Screen on iPad shattered

Speculation as to the cause serves no useful purpose. You would be best advised to seek assistance and diagnosis from an Apple technician at the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to assess your iPad - and you can explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Alternatively, should you wish to skip qualified diagnosis, you might consider use of Apple’s mail-in repair service:

iPad Repair & Service - Apple Support

mmz-pz wrote:

My IPad screen suddenly developed a cobweb of cracks starting at the Home Button and extending outward. It was not dropped, nothing fell on it nobody was near it when it happened. It was plugged in for charging and the next time I went to use it, the cracks had appeared.

Now the area is developing smaller cracks and almost chipping away. I do not understand why this happened and I don’t believe I did anything wrong.

Now what? We’re these models defective?

You need to seek assistance from an Apple technician at the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP):

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

My IPad screen suddenly developed a cobweb of cracks starting at the Home Button and extending outward. It was not dropped, nothing fell on it nobody was near it when it happened. It was plugged in for charging and the next time I went to use it, the cracks had appeared.

Now the area is developing smaller cracks and almost chipping away. I do not understand why this happened and I don’t believe I did anything wrong.

Now what? We’re these models defective?

An AASP may be much closer than your nearest Apple Store.