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Device Identification · 4 min read

How to Check Your iPhone Model Number & Identify Your iPhone

By iPhone Update Editorial Desk · Reviewed September 19, 2026 ·4 min read
DIRECT ANSWER

You can identify your iPhone model in seconds through Settings → General → About, or by locating the physical model number printed on the device. Knowing your exact model is essential for checking iOS compatibility, Apple Intelligence support, and repair eligibility.

1. Method 1: Check in Settings (Fastest)

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap General → About.
  3. Look for Model Name — this shows your phone's marketing name (e.g., "iPhone 15 Pro").
  4. Model Number — tap this field once to toggle between the M-number (e.g., MTQT3LL/A) and the A-number (e.g., A2848). The A-number uniquely identifies your hardware variant.
  5. Software Version — shows your current iOS version.

2. Method 2: Physical Model Number

If your iPhone won't turn on or you need to identify it visually:
  • iPhone 8 and later: Open the SIM card tray. The model number (A-number) is engraved on the SIM tray or inside the tray slot area.
  • iPhone 7 and earlier: Flip the phone over. The model number is printed in small text on the back of the device near the regulatory text.

3. Method 3: Use the iPhone Compatibility Checker

Once you know your model name, use our iPhone Support Checker to instantly see:
  • Latest supported iOS version.
  • Apple Intelligence eligibility.
  • Projected support horizon.
  • Full hardware specifications.

Do not do these

  • The marketing name (e.g., "iPhone 15") doesn't distinguish between regional variants. The A-number does.
  • Do NOT confuse the Serial Number with the Model Number. The serial number is unique to your individual device; the model number identifies the product variant.
  • Carrier-locked and unlocked versions of the same iPhone may have different model numbers but identical hardware.

Questions this page actually answers

What is the difference between iPhone model number and serial number?

The model number (A-number) identifies the product type and variant (e.g., A2848 = iPhone 15 Pro, US). The serial number is unique to your individual device and is used for warranty, repair, and theft tracking.

How do I find my iPhone model if the screen is broken?

Check the SIM card tray slot — the A-number model is engraved there on iPhone 8 and later. Alternatively, if you registered the device with Apple, log into appleid.apple.com to see your devices.

Does my iPhone model affect which iOS I can install?

Yes. Each iOS version has a minimum hardware requirement. For example, iOS 18 requires iPhone XS (A12 Bionic) or newer.

Next useful pages

Sources

Prepared by the iPhone Update Editorial Desk. Independent technical reference. Not affiliated with Apple Inc.