-GPS Price: | US$629 | US$729 | US$829 |
On March 21, 2016, Apple discontinued the 128 GB option for the iPad Air 2 and cut the price of the remaining configurations by US$100 each:
| March 2016 Capacity: | 16 GB | 64 GB |
|---|---|---|
| March 2016 Wi-Fi Only Price: | US$399 | US$499 |
| March 2016 Wi-Fi/Cellular & A-GPS Price: | US$529 | US$629 |
Finally, on September 7, 2016, Apple introduced a 32 GB option and re-introduced the 128 GB option:
| Current Capacity: | 32 GB | 128 GB |
|---|---|---|
| Current Wi-Fi Only Price: | US$399 | US$499 |
| Current Wi-Fi/Cellular & A-GPS Price: | US$529 | US$629 |
These models were discontinued altogether on March 21, 2017.
For original pricing details in dozens of other countries, please refer to the iPad specs page for the device of interest as well as EveryiPad.com's Global Original Prices section.
Comparison Summary
Essentially, at the time of its introduction, the iPad Air 2 models represented the ultimate Apple tablets available (although subsequent iPad Pro models are better still). The ultrathin design, antiglare screen, fast performance, fast Wi-Fi, and 'Touch ID' functionality all are welcomed enhancements compared to the original iPad Air. The effectively global LTE coverage in a single device is a great offering by the cellular capable iPad Air 2 and its Apple SIM is a nice plus, too.
However, just compared to one another, the original iPad Air remains a solid choice for someone on a tighter budget and also offers solid performance, a high quality display, and a thin, lightweight design. Alternately, the subsequently introduced iPad 5th Gen -- which is similar to the original iPad Air in many respects -- also is well worth consideration.
iPad Air 2 Purchase & Sale Options
There are no shortage of companies that sell the iPad Air 2. However, purchasing from a quality business with extensive Apple knowledge -- and after sales support -- will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.
Site sponsor Adorama sells new iPad models with free shipping and no sales tax outside of New York and New Jersey.
Site sponsor TechHeadQuarters has a good selection of used iPad Air 2 models for sale at reasonable prices and with no sales tax outside of Ohio. Be sure to see the coupon codes for even more savings, too.
Site sponsor BuyBackWorld can buy your older iPad directly for fast cash or sell you a used iPad Air 2 with free shipping and no sales tax outside of New York.
Interested in used iPads wholesale? Site sponsor Evertek has extensive inventory of used iPad models for bulk orders shipped worldwide.
Please also see EveryiPad.com's Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPad to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad (new or old alike).
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