How to Identify Your iPhone and iPad Model

Introduction

Apple is one of the most valuable brands in the world. The company has a reputation for quality and innovation, reflected in its state-of-the-art products. Two of Apple’s most popular and best-selling devices are the iPhone and iPad. Both have been around since 2007 and 2010, respectively, but they’ve undergone several upgrades.

But despite the continuous upgrades, it can be challenging to tell what iPhone or iPad model you own.

Not only does this deny you your bragging rights, but you could also miss out on some great deals if you don’t know which device you’re trading in or selling. You could also fail to check the device’s compatibility with an iOS update or app or even request a repair.

So how do you find out?

This quick post reviews the key features and characteristics to look out for to determine which iPhone or iPad you have.

Key Differentiating Factors for Various iPhone and iPad Models

Let’s dive right into the key differentiating factors between various models. These include:

1. Look up the Model Name vs. Model Number

One of the easiest ways to identify what iPad or iPhone model you have is by looking at the name of the device itself.

For instance, iPhones are usually named “iPhone” followed by a number, letter, or suffix denoting the device’s generation, e.g., 6, Pro, Pro Max, Plus, etc. On the flip side, iPads have standalone names influenced by their generation.

Presently, there are five primary models, including the 10.2-inch iPad, the 7.9-inch iPad Mini, the 10.5-inch iPad Air, the 11-inch iPad Pro, and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Aside from identifying your device with its name, you can also check the model number.

Go to Settings > General > About.

You’ll see part of the number to the right of the model, and to see the full model number, simply tap part of the number.

If your device is an iPhone 7 (or earlier) or an iPod touch, you can find the model number right at the back of the device. But if it’s an iPhone 8 (or later), you’ll need to remove the SIM tray and the slot for the device’s model number. Spoiler alert, if you haven’t heard, the iPhone 14 no longer has SIM trays, so you cannot find it there anymore.

2. Use Settings to Discover Your Device’s Model

Another excellent way to determine what iPhone or iPad model you have is through Settings.

This is the preferred method for many users because it allows them to quickly access all their settings without opening up the phone or tablet.

Here’s how to use Settings to discover your device’s model:

• Tap on the Version Information section
• Scroll down until you see the Model Identifier label
• Tap on the Model Identifier label to reveal the model number
• Tap on the Model Number label to reveal the full model number
• Tap on the More Info button to view more details about the device

3. Check out Your Model from Your Apple/iCloud Account

If you already have an account with Apple or iCloud; you can easily check the version of your device using either of these services. Not sure how to access your iCloud account? Additional Reading: How do I use Apple iCloud?

For instance, if you use the iCloud service across all your devices, follow these simple steps to determine your exact model:

• Open the Settings app
• Click on your profile/name at the top
• Scroll down to the list of your devices
• Tap on any of the devices listed to obtain such details as the model, serial number, OS version, and more.

4. Match the Model Number to the Model Name

If you’re still unsure after checking your device’s model number and name separately, it’s time to match them together.

This will help you figure out which model you have.

The following table shows the relationship between the model name and the model number of some of the most sought-after iPad and iPhone devices in the United States.

Note: The model number may vary per country.

5. Other Ways to Potentially Identify Your Device

Aside from the four techniques discussed above, you can also apply other methods to identify your device. Though not 100% foolproof, these methods may include:

• The Serial Number. You can find the serial number on your device’s Settings app. To do so, scroll to and select General, then proceed to About. From there, you can effortlessly view the serial number at the bottom of your screen
• The IMEI Number. The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number is located on the back of your device or the battery’s backside. It is a unique identifier that identifies each unit of your device.
• The SIM Card Slot. You can identify your iPad’s model by checking whether it has a SIM card slot. If it does, it’s a Wi-Fi + Cellular model. But if it doesn’t, it’s Wi-Fi only.

Final Remarks

So there you go! These are the best ways to tell what kind of iPad or iPhone you own.

It seems silly, but it is really important to know which iPhone or iPad you have. It’s a lot like an automobile. Sure, you can say you have a Chevy, but which Chevy? Your engine, trim, color, model, year, and make all can have a significant impact on your reparability, cost and serviceability of your automobile, without knowing your VIN (which is kind of like your Serial / IMEI), it’s almost impossible to give you a 100% accurate repair quote or buyback quote.

Hopefully, they’ll be helpful when you need to know. If you’ve found another method that works better than the ones mentioned here, please share it with us.

Gophermods is one of the best repair facilities in Minneapolis, MN. We provide expert repairs for iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks, and many other Apple products. Our technicians are highly trained professionals who know how to fix almost every issue related to Apple products. We offer same-day service at a fraction of the cost and with no hidden fees.

Contact us today for a fast, friendly and affordable iPhone, iPad or MacBook repair.