How To Find iPhone Model Number & Why You Should Know How To

You may have asked yourself how to find ​iPhone model number. This may be a difficult task since there are so many. Most people are all familiar with the different kinds of iPhone that Apple has released.

The first iPhone was released in 2007 and the latest one, the iPhone X, was released in 2017. Apple also released the iPhone 8 & 8 plus at the same time but which one is better? The iPhone 8 or the iPhone X?

The iPhone X’s design and features are leaps and bounds different from the very first iPhone. However, one thing that has remained similar throughout the years is how Apple assigned model numbers to a particular iPhone.

The model number we're talking about is not the name of the iPhone's like “iPhone 4” or “iPhone 6S Plus”.

An iPhone has two model numbers on it. The first one is the “A” model number which is used to designate the model family of the iPhone such as an iPhone 6S or iPhone 4.

The second model number is referred to as the “SKU” which is used to specify more accurately the device. For example, an iPhone 6S Plus with 32GB of storage.

​In this article, we will be talking about how to find iPhone model number that starts with the "A" and not the SKU.

Why Do You Need ​To Know How To Find ​iPhone Model?

iPhone's tend to look very similar to each other. You can see this clearly with the iPhone 4 vs the iPhone 4S and the iPhone 5 with the iPhone 5S. ​Also, ​you have the same phone with different storage amounts that further complicate things.

It used to be that they only varied in size or thickness. Therefore, the “A” model number is a reliable way to figure out if the iPhone is an iPhone 6 or an iPhone 6S.

This will be very helpful when you need to get your iPhone repaired and it won't turned on. All you have to do is find the “A” model number to identify which iPhone you have so you can relay that to your local cell phone repair shop.

​Speaking of repairing your iPhone, read our related article about how third party repairs will not void your warranty. Previously, Apple would void your warranty if you gor your iPhone repaired by a third party. There are some things to consider so make sure you read that article.

In addition, the “A” model number is also important to identify which version of the iOS is compatible with the model. As you may know, not all versions of iOS are compatible with all iPhone's. Some iPhone's are compatible with the lower versions of the iOS while more recent iPhone's are compatible with higher versions of the iOS.

​To avoid downloading ​the wrong version of the iOS, it is important to know how to find the iPhone model number to know which version will work best with your iPhone.

The “A” model number is also an easy way to differentiate a CDMA model from a GSM one. This will help you identify what mobile carrier the iPhone is for.

Before the release of iPhone's that has both CDMA and GSM capabilities, the “A” model number had been very helpful. This is because AT&T is always GSM, T-Mobile is always GSM, while Verizon and Sprint are always CDMA.

Last but definitely not the least, knowing the “A” model is extremely helpful to those who use IPSW. IPSW is an iOS firmware, which is used to either manually update a device, which is primarily used for jail-breaking purposes. Also, in worst case scenarios, the IPSW is used for restoring an iPhone that had a major software failure.

​If manually updating your iPhone or getting it restored is something that needs to be done​, then knowing how to find ​iPhone model ​will be very important when downloading the appropriate IPSW files.

What are the Different iPhone Models?

For your reference, here is the complete list of the iPhone model and its “A” model number, as can be seen in Apple’s official website as well.

  • ​iPhone X (2017) - Model number: A1865, A1901, A1902
  • ​iPhone 8 (2017) - Model number: A1863, A1905, A1906
  • ​iPhone 8 Plus (2017) - Model number: A1864, A1897, A1898
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    iPhone 7 (2016) - Model number on the back cover: A1660, A1778, A1779
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    iPhone 7 Plus (2016) - Model number on the back cover: A1661, A1784, A1785
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    iPhone 6s (2015) - Model number on the back cover: A1633, A1688, A1700
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    iPhone 6s Plus (2015) - Model number on the back cover: A1634, A1687, A1699
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    iPhone 6 (2014) - Model number on the back cover: A1549, A1586, A1589
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    iPhone 6 Plus (2014) - Model number on the back cover: A1522, A1524, A1593
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    iPhone SE (2016) - Model number on the back cover: A1723, A1662, A1724
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    iPhone 5s (2013) - Model number on the back cover: A1453, A1457, A1518, A1528, A1530, A1533
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    iPhone 5c (2013) - Model number on the back cover: A1456, A1507, A1516, A1529, A1532
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    iPhone 5 (2012) - Model number on the back cover: A1428, A1429, A1442
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    iPhone 4s (2011) - Model number on the back cover: A1431, A1387
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    iPhone 4 (2010, 2011) - Model number on the back cover: A1349, A1332
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    iPhone 3GS (2009) - Model number on the back cover: A1325, A1303
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    iPhone 3G (2008, 2009) - Model number on the back cover: A1324, A1241
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    iPhone (2007) - Model number on the back case: A1203

How ​To Find ​The iPhone​ Model Number​

Now that we discussed all the basics, it is time to know how to find your iPhone’s “A” model number.

First, it should be noted that finding the “A” model number varies depending on the model of the iPhone. For older iPhone's, the “A” model number can be seen at the back of the iPhone. This can be verified from the list above.

From the first iPhone in 2007 until the iPhone 7 last year, the “A” model number can easily be found on the back, bottom part of the iPhone in small lettering. Just flip the phone over and look at the fine print just below the “iPhone” text.

The model number is written in this format: “Model AXXX”. For the more recent models such as the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X, the “A” model number is not found on the back cover. On these iPhone's, go to the Settings app and tap on “General”. Then, go to the About section and scroll down to the “Model”. The first thing that you will see is the “SKU” model number but if you tap on the model number, then it will show the “A” model number.

​To avoid confusion, the “SKU” model number usually starts with a letter M and sometimes end with an “LL/A”. Now that you know how to find iPhone model ​number,​ can now use it for any purpose that you ​needed it ​for.

The Austin Cell Phone

All articles written and published on The Austin Cell Phone are collaborative works done behind the scenes by people passionate about all types of electronic gadgets. We will publish reviews and informational guides that supports our business and your knowledge about your gadgets. Our aim is to inform you the reader so that you can make an informed decision whenever you need our services.

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