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iPad Pro 12.9 or 11 inch

What is 1st or 2nd generation in the ipad pro mean?

I am looking to buy a new iPad and was wandering the benefit of this element.

Posted on May 14, 2020 8:35 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 14, 2020 8:53 AM

To understand “generations”, you need to understand some model history. Earlier generations indicate older models.


The “current” 2020 iPad Pro is the forth generation iPad Pro, whereas the model immediately preceding it was the third generation 2018 iPad Pro. These two models are very similar and feature FaceID technology and do not possess a physical Home Button. These models have an almost edge-to-edge screen with minimal bezels.


The second generation iPad Pro models were released in 2017. This generation of iPad Pro was the last to have TouchID and physical Home Button. The overall size over the 12.9” is much larger than the newer 3rd/4th Generation models, with pronounced screen bezels. A further 10.5” model was also launched - featuring a larger screen in a chassis not much larger than the previous 9.7” model.


The first generation iPad Pro was the first iteration of the “Pro” model designation. In common with other iPads that were available at the time, this iPad Pro had TouchID and a physical Home Button. The 12.9” model was released in 2016, preceded by the original 9.7” in 2015.


Returning to your question - 11” iPad’s Pro will be 3rd or 4th Generation as this screen size was not available in earlier generations. 12.9” has been available across all generations, but with two different basic chassis designs - two with TouchID and two with FaceID.


4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 14, 2020 8:53 AM in response to Akweleyadee

To understand “generations”, you need to understand some model history. Earlier generations indicate older models.


The “current” 2020 iPad Pro is the forth generation iPad Pro, whereas the model immediately preceding it was the third generation 2018 iPad Pro. These two models are very similar and feature FaceID technology and do not possess a physical Home Button. These models have an almost edge-to-edge screen with minimal bezels.


The second generation iPad Pro models were released in 2017. This generation of iPad Pro was the last to have TouchID and physical Home Button. The overall size over the 12.9” is much larger than the newer 3rd/4th Generation models, with pronounced screen bezels. A further 10.5” model was also launched - featuring a larger screen in a chassis not much larger than the previous 9.7” model.


The first generation iPad Pro was the first iteration of the “Pro” model designation. In common with other iPads that were available at the time, this iPad Pro had TouchID and a physical Home Button. The 12.9” model was released in 2016, preceded by the original 9.7” in 2015.


Returning to your question - 11” iPad’s Pro will be 3rd or 4th Generation as this screen size was not available in earlier generations. 12.9” has been available across all generations, but with two different basic chassis designs - two with TouchID and two with FaceID.


May 14, 2020 8:56 AM in response to Akweleyadee

Generations are what identify a particular release year or version of the iPad.


A first generation 12.9" iPad Pro was released in 2015.


A first generation 11" iPad Pro was released in 2018.


Apple no longer sells these models.


The current iPad Pros are the 4th Generation 12.9" and the 2nd Generation 11", both released a couple months ago (2020).


iPad Pros:


iPad Pro 12.9" First Generation; Screen Size: 12.9", CPU: A9X, Released: 2015, Discontinued June 2017

iPad Pro 12.9" Second Generation; Screen Size: 12.9", CPU: A10X, Released: 2017, Discontinued November 2018

iPad Pro 12.9" Third Generation; Screen Size: 12.9", CPU: A12X Released: 2018, Discontinued March 2020

iPad Pro 12.9" Fourth Generation; Screen Size: 12.9", CPU: A12Z, Released: 2020, Currently Sold


iPad Pro 9.7" First / Only Generation; Screen Size: 9.7", CPU: A9X, Released: 2016, Discontinued June 2017

iPad Pro 10.5" First / Only Generation; Screen Size: 10.5", CPU: A10X, Released: 2017, Discontinued November 2018

iPad Pro 11" First Generation; Screen Size: 11" , CPU: A12X, Released: 2018, Discontinued March 2020

iPad Pro 11" Second Generation; Screen Size: 11", CPU: A12Z, Released: 2020, Currently Sold

iPad Pro 12.9 or 11 inch

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