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Each new version of iOS and iPadOS leaves certain 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 what if you're not sure what model you own or whether it can run the latest software?
The trick lies in locating the model name and number, then matching it to a specific generation of device. This may sound challenging, but it's simple once you know where to look. If you're buying a used device, the model number will also tell you which region it was made for and confirm the carrier compatibility. Here's how to identify your Apple device and find the model number.
What Model iPhone Do I Have?
The easiest way to locate the model name and number of your iPhone is by going to Settings > General > About. The Model Name is listed in the top section along with Name, Software Version, Model Number, and Serial Number.
(Credit: PCMag / Apple)Your iPhone has two model numbers—an 8-digit code that starts with the letter M and a 5-digit code that starts with the letter A. Tap Model Number to change the number that you’re viewing. Here's what they mean in this example:
- MYMP3LL/A: The 8-digit code refers to a specific color, storage, carrier, and other customizable options for an iPhone. For example, a white iPhone 16 with 128GB of storage from Verizon will have a different 8-digit model number than a black iPhone 16 with 256GB of storage from T-Mobile.
- A3083: This 5-digit code refers to the general model. For example, all iPhone 16 models have the same five-digit code regardless of color, storage, and other options. Models will have different codes based on the country or region in which they are sold.
If your iPhone has a SIM card (Apple ditched physical SIM cards with the iPhone 14 for US customers), you can also find the model number via the SIM slot, though you'll need especially sharp eyesight and a bright light to find it. Remove the SIM tray and look in the slot on the phone. The model number should be on the upper side of the tray (the side with the display).
For iPhone 14 and above, look to the phone's charger port. The model number is printed inside, on the side with the display. iPhone models older than the iPhone 8 have the five-digit model number listed on the back of the phone amid all the fine print.
To identify your phone for compatibility purposes, you'll need the five-digit code. The following table lists every iPhone model along with their respective five-digit codes for each region:
After you find the model name and number, check to see if it's compatible with the latest software release or your carrier. For example, iOS 18 is compatible only with the iPhone XR and later models and with the iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation phones.
What Model Is My iPad?
You also need to know what iPad model you own in order to determine if you can run the latest operating system. Go to Settings > General > About to see the Model Name and the 8-digit Model Number. Tap Model Number to view the 5-digit code.
(Credit: PCMag / Apple)The listed name may not be as helpful here since Apple's naming convention for the iPad is more vague and confusing than that for the iPhone. However, you can look up the listed Model Number and match it to a specific generation and release year.
Alternatively, look at the back of your iPad to view the five-digit code amid the fine print. Unlike the iPhone, all iPad models still have their model number on the back of the device. To identify your iPad for compatibility and updating, you'll need this 5-digit code. The following table lists all the iPad models with their 5-digit codes:
After you match a model number with your iPad, check to see if it's compatible with the latest software release. For example, iPadOS 18 is compatible with the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation or later), the iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen or later), iPad Air (4th gen or later), iPad Air 11-inch and 13-inch (M2), iPad (7th gen and later), and iPad mini (5th Gen or later).