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iPod, iPhone & iPad Identification (Identify iPods, iPhones & iPads)

Also see: Mac Identification

Although it still is easier generally to identify a specific iPod, iPhone, or iPad than it is to identify a Mac, many devices look quite similar to one another and some recent models, in particular, can be a challenge to differentiate visually.

Consequently, this page provides information on identifiers that can be used to pinpoint a particular iPod, iPhone, or iPad, where to find these identifiers on different devices, and the strengths and weaknesses of each identifier for exact identification and differentiation.

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Identify Your iPod, iPhone and iPad Using "Quick Specs"

Everyi.com has flip down "Quick Specs" on the iPod, iPhone and iPad "By Series" pages as well as the "By Year" pages. These "Quick Specs" provide the Introduction Date and Discontinued Date along with the most common Order Number, the Model Number, the EMC Number, and the Subfamily, as well as Storage Capacity.

For those who know quite a bit about their iPod, iPhone or iPad -- when it was purchased new and/or at least one or two secondary pieces of information -- these "Quick Specs" generally are sufficient to identify a particular device.

Identify Your iPod, iPhone & iPad Using Everyi.com's Ultimate iLookup

For those with less information -- trying to buy a used model online with incomplete information or help a friend with their iPod, iPhone or iPad, for example -- Everyi.com's Ultimate iLookup (which is consolidated with EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup for convenience) can help to track down a particular iPod, iPhone, or iPad -- in addition to Macs -- using whatever pieces of information are available.

Everyi.com's Ultimate iLookup feature allows one to quickly display all iPod, iPhone and iPad models that match a particular Order Number, Model Number, EMC Number, Model Identifier or Serial Number.

Given the option, Order Numbers (MKT02LL/A), which are referred to as "Model" within the iOS (Settings App: General > About), are the best identifier to distribute as they are almost always precise enough to identify the exact device and are safer to share than Serial Numbers.

For highly experienced users, this likely is all the info needed on these identifiers and all the instructions needed to use Everyi.com's Ultimate iLookup feature:

Identifier Looks Like Found On
Order Number
(Model in iOS)
MKT02LL/A
ME679CH/A
MF352X/A
About > General
Some Receipts
Some Packaging
Some Documentation
Some Promo Info
Model Number A1203 or M8541 Hardware
EMC Number 2416 Some Hardware
Model Identifier iPad2,3 System Call (Technical)
11 Character
Serial Number
W89281233NS Settings
iTunes Software
Hardware
Packaging
Some Receipts
12 Character
Serial Number
DLXD5123DCP7 Settings
iTunes Software
Hardware
Packaging
Some Receipts


If you cannot retrieve an applicable iPod, iPhone, or iPad using any one of the above identifiers, but are able to locate it with another one, please share any missing information with Everyi.com. Thank you.

For much more detailed information regarding limitations of each identifier and more specific information about how to locate these identifiers, you also may find the following Q&As helpful:

  • 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 Model Number on my iPod, iPhone, or iPad? Are they unique? What are the limitations identifying a specific device using this identifier?
  • 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?

You also may find complete lists of iPod, iPhone and iPad models By Identifier useful:

It is hoped that by having as many possible ways to identify iPods, iPhones and iPads available, you will have enough information to pinpoint exactly which device you have or intend to purchase.





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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.