How to find out what model iphone i have

Each new version of iOS and iPadOS leaves certain older iPhone and iPad models behind. Your old device either won't run certain features of the new OS or can't be updated at all. But if you're not sure what model you own or whether it can run the latest software, what can you do?

The trick lies in locating the model number, then matching it to a specific generation of device. This may sound challenging, but it's not too difficult once you know where to look.

What Model iPhone Do I Have?

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There are two ways you can identify your iPhone model to make sure you purchase the right product for your device:

Look in Settings

If you can still use your iPhone, find the model number in settings.

Go to Settings > General > About. To the right of Model, you'll see the part number. To see the model number, tap the part number.

Look on your device

If you do not have access to your device, there are two places your model number could be noted on the device itself:

On an iPhone 7 or earlier, the model number is written on the back of the phone among the small text toward the bottom.

On an iPhone 8 or later, to find the model number, remove the SIM tray and look in the SIM tray slot. Make sure that you're in a place with bright light overhead. The model number is on the upper side—the side with the display.

Match your model number

Once you have identified your iPhone's model number, match it to one of the below listed iPhone device models:

To determine the iPhone model you have, you can read through this article to note the distinctive features of each iPhone, or check its model number in the Settings app, on the back of the device, or in its SIM card slot.

It can be tough to know exactly which iPhone model you have just by looking at it. Recently, a friend received an iPhone as a gift and wanted to buy an accessory for it, but couldn't figure out which model he had. Within seconds I figured it out. Now, I am about to tell you exactly how I did it.

How Do You Find Your iPhone's Model Number From The Settings App?

The easiest way to figure out what Apple iPhone model you have is to jump into the Settings app. Follow these steps to find your iPhone model number:

1. Go to "Settings".
2. Tap "General".
3. Select "About".

This section will give you device info, including the iPhone model name, such as iPhone 14, iPhone 11 Pro Max or iPhone XS, and the model number, which can identify the region that it was produced for.

How Do You Tell What iPhone You Have Without Turning It On?

Supposing you cannot turn your iPhone on-there is still a way to find the model number. You will have to look for it on the body of the device:

• On the iPhone 7 and earlier models, you can find the model number on the back of the device. You will find the number printed near the bottom, at the end of the line below the word "iPhone".
• On the iPhone 8 and newer, you'll have to take out the SIM tray for the model number. In the SIM tray slot, on the display side of the body, you will see the model number printed.
• You can look up this model number online to find any information you need.

You can also check the back of your device for the model number before taking out the SIM tray if you're not sure whether it came out before or after the iPhone 7 or 8.

How Do You Tell What iPhone Model You Have By Looking At Its Physical Features?

Below are all the Apple iPhone models listed in order of release, and the features that can be used to distinguish them from the other devices. Note that it can be tricky.

Image source: GSMArena

The iPhone 14 looks just like the iPhone 13, with a diagonal two-camera setup, a relatively small notch, and the exact same screen size.

If you don't find a SIM tray in the device, then you definitely have the iPhone 14 (though this only applies to the US version). Apart from that, there's literally no other physical method you can use to tell the iPhone 13 and 14 apart at a glance.

Finding the model number is your best bet when it comes to figuring out the model name. Go into the Settings app to check the model number. If you see A2649, A2881, A2884, A2883, or A2882, then you have an iPhone 14.

iPhone 14 Plus

Image source: GSMArena

The iPhone 14 Plus marks a new model name in Apple's lineup. It has the same two cameras as the iPhone 14, except that it is unmistakably larger, with a 6.7-inch display. The US version will also have no SIM slot.

The model number for this model can either be A2632, A2885, A2887, A2888, or A2886.

iPhone 14 Pro

Image source: GSMArena

When you see an iPhone 14 Pro, there's only one other phone you might have issues distinguishing it from and that's the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

The iPhone 14 Pro has Apple's new "Dynamic Island" notch, which only its older brother has. However, the iPhone 14 Pro has 8 speaker holes.

The model numbers to look out for are A2659, A2889, A2892, A2891, and A2890.

iPhone 14 Pro Max

Image source: GSMArena

The iPhone 14 Pro Max is one of two iPhones with a Dynamic Island. You can differentiate it from its younger brother by checking the number of speaker holes on the bottom edge. This device has a total of 8 holes making up its speaker.

The model numbers for the iPhone 14 Pro Max include A2651, A2893, A2896, A2895, and A2894.

iPhone SE 3rd-Generation

Image source: GSMArena

The iPhone SE 3rd-generation is the newest iPhone you can get that still comes with a Home button. It employs the form factor of the older iPhones, with thick bezels at the top and bottom edge, along with a single camera on the back.

This iPhone is most likely to be mixed up with the 2nd-generation iPhone SE. They have the same size of screen and are nearly identical.

Your best chance to tell this phone part would be to check its model number. If your model number is A2595, A2782, A2784, A2785, or A2783, then you have a third-generation iPhone SE.

iPhone 13

Image source: GSMArena

When it comes to the iPhone 13, it is very similar to the iPhone 13 Mini, with the most obvious distinction being that it is larger. This might not be noticeable when the phones aren't side by side though. The iPhone 13 has a total of 8 speaker holes.

This iPhone's model numbers are A2482, A2631, A2634, A2635, and A2633.

iPhone 13 Mini

Image source: GSMArena

The iPhone 13 Mini is easy to tell apart from the phones that came before it thanks to the two cameras on the back which are placed diagonally, instead of vertically. The notch on this model iPhone is also much smaller than older iPhone models.

Because it has the "Mini" model name, it is the smallest device with this kind of setup. It has 6 speaker holes.

This iPhone's model number range is A2481, A2626, A2629, A2630, and A2628.

iPhone 13 Pro

Image source: GSMArena

The iPhone 13 Pro has the traditional three-camera layout that the "Pro" model name comes with. However, you'll notice that the notch is noticeably smaller than the older iPhones. It takes up only about 50% of the top edge. It has 8 speaker holes on the bottom edge.

If your model number is either A2483, A2636, A2639, A2640, or A2638, you have an iPhone 13 Pro.

iPhone 13 Pro Max

Image source: GSMArena

The iPhone 13 Pro Max has three cameras on the back, along with what is quite a small notch compared to the older Apple devices.

Telling it apart from the 13 Pro if you don't have them side by side will usually rely on the number of speaker holes. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has 10 speaker holes in total.

You can look for the model number etched in the SIM card tray or the "About" screen in the Settings app. Its model numbers are A2484, A2641, A2644, A2645, and A2643.

iPhone 12

Image source: arstechnica

This iPhone is like the iPhone 12 mini but bigger and has 8 speaker holes.

Model numbers are A2172, A2402, A2404, A2403.

iPhone 12 Mini

Image source: GSMArena

This iPhone is similar to the iPhone 11, but it has a flat frame and 6 speaker holes.

Model numbers are A2176, A2398, A2400, A2399.

iPhone 12 Pro

Image source: GSMArena

The iPhone 12 Pro is almost identical to the 11 Pro but has a flat frame instead of curved. It has 8 speaker holes.

Model numbers are A2341, A2406, A2408, A2407.

iPhone 12 Pro Max

Image source: GSMArena

The iPhone 12 Pro Max can be tough to tell apart from the regular Pro, but it has 10 speaker holes instead. Make sure to count them well!

Model numbers are A2342, A2410, A2412, A2411.

iPhone SE 2nd-Generation

Image source: GSMArena

The iPhone SE 2nd-generation has a 100% glass back and a single camera. Unlike the XR, there's no notch, and unlike the iPhone 4, the frame is curved.

Model numbers are A2275, A2298, A2296.

iPhone 11

Image source: GSMArena

The iPhone 11 has two separately housed cameras within a rounded square on the back. The frame is curved.

Model numbers are A2111, A2223, A2221.

iPhone 11 Pro

Image source: idropnews

This has three cameras situated in a rounded square, with the same glass back and curved frame as the 11. It has 9 speaker holes on the bottom.

Model numbers are A2160, A2217, A2215.

iPhone 11 Pro Max

Image source: oracle-patches

The iPhone 11 Pro Max can be differentiated from the 11 Pro because of its 11 speaker holes and larger display.

Model numbers are A2161, A2220, A2218.

iPhone XR

Image source: GSMArena

The iPhone XR is the only one with a notch and a single rear camera. Once you see these two features on the same device, you know you have an iPhone XR.

Its model numbers are A1984, A210, A2106, A2107, and A2108.

iPhone XS

Image source: GSMArena

This device is physically identical to the iPhone X, except it has eight speaker holes on the bottom.

Model numbers are A1920, A2097, A2098, A2099, A2100.

iPhone XS Max

Image source: GSMArena

The iPhone XS Max is bigger than the XS and has a total of 11 speaker holes on the bottom.

iPhone XS Max model numbers are A1921, A2101, A2102, A2103, A2104.

iPhone X

Image source: iDoc

The iPhone X is the first iPhone with a notch and vertical dual-camera array, both contained under a single piece of glass instead of as a twin lens camera. The iPhone X has 10 speaker holes on the bottom.

The model numbers for the iPhone X are A1865, A1901, A1902.

iPhone 8

Image source: GSMArena

The iPhone 8 is one of the only iPhones with a glass back and one rear camera. It is similar to the 2nd-gen SE, but its iPhone logo is in the top third of the back and not dead center.

Check the model number to make sure though. It should be either of the following: A1863, A1905, A1906.

iPhone 8 Plus

This is the only glass-backed iPhone with a horizontal dual-camera array on the back. That makes it easy to distinguish.

Model numbers are A1864, A1897, A1898.

iPhone 7

Image source: GSMArena

The iPhone 7 opts for antenna bands that run along the top and bottom back edges instead of cutting across the phone's aluminum back. The edges are also curved.

Model numbers are A1660, A1778, A1779.

iPhone 7 Plus

Image source: GSMArena

The iPhone 7 Plus is one of only two iPhones that have a horizontal dual-camera setup on the back. However, unlike the iPhone 8 Plus, the back is aluminum.

Model numbers are A1661, A1784, A1785.

iPhone 6s

Image source: theverge

The iPhone 6s is identical to the iPhone 6 but can be differentiated by the laser-cut "S" under "iPhone" on the back. This is the only way I've found to tell the iPhone 6s apart!

You can always confirm by checking the model number, which should be either A1633, A1688, or A1700.

iPhone 6s Plus

Image source: GSMArena

The iPhone 6s Plus is identical to the iPhone 6 Plus and can only be distinguished physically by the "S" on the back, under the "iPhone" text.

You might not be able to distinguish it from the regular 6s when they aren't side by side. For this reason, the model number etched on the back can be helpful. The iPhone 6s Plus model numbers are A1634, A1687, A1699.

iPhone 6

Image source: GSMArena

The iPhone 6 was the first 'big' iPhone, so it is very recognizable to the people who were around when this older iPhone just came out. You can tell it apart by the all-aluminum back, rounded frame, and bigger size.

The model numbers for the iPhone 6 are A1549, A1586, A1589.

iPhone 6 Plus

Image source: GSMArena

The iPhone 6 Plus is essentially identical to the iPhone 6, but even bigger. Without another device as a reference or a way to measure the screen, it can be hard to tell. However, the 6 Plus has 8 speaker holes as opposed to 6 on the iPhone 6.

Model numbers are A1522, A1524, A1593.

iPhone SE 1st-Generation

Image source: indianexpress

The iPhone SE (2016) is also known as the iPhone SE 1st-generation. It looks mostly like the iPhone 5s. Besides an "SE" icon under the "iPhone" text on the back of the phone and the lack of regulatory symbols, the chamfered edges of the frame are matte and not shiny like the iPhone 5s. These aren't the most obvious things to look out for, so you'll need to be observant.

Model numbers are A1723, A1662, A1724.

iPhone 5c

The iPhone 5c uses a smooth, curved, plastic back, which is available in bright colors. The iPhone 5c doesn't resemble any older models. This makes it very easy to tell apart from the others.

iPhone 5c model numbers are A1456, A1507, A1516, A1529, A1532.

iPhone 5s

Image source: GSMArena

The iPhone 5s looks just like the iPhone 5 except the flash cutout is now an elongated oval. The Home button loses the square in the center, and is the first Home button with a Touch ID fingerprint scanner.

iPhone 5s model numbers are A1453, A1457, A1518, A1528, A1530, A1533.

iPhone 5

Image source: GSMArena

The iPhone 5 has an aluminum back, though there are strips of glass at the top and bottom edges of the back panel. The circular flash differentiates the iPhone 5 from related models.

Model numbers are A1428, A1429, A1442.

iPhone 4s

Image source: GSMArena

The iPhone 4s is similar to the iPhone 4 but can be differentiated by the antenna bands running on the left and right sides of the phone's frame. The iPhone 4s has both an upper and lower band, unlike the iPhone 4 which just has a lower band. This is a minor thing to look out for, but it is a reliable difference.

The models are A1431 and A1387.

iPhone 4

Image source: GSMArena

The iPhone 4 is the first iPhone that came with a selfie camera. It has a flat glass front and is one of only two older iPhones to use an all-glass back. There is also an antenna band on the top frame of the iPhone.

The model numbers for this iPhone are A1349 and A1332.

iPhone 3GS

Image source: GSMArena

The iPhone 3GS is very similar to the iPhone 3G. However, the "iPhone" text on the rear is shiny, just like the Apple logo.

The model numbers are A1325 or A1303.

iPhone 3G

The Apple iPhone 3G has a smooth plastic back. Note that the "iPhone" text on the rear of the phone is grey and not shiny.

It comes in two model numbers: A1324, A1241.

The original iPhone is quite easy to distinguish due to its dual-tone rear casing: black at the bottom and silver for the rest, made of aluminum.

There's only one model number for this phone and it is A1203.

Why Are iPhone Model Numbers So Important?

The region of iPhone models is important because of the differences in cellular band support that they may have. You may not get the best connectivity when using an iPhone from another region.

Related Reading

Final Words

It's important to know your iPhone model name when buying accessories like cases, or when trying to fix certain issues. No matter the Apple device you have, whether it's an iPhone XS or iPhone 12 Pro Max, you can always tell which device it is using one method or another.

The easiest way to check this is to go to the About section under settings to find the model number and model name. Or, you can look for it on the phone body. You can also use physical signs to tell the difference.

I'm confident that this should help you figure out your iPhone model. If it did, make sure to check out some of our related articles as well.