Hosted by site sponsor WebMate.







iPod, iPhone & iPad Identification Q&As (ID iPods, iPhones & iPads)

Also see: iPod, iPhone & iPad Identification (Main) | Mac Identification

To be notified of updates, sign up for EveryMac.com's twice monthly e-mail list.




Where can I locate the Model Number for my iPod, iPhone, or iPad? Are Model Numbers unique? What are the limitations identifying a specific device using Model Numbers?

Apple Model Numbers -- which are available on the back of all iPod, iPhone and iPad models -- look like A1203 or M8541. As a bit of trivia, only the Original "Scroll Wheel" iPod has a Model Number that starts with an "M" and all other models start with an "A" followed by four digits. On some vintage G3 and G4-powered Macs, a Model Number that starts with an "M" is identified as a "Family Number," so it is possible to hear an "old school" Mac user refer to these numbers as Family Numbers for newer products as well.

For identification purposes, the advantage of Model Numbers is that they are on the hardware itself and are easy to locate on iPod, iPhone and iPad models -- on the back of the device near the bottom (or under the "clip" for applicable iPod shuffle and iPod nano models) -- and are also almost always unique to a particular model (some older "full-size" iPod models that are similar do share Model Numbers, however).

This photo of an Original iPod -- from Everyi.com's own Apple collection -- shows the M8541 Model Number on the left (as well as the 1910 EMC Number to its right and the U21516EALG6 Serial Number on top):


Photo Credit: Everyi.com (M8541)

The disadvantages are that the print is so small it can be difficult for many to read and the Model Number is not available within software or in other documentation. More confusingly, even -- on iPod touch, iPhone and iPad models, which all run the iOS -- Apple refers to a different identifier as the "Model" as well. Elsewhere, the "Model" identifier listed in software is more commonly referred to as an Order Number.

For example, the 8 GB configuration of the iPod touch 4th Gen is identified as "Model No" A1367 on the back and "Model" MC540LL within the iOS. To make your life easier, though, Everyi.com's Ultimate iLookup is "smart enough" to track down this model using either identifier.

A complete list of Model Numbers from the By Identifier section of the site additionally may be useful.

Also see:

  • Where can I locate the Order Number for my iPod, iPhone, or iPad? Are Order Numbers unique? What are the limitations identifying a specific device using Order Numbers?
  • Where can I locate the EMC Number on my iPod, iPhone, or iPad? Are EMC Numbers unique? What are the limitations identifying a specific device using EMC Numbers?
  • Where can I locate the Model Identifier (Model ID) for my iPod, iPhone, or iPad? Are Model Identifiers unique? What are the limitations identifying a specific device using the Model Identifier?
  • Where can I locate the Serial Number on my iPod, iPhone, or iPad? Are Serial Numbers unique? What are the limitations identifying a specific device using the Serial Number?

If you cannot find an iPod, iPhone or iPad using its Model Number, but are able to track it down using another identifier, please share any missing information with Everyi.com. Thank you.





<< iPod, iPhone & iPad Identification (Main)




Established in 1996, EveryMac.com has been created by experts with decades of experience with Apple hardware. EveryMac.com and Everyi.com include, and always have included, original research incorporating detailed, hands-on inspection of packaging, computers, and devices as well as extensive real-world use. All information is provided in good faith, but no website or person is perfect. Accordingly, EveryMac.com and Everyi.com are provided "as is" without warranty of any kind whatsoever. EveryMac.com, Everyi.com, and the author thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright information please read and understand the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy before using either website. Copying, scraping, or use of any content without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.