What are all the differences between the 9.7" iPad 6th Gen (Early 2018) models?

Please note that the iPad 6th Gen models have been discontinued. However, this Q&A has been updated subsequently with current iOS support details and more. It can be quite helpful to anyone buying or selling one of these models on the used market.

There are two 9.7" iPad 6th Gen iPad models -- the iPad 9.7" 6th Gen (Wi-Fi Only) and iPad 9.7" 6th Gen (Wi-Fi/Cellular). Introduced in Early 2018, Apple refers to these models simply as the "new 9.7-inch iPad" in marketing materials and the more precise iPad "6th Generation" in support documentation.

These two devices have different connectivity, battery life, identifiers, and price. There are a number of similarities that you may wish to understand, as well.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad 6th Generation)

Device Similarities

Each iPad (6th Gen) model uses essentially the same design, with a glass front and aluminum back and have thin bezels on each side of the display and thicker bezels on the top and bottom of the display (when held upright). Each weighs just over one pound, although the cellular capable model is a tiny bit heavier.

Case 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 6th Gen Colors - Silver, Gold & Space Gray)

Both iPad (6th Gen) models use the same screen, which is a glossy 9.7-Inch 2048x1536 (264 ppi) LED-backlit IPS "Retina" display with a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating. Both are compatible with the Apple Pencil, a first for a non-pro iPad model.

The iPad (6th Gen) models are powered by a 2.3 GHz dual-core Apple A10 Fusion processor and an M10 motion coprocessor. They have 2 GB of RAM and can be configured with either 32 GB or 128 GB of storage.

Likewise, both iPad 6th Gen models have the same cameras -- a rear-mounted 8 megapixel "iSight" camera capable of shooting stills and 1080p 30 fps video and a front-mounted 1.2 megapixel "FaceTime HD" camera capable of shooting stills and 720p video. Both models support Live Photos and "Retina Flash," which turns the entire screen into a flash for improved selfies.

Other features that both models share include a "Touch ID" fingerprint sensor embedded in the home button, a "Lightning" port for power and connectivity, support for dual band 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO (backwards compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n), and Bluetooth 4.2. They both also have identical accelerometer, three-axis gyroscope, ambient light sensor, digital compass and barometer functions.

iOS Support Similarities

The iPad (6th Gen) models both initially shipped with iOS 11.4 and fully support the operating system. Both models also are compatible with Apple Pay, but only for apps and not for use within retail stores.

The iPad (6th Gen) models are compatible with iOS 12 with the exception of the minor Memoji feature and with iOS 13 (iPadOS), with the exception of the Adjust Portrait Lighting and "High-Key Mono" photography features as well as modest AR features (Motion Capture and People Occlusion).

The iPad (6th Gen) supports iPadOS 14, but it does not support the minor Location Anchors and On-Device Dictation features.

Finally, the iPad 6th Gen supports the current version of the iPadOS, iPadOS 15, but it does not support the Spatial Audio, Portrait Mode, Maps - 3D Landmarks, Interactive Globe, Live Text in Photos, Live Text Translation, or Visual Look Up features.

Identification Differences

As it is for a number of other iPad models, if they're sitting side by side, it's easy to differentiate between the iPad 9.7" 6th Gen (Wi-Fi Only) and iPad 9.7" 6th Gen (Wi-Fi/Cellular) because the cellular-capable model has a plastic portion at the top rear of its aluminum case.

However, because many other iPad models look similar, visual identification is not a good real-world identification method.

Consequently, one of the best ways to identify these models externally is via Model Number. Model numbers are provided in tiny type toward the bottom of the back of each iPad. Specifically, the iPad 9.7" 6th Gen (Wi-Fi Only) is model number A1893 and the iPad 9.7" 6th Gen (Wi-Fi/Cellular) is model number A1954.

The iPad (6th Gen) models also can be spotted by other identifiers as well, such as the Order Number. The Order Number 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 (6th Gen) in white/gold with 32 GB of storage is MRJN2LL/A.

To pinpoint an exact iPad (6th Gen) by a variety of different identifiers -- including its Serial Number -- please refer to the Ultimate iLookup feature.

Connectivity & Battery Life Differences

As noted previously, the iPad (6th Gen) 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 9.7" 6th Gen (Wi-Fi Only) (A1893) supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi (backwards compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n) on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies (dual band) as well as HT80 with MIMO.

The iPad 9.7" 6th Gen (Wi-Fi/Cellular) (A1954) not only supports the same Wi-Fi as the Wi-Fi only model, but also adds support for cellular networking. Specifically, it supports UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/​DC‑HSDPA, GSM/EDGE, CDMA EV-DO, and most importantly, LTE bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41. Unlike the Wi-Fi only model, it supports A-GPS and GLONASS. It ships unlocked worldwide. In the US, the single device supports AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

In many countries, if purchased from Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller, the cellular-capable iPad (6th Gen) also shipped with an "Apple SIM" that is designed to support multiple carriers via a single Apple-issued Nano SIM card, but in practice it has some limitations.

Pricing Comparison Chart

Regardless of color, each iPad (6th Gen) model originally cost the same amount. Pricing is differentiated by capacity and connectivity alone. Apple placed a great deal of emphasis on the education market for this model and offered modest discounts for individuals associated with an educational institution as well as educational institutions themselves.

General Public Pricing

Capacity:	32 GB	128 GB
Wi-Fi Only Price:	US$329	US$429
Wi-Fi/Cellular & A-GPS Price:	US$459	US$559

Educational Institution Pricing

Capacity:	32 GB	128 GB
Wi-Fi Only Price:	US$299	US$399
Wi-Fi/Cellular & A-GPS Price:	US$429	US$529

Pricing for Individuals Affiliated with an Educational Institution

Capacity:	32 GB	128 GB
Wi-Fi Only Price:	US$309	US$409
Wi-Fi/Cellular & A-GPS Price:	US$439	US$539

The Apple Pencil originally was US$99 for the general public and US$89 for educational individuals and institutions alike.

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

The iPad (6th Gen) models were marketed as an inexpensive iPad with Apple Pencil support, the first non-Pro iPad to offer such functionality. Their relatively high quality display, reasonably fast performance, and essentially global wireless connectivity made them a good value for the price.

On the used market, the iPad (6th Gen) models remain a great value with plenty of life left.

iPad Purchase Options

There are many places to buy a used iPad 6th Gen or a newer iPad model. However, purchasing from a quality company with a good reputation -- and after sales support -- will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.

In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new iPad models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb iPad models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell an iPad, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPad with an instant quote and prompt payment.

In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs has a large number of used and refurbished iPad models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.

In Australia, site sponsor Mac City may have used iPad models in stock, as well. All Macs and devices are available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.

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).