So this WikiPost delivers - hopefully, as a permanent desk reference! - a fairly clear and easy way to decode serial numbers on Apple gear and to look up model numbers. The value of this non-proprietary WikiPost ought to improve as more sources and references get brought into the mix.

This WikiPost cites those earlier sources and aggregates their data, along with other sources, into one open, accessible wiki. Smaller manufacturers, responsible for specialized hardware, like remotes, keyboards, and speakers, have tended to be overlooked by said earlier sources. These sources focussed broadly on primary products (like Macs and iDevices) but less so on peripherals, components, and consumables (most of which rely on the same serializing syntax). * April 2021 and serials subsequent to then, starting with the third alpha-numeric digit, are cryptographically randomized and are not engineered to be human-decipherableĪ few proprietary sources over the years have striven to compile rough overviews of Apple’s hardware serials as a way to demystify where and when that hardware was assembled. We are also aggregating all known Apple Model Numbers dating from 1977 through today. Especial care is given to relationships between serials and where hardware was assembled. This WikiPost provides, as complete as possible, a description of the Apple serial number syntax used for all Apple hardware between 1983 (ca.

Decoding Apple serials (where & when hardware was assembled, 1983–2021

Apple serial number decoder