Click the Apple menu and choose About This Mac. You'll see the model name, chip, memory, and macOS version. If you need something more precise — like before running a diagnostic or checking repair compatibility — hold Option, open System Information, and look for the Model Identifier. That field, something like MacBookPro18,3, is the most accurate way to pin down exactly which Mac you have.
Free Apple model and serial lookup
Apple Serial Number Lookup & Mac Model Identifier
Mac serial number lookup, iPad lookup, iPhone model number, EMC number, order number, or Mac model identifier. Covers every Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch — straight to the right spec page.
Last reviewed .
Try A1466, A2338, MacBookPro18,3, EMC 3601, or a serial number.
Why bother? "MacBook Pro" is not a model — and neither is a serial number after 2021. The chip, screen size, year, and RAM change what it's worth, what it can run, and what it's worth as a trade-in. The A-number or model identifier is how you find the real answer.
Quick answers
A2338 is the model number for the M1 13-inch MacBook Pro family. The catch is that one A-number can cover several different configurations — different RAM, storage, or regional variants. So if you need the exact match for repair parts, a trade-in quote, or a used-Mac purchase, the order number or Mac model identifier will get you closer than the A-number alone.
It's the internal name macOS uses — something like MacBookPro18,3 or Macmini9,1. Unlike the A-number printed on the case, the model identifier points to a specific generation, not just a family. You'll find it in System Information under Hardware Overview. It's the single most useful thing to have when you're trying to match a Mac to the right spec page or compatibility guide.
EMC stands for Engineering Manufacturing Code — it's stamped on Mac hardware and shows up constantly in repair documentation. EMC 3601 on a part means it fits a specific MacBook Pro config. If you're sourcing a replacement screen, battery, or logic board and the seller lists an EMC number, that's the code to match. Most useful for Intel-era Macs; newer Apple silicon models are more commonly identified by model identifier.
Go to Settings → General → About. The model number is listed there — it starts with A, like A2482. On older iPhones and iPads you can also find it printed on the back. The model number narrows things down to a hardware family, but if you need the exact storage or color configuration, the order number on the original box is more specific.
Go to Settings → General → About on the iPad and note the model number — it starts with A, like A2696. Then enter it in the search box above. The lookup covers all iPad, iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini models. If you only have a serial number, that works too. The result shows generation, screen size, chip, storage options, and release year.
Common starting points
Mac serial number lookup & common search paths
Serial number, model number (A-number), or just a device name — these are the common starting points and where they lead.
Mac serial number lookup
Mac serial number lookup
Enter any Mac serial number to find the exact model, year, chip, and which spec page to go to next.
iPad serial number
iPad serial number lookup
Find any iPad model by serial number, model number (A-number), or order number.
A1466
A1466 MacBook Air lookup
High-traffic MacBook Air family. One A-number covers many years — look it up to pinpoint the exact model.
A2338
A2338 MacBook Pro lookup
M1 13-inch MacBook Pro family. One A-number, several different builds — compare to narrow it down.
MacBookPro18,3
MacBookPro18,3 identifier
The most precise Mac identifier. Cuts through model name ambiguity immediately.
macOS compatibility
macOS compatibility checker
Check which macOS version your Mac supports — essential before you buy, sell, or upgrade.
About this lookup
Search with whatever you have
A model number off the bottom of a MacBook, an EMC code from a repair invoice, an order number from a box, a model identifier out of System Information — any of those work. So does a plain phrase like "MacBook Pro 2023."
- Search by A-number, EMC number, order number, Mac model identifier, serial number, or plain phrases like "MacBook Pro 2023."
- Results show the matched device, year, chip, display size, memory and storage options, ports, and which spec page to go to next.
- From there: check macOS compatibility, compare tested devices on Techable, or get a trade-in quote on SellMac.
A quick note from Techable
We deal with this constantly. Someone sends in a MacBook Pro for a trade-in and describes it as a "2019 MacBook Pro 15-inch." That description fits at least four different configurations — different chips, different max RAM, different GPU options. The exact model changes the quote by $100 or more. The lookup exists because the marketing name is almost never enough.
What a lookup result looks like
Enter a model number, order number, EMC number, or identifier and the lookup returns the matching spec page with details like these:
Model numberA2780
Mac model identifierMacBookPro18,3
EMC numberEMC 3601
Order numberMNEH3LL/A
DeviceMacBook Pro 14-inch, 2021
ChipApple M1 Pro
This is a MacBook Pro example. The lookup works across Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and iPod families.
From the founder
Why this exists
Reviewed by Jonathan Brax, Founder of Techable and SellMac
I built Techable because "MacBook Pro 15-inch" means nothing. Is it the quad-core or six-core? The one that runs Sonoma or the one that maxes out at Monterey? The 16GB or 32GB? Buying or selling the wrong one is an expensive mistake, and I was seeing it constantly. The lookup is what we use internally — now public.
Confirmed the model? Get a quote on SellMac.
Apple how-to guides from Techable
Practical how-tos for the situations that lead people to this lookup in the first place.
What brings you here?
What do you need it for?
Different question, different path. Pick the one that fits.
I want to know what Mac I have
About This Mac gives you the name. System Information gives you the identifier. The lookup connects either one to the exact spec page.
Identify my Mac ›I am checking a used Mac before buying
Ask for the model number before you pay. Same name, different chip, different macOS ceiling, different resale value.
Shop tested Macs ›I want to know what macOS it can run
Some Macs are already at their last supported macOS. Worth knowing before you buy, sell, or recommend an upgrade.
Check macOS compatibility ›I am selling or trading in a Mac
Same screen size, completely different value. Chip, RAM, storage, and year all move the number. Confirm the model first.
Sell your Mac ›Browse by device
Browse Apple specs by device family
No identifier? Browse by product line instead.
Mac
MacBook, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro specs by year, chip, model number, EMC, and identifier.
MacBook Pro
Identify MacBook Pro models by serial, A-number, EMC, order number, or model identifier.
MacBook Air
Find MacBook Air specs, chip, screen size, storage options, ports, and release year.
MacBook
Browse classic MacBook models, including the 12-inch Retina MacBook family.
iMac
Compare iMac models by display size, chip, processor, memory, storage, and release year.
iMac Pro
View iMac Pro specs, processor options, graphics, memory capacity, and identifiers.
Mac Pro
Look up Mac Pro tower and workstation specs, processors, GPUs, memory, and EMC numbers.
Mac mini
Find Mac mini specs by year, chip, model number, ports, memory, and storage.
Mac Studio
Compare Mac Studio configurations, Apple silicon chips, memory, ports, and storage.
Mobile
iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch specs by generation, model number, storage, color, and connectivity.
iPhone
Identify iPhone models by model number, part number, storage, color, and generation.
iPad
Browse iPad specs by generation, screen size, chip, storage, cellular support, and color.
iPad Pro
Look up iPad Pro specs by chip, display size, storage, cellular support, and generation.
iPad Air
Find iPad Air specs, model numbers, chip, display size, storage, and release year.
iPad mini
Identify iPad mini models by generation, chip, storage, model number, and screen size.
Apple Watch
Browse Apple Watch specs by series, case size, material, GPS/cellular support, and model.
Other Apple
Apple TV, Apple Display, and iPod specs for legacy research, repair matching, and catalog browsing.
Apple TV
Look up Apple TV models by generation, storage, processor, remote type, and release year.
Apple Display
Compare Apple display specs, screen size, resolution, ports, camera, speakers, and model.
Browse all Apple Display models ›
iPod
Browse iPod specs across Classic, touch, nano, shuffle, mini, and original iPod models.
Identifier types
What each Apple identifier actually means
Five types. Different uses. Here is what each one tells you.
| Identifier type | Example | What it means | Best used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serial number | C02XK0AAJG5J |
A unique identifier assigned to one physical Apple device. | Warranty checks, trade-in verification, exact-device matching, and support history. |
| Model number / A-number | A2780 |
A hardware-family number printed on many Apple devices, often starting with the letter A. | Quickly narrowing a Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, display, or iPod family. |
| EMC number | EMC 3601 |
Apple Engineering Manufacturing Code, commonly used on Macs and repair documentation. | Repair-part compatibility, Intel-era Mac identification, and older Apple model matching. |
| Order number / part number | MNEH3LL/A |
Apple SKU or part number that can indicate region, color, storage, and configuration family. | Box-label matching, configuration research, and resale listing accuracy. |
| Model identifier | MacBookPro18,3 |
The internal model name macOS uses to identify a Mac generation and family. | Precise Mac identification, macOS compatibility checks, and technical specification matching. |
Where to find it
Depends on what device you're looking at.
On a Mac
Open the Apple menu, choose About This Mac, then review the model name, serial number, chip, memory, and macOS version.
In System Information
Hold Option while opening the Apple menu, choose System Information, then look for Model Identifier, Model Number, and hardware details.
On iPhone or iPad
Open Settings, then General, then About. The model number, serial number, storage, carrier details, and software version appear there.
On the device or box
Check the underside of a MacBook, the back or tray area on older devices, the original box, invoice, or receipt for A-numbers and order numbers.
Why Apple serial numbers stopped being decodable
Until around 2021, serial numbers encoded real information — factory, date, model. Apple changed that. If you've tried decoding a serial and got nothing, this is why, and what to do instead.
Common lookups
Popular Apple model, EMC, order number, and identifier searches
Common starting points. If yours is listed, click it. If not, use the search box above.
MacBook Pro model numbers
MacBook Air model numbers
iMac model numbers
Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro model numbers
iPhone model numbers
iPad model numbers
Mac model identifiers
iPhone and iPad model identifiers
Powered by Techable.com
Trade-ins by SellMac.com
Certified refurbished standards
Verified customer reviews
Buy · Sell · Trade in
Once you know the model
Know what you have. Now do something with it.
Shop refurbished MacBook Pro
Compare tested MacBook Pro replacements after checking the exact model.
Open path ›
Shop refurbished MacBook Air
Use MacBook Air specs, year, chip, and storage details before upgrading.
Open path ›
Shop refurbished Mac mini
Check Mac mini generations and ports before choosing a desktop Mac.
Open path ›
Shop refurbished iMac
Compare display size, processor, memory, and supported macOS before buying.
Open path ›
Sell your MacBook Pro
Confirm the exact MacBook Pro model before requesting a quote.
Open path ›
Sell your MacBook Air
Use the model number and identifier to quote the right MacBook Air.
Open path ›
Sell your Mac mini
Identify year, chip, RAM, and storage before selling a Mac mini.
Open path ›
Sell your iMac
Confirm iMac model, screen size, processor, and condition before quoting.
Open path ›
Direct links to the most-used pages
Mac serial number lookup
iPad serial number lookup
MacBook Pro specs by year
MacBook Air specs by year
iMac specs by year
macOS versions and compatibility
iPhone specs by model
iPad specs by generation
Apple lookup FAQ
Common questions
What is an Apple serial number?
It's the unique code Apple assigns to one physical device. Every iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch has its own. For warranty lookups or trade-in verification it's essential, but for specs matching it's often less useful than the model number or identifier — especially on newer devices where Apple moved to randomized serials that can't be decoded.
How do I find the serial number on my Mac, iPhone, or iPad?
On a Mac, click the Apple menu and choose About This Mac. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings → General → About. It's also on the original box and receipt, and in your Apple Account under devices.
What is the difference between a serial number, model number, and EMC number?
Serial number = one device. Model number (like A2780) = a hardware family, potentially covering multiple configs. EMC number = Apple's Engineering Manufacturing Code, mostly useful for older Mac repair documentation. For identifying a specific Mac accurately, the model identifier beats all three.
What is a Mac model identifier like MacBookPro18,3?
It's the internal name macOS uses — more specific than the A-number because it points to a particular generation, not just a family. Find it in System Information under Hardware Overview. It's the most reliable identifier to use when matching a Mac to spec pages, compatible parts, or macOS support lists.
Can I look up an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch by model number?
Yes. The lookup covers Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, Apple Display, and iPod families. Enter the A-number in the search box and it will surface the matching spec page.
Why do I need to know the exact Apple model?
Because two devices with the same name can be very different. A "2021 MacBook Pro 14-inch" might have an M1 Pro or an M1 Max — different performance, different price, different resale value. Getting the exact model right matters for repair parts, macOS compatibility, and trade-in quotes.
Is the Techable Apple lookup free?
Yes. No account, no paywall. Search by whatever identifier you have and the results come up immediately.
Where is the model number printed on a MacBook?
Flip it over. There's small regulatory text on the underside near the bottom edge — the model number starts with A followed by four digits, like A2780. On older models it can be tiny, so good light helps.
How do I tell what Mac I have?
About This Mac gives you the display name and general specs. For something more precise, hold Option and open System Information — the Model Identifier field there (like MacBookPro18,3) is the most specific identifier Apple assigns to a Mac.
Can I check what macOS my Mac can run?
Yes. Get the model identifier first, then cross-reference it against the Techable macOS versions guide. Apple drops older Macs from each major macOS release, so knowing where yours stands matters before you buy, sell, or upgrade.
Can I use this before buying a used Mac?
It's one of the best uses. Ask the seller for the model number or order number, look it up here before paying, and confirm the year, chip, RAM, and storage match what's advertised. Takes two minutes and avoids a lot of buyer's remorse.
How do I look up an iPad by serial number?
Open Settings → General → About on the iPad to find the model number (starts with A, like A2696) and serial number. Enter either one in the Techable lookup and you'll get the generation, screen size, chip, storage options, and release year. The same search works for iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini.
How do I do a MacBook serial number check?
Click the Apple menu, choose About This Mac, and you'll see the serial number at the bottom of the window. Enter it in the Techable lookup above. Note that Apple switched to randomized serial numbers around 2021 — newer Macs can't be decoded from the serial alone, which is why the model identifier or A-number is often more useful for specs matching.
Does the exact Mac model affect trade-in value?
Significantly. Chip, RAM, storage, year, battery health, and whether the device is activation-locked all factor into a SellMac quote. Two MacBook Pros with the same screen size and color can be $200 apart depending on configuration.