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?
(Credit: PCMag/Lance Whitney)
The easiest way to locate the model number of your iPhone is through Settings > General > About. The Model Number is listed in the top section along with Name, Software Version, Model Name, and Serial Number.
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 which model number you are viewing. Here’s what they mean in this example:
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MRRR2LL/A: The 8-digit code refers to a specific color, storage, carrier, and other customizable options for an iPhone. For example, a gold iPhone 13 with 128GB of storage from Verizon will have a different 8-digit model number than a silver iPhone 13 with 256GB of storage from T-Mobile.
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A1863: This 5-digit code refers to the general model. For example, all iPhone 13 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.
On an iPhone 8 or later, 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).
Earlier iPhone models have the five-digit model number listed on the back of the phone amid all the fine print.
Model number on the back of an iPhone.
(Credit: PCMag/Lance Whitney)
To identify your phone for compatibility, you will need the five-digit code. The following table lists every iPhone model along with their respective five-digit codes for each region:
After you match a model number with a specific phone, check to see if it’s compatible with the latest software release. For example, iOS 16 is only compatible with the iPhone 8 and later models, cutting out the iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus, and SE (1st Gen).
What Model Is My iPad?
(Credit: PCMag/Lance Whitney )
You also need to know what iPad model you own in order to determine if you can run the latest operating system and newest features. There are two ways to find the model number of an iPad.
Go to Settings > General > About to see Model Name and the 8-digit Model Number. Like, the iPhone, your iPad also has a second Model Number. Tap Model Number to view the 5-digital code.
Model number on the back of an iPad.
(Credit: PCMag/Lance Whitney )
Alternatively, you can look at the back of your iPad to view the five-digit code amid the fine print. 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 16 is compatible with all iPad Pro models, iPad Air (3rd Gen or later), iPad (5th Gen or later), and iPad mini (5th Gen or later).
