How Many Mics does an iPad have?

Believe it or not, one of the most common questions we get here at Descriptive Audio is, “where is the microphone on an iPad?” It’s a valid question since the iPad has many different models with different numbers of microphones. Is it on the front or the back? The top of the bottom? Actually, it’s a little bit of all those places. Depending on your iPad model, there may be one, two, or five microphones located in different spots.

Today we’re going to clear that up for you and answer the question once and for all. We’ll tell you where the microphone is on an iPad Pro, an iPad Air, an original iPad, an iPad Mini, and more!

Do iPads have microphones?

To clear things first, yes, all iPads have microphones. Ever since the original iPad was introduced in 2010, every model has had at least one microphone. The number of microphones has increased over the years, but even the most recent iPad models have two to five microphones total.

Microphones are essential because they’re used in several different ways. For example, they’re used in video calls like FaceTime and Skype. They’re also used to record videos, voice memos, and more.

So now that we know that all iPads have microphones let’s look at where they’re located on each model.

The answer is quite complex because there are more than 20 different combinations of iPads between the model and generation. Not all iPad Pros have the same number of microphones, for example.

Before reading this article, make sure you know which iPad model (Mini, Air, Pro, and just iPad) and your generation. Let’s get started!

Where is the microphone on an iPad Pro?

The iPad Pro is the more complex model of them all. There are multiple generations, and the size has changed from 9.7″ to 10.5″ to 11″, and now there’s also a 12.9″ model. Each model has a different number of mics and locations.

Let’s check them out:

• iPad 9.7″ (all generations): 2 mics – Top: 1, Camera: 1
• iPad 10.5″ (all generations): 2 mics – Top: 1, Camera: 1
• iPad 11″ (all generations): 5 mics – Top: 3, Left: 1, Camera: 1
• iPad 12.9″ (1st/2nd gen): 2 mics – Top 1, Camera 1
• iPad 12.9″ (3rd/4th/5th gen): 5 mics – Top: 3, Left: 1, Camera: 1

If this seems confusing and you still have no idea where the microphones are located on your iPad Pro, here’s a photo with everything detailed:

Let’s move over to the iPad Air series.

Where is the microphone on an iPad Air?

The answer is way more straightforward here. The iPad Air has been an excellent choice for those who want a powerful iPad without breaking the bank. It was introduced in 2013 and has since had five generations. The latest one looks very similar to an iPad Pro.

The iPad Air has 2 microphones, and they are located in the same place no matter which generation you have.

• iPad Air (all generations): 2 mics – Top: 1, Camera: 1

Here’s another picture with the microphone location for the iPad Air:

That one was easy. Let’s move over to the regular iPad Series.

Where is the microphone on an iPad?

The regular iPad is perhaps the model with more generations of them all. With nine generations available so far, the iPad has been the symbol of Apple’s tablets since 2010. All of them come with a 9.7″ screen. The bezels have been getting slicker, and the number/location of microphones has changed.

Let’s have a look at the microphone locations for the iPad series:

• iPad (1st/2nd/3rd/4th gen): 1 mic – Top: 1
• iPad (5th/6th gen): 1 mic – Back: 1
• iPad (7th(8th/9th gen): 2 mics – Top: 1, Camera: 1

As you can see, the first six generations of the iPad series only had 1 microphone, but Apple added a second mic (and changed the location of the first mic) in the last three generations.

As always, here’s a picture that makes it easier to understand:

Finally, let’s look at the smaller brother of the family. The iPad Mini.

Where is the microphone on an iPad Mini?

The iPad Mini might be smaller, but it’s a powerful device. It was introduced in 2012 as a smaller and more affordable alternative to the regular iPad. The iPad Mini has had six generations so far, and the number of microphones increased after the 1st generation.

The latest iPad Mini sports the look of an iPad Pro but inside a smaller chassis. Here are the locations of the microphones on an iPad Mini:

• iPad Mini (1st gen): 1 mic – Bottom: 1
• iPad Mini (2nd/3rd/4th/5th/6th gen): 2 mics – Top: 1, Camera: 1

Like the iPad Air, the Mini has been consistent in the number of microphones and locations for the last 5 generations. Even if the iPad Mini isn’t updated as much as its bigger brothers.

Here’s a photo for reference:

The bottom line

Now that you know where the microphones are on each iPad model, you can make sure you’re using them correctly. Remember that the number of mics and their locations change between models, so be careful when recording or making a video call.

We hope this article was helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below!