With numerous iPhone models available in the market, it’s not uncommon to wonder which specific iPhone model you own. Whether you’re looking to sell your device, troubleshoot technical issues, or simply satisfy your curiosity, identifying your iPhone model is essential.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through simple methods to determine which iPhone model you have, empowering you with the knowledge to better understand your device.
Check the Physical Appearance:
Since the first iPhone was released in 2007, Apple has continued to improve the design, features, and functionality of the device. It can be challenging to distinguish between the different models in the market. Here’s how you can visually identify your iPhone:
iPhone 1st-3rd Generation
The first three generations of iPhones have a similar design with a metal back and a glass front. The iPhone 1st generation has a 3.5-inch screen, a silver metal back, and a round home button at the bottom center. The iPhone 3G has a plastic back with a curved shape, while the iPhone 3GS has a similar design but with a shiny metallic strip at the bottom.
iPhone 4th-5th Generation
The iPhone 4 and 4s have a distinctive, flat-edged design with a metal band around the edge. The back is made of glass, and the home button is still round. The iPhone 5, 5c, and 5s continue the flat-edged design but with a taller screen and a metal back. The iPhone 5c is unique, with a plastic back and a range of bright colors.
iPhone 6th-8th Generation
The iPhone 6, 6s, 7, and 8 all have a more rounded design with a larger screen. The back is made of metal, and the home button is no longer round but instead has a fingerprint sensor. The iPhone 6 and 6s have a single camera on the back, while the iPhone 7 and 8 have a dual-camera setup.
iPhone X Series
The iPhone X, XS, XS Max, XR, 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max have a distinctive design with no home button and a notch at the top of the screen. The back is made of glass, and the camera is arranged vertically in the top left corner. The iPhone X and XS have a stainless steel band around the edge, while the XS Max, XR, 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max have an aluminum band.
iPhone SE Series
The iPhone SE and SE (2nd generation) are designed to look like the iPhone 6 but in a smaller form factor. They have a metal back, a round home button with a fingerprint sensor, and a single camera on the back.
Locate the Model Number:
The easiest way to find your iPhone’s model number is to navigate to the “Settings” app and tap “General,” then “About.” The model number will be listed under “Model Name.” However, if your iPhone is not functional or you cannot access the settings, you can still find the model number on the physical device itself.
First, look for the “iPhone” label on the back of your device. You should see a small print of text below this label. This text includes the model number and other information about your iPhone. The model number is typically a five-digit number that begins with the letter “A.” For example, the iPhone X’s model number is A1865.
Common Model Number Formats for Different iPhone Models
Here is a list of some common model number formats for different iPhone models:
- iPhone 12: A2172, A2403, A2402, A2400
- iPhone 11: A2111, A2221, A2223
- iPhone SE (2nd generation): A2275, A2296, A2298
- iPhone XS: A1920, A2097, A2098, A2100
It’s worth noting that some iPhone models have multiple model numbers, depending on the carrier or region. However, these numbers should still be compatible with the same parts and accessories.
Using the Settings App:
You can easily find out which iPhone model you have directly from the Settings app on your device. Here’s how:
- Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone
- Scroll down and tap on “General”
- Tap on “About”
- Look for the “Model” or “Model Number” section
- Tap on the section to see the model number of your iPhone
Once you’re in the “About” menu, you’ll see a list of details about your iPhone, including the model number, storage capacity, serial number, and more. The model number will be listed next to “Model” or “Model Number” and will begin with the letter “A” followed by four digits.
Utilizing the Apple Support Website:
Apple makes it easy to identify your iPhone model by using its support website. First, head over to the official Apple “Identify your iPhone model” support page at https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201296. This page contains all the information you need to identify your iPhone model accurately.
Once you’ve arrived at the support page, you’ll notice two options to identify your iPhone model: by model number or by serial number.
Using the Model Number
To identify your iPhone model using the model number, follow these simple steps:
- Turn your iPhone over and look for the model number. It’s usually located at the bottom of the device.
- Enter the model number on the Apple support page.
- Press enters, and you’ll see all the information about your device, including the model name, release year, and other technical specifications.
Using the Serial Number
If you can’t find the model number on your iPhone, you can use the serial number instead. Here’s how:
- Go to your iPhone settings.
- Click on “General.”
- Click on “About.”
- Scroll down and look for the serial number.
- Enter the serial number on the Apple support page.
- Press enter, and you’ll see all the information about your device, including the model name, release year, and other technical specifications.
Online Tools and Third-Party Apps:
Many reputable sources and apps can help you identify your iPhone model, and most of them are free. Some of the most reliable sources include Apple’s official website, which has a dedicated page for identifying iPhone models. The page provides a list of all iPhone models, along with their corresponding model numbers and other details.
Another reliable source is the iPhone Wiki, which is a community-based website that provides in-depth information on all aspects of iPhones, including identifying iPhone models. The site is updated regularly, and its content is reviewed by a team of experts, making it a reliable resource for iPhone users.
One of the most popular third-party apps for identifying iPhone models is the “My iPhone” app, which is available on both iOS and Android devices. The app uses your device’s camera to scan the back of your iPhone and then provides information on the model, storage capacity, and other details.
Conclusion
Knowing which iPhone model you have can be invaluable when it comes to troubleshooting, selling, or upgrading your device. By utilizing the methods outlined in his blog post, you can easily identify your iPhone model, whether through physical examination, checking the settings, using official resources, or leveraging online tools.
Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently navigate the iPhone ecosystem and make informed decisions about your device.
