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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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