Apple iPhone model number mean, explained

The model number of your iPhone contains essential information about your device. You can tell what kind of device it is by the model number. There are model numbers in the format A2222 and MLQ93HU/A. What are the differences, and what does the iPhone model number mean in this article.

iPhone model number meaning

I’m going to talk about iPhone model numbers. If you look at the packaging of the iPhone and the information on the phone itself, you will see conflicting information. Look at the picture of the box and the information on the phone screen. The box says model A2633, but if you look at the phone screenshot, you will see the model number MLQ93HU/A. You should know that the iPhone model is the A2633.
A2633 is the base model of the iPhone, but there are also modifications to the phones, such as case color and memory capacity; these features are not in the model number.
MLQ93HU/A is the phone’s part number, which contains information about the phone’s specifications, right down to what region it is for.

However, many people find it challenging to navigate by the part number, so it was decided not to use it but to write it in the operating system as the name of the model number to avoid confusion in the minds of buyers. When you click on the model number, you will see the model number in the format A****.

Where to find the iPhone model number

 To find the model number of your iPhone, you can use one of the following methods:

1. On the Device’s Exterior: For iPhone 8 and earlier models, the model number is printed on the back of the device. It usually starts with “A” followed by four digits (e.g., A1633). However, starting with the iPhone X and later models, Apple no longer prints the model number on the back of the device.
2. In the Settings App:
   • Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
   • Go to “General” and then tap on “About“.
   • Scroll down to find the “Model Number“. Initially, you’ll see a part number (which starts with “M” or “N”). Tap on this part number, and it will switch to the “A” model number (e.g., A2160).
3. On the SIM Card Tray: The model number is engraved on the SIM card tray on some iPhone models, particularly those sold in certain regions.
4. On the Original Packaging: If you still have the original box where your iPhone came from, the model number is printed on the label with other information like the serial number and IMEI.
5. On the Receipt or Invoice: The model number might be listed on the sales receipt or invoice if you purchased your new iPhone.

Using these methods, you should be able to locate and identify the model number of your iPhone. This number helps check specific information about your device, such as warranty status, technical specifications, and compatibility with specific software or accessories.

Apple iPhone part number vs iPhone model number

Apple’s iPhone identifiers include a part number (often referred to as a SKU) and a model number, each of which serves a different purpose:

Part Number (SKU): The part number is a stock-keeping unit (SKU) used by Apple and retailers to identify a specific product for inventory and sales purposes. It contains information about the iPhone model and the capacity, color, region, or carrier to which it is bound. Part numbers usually begin with the letters “M” or “N” followed by alphanumeric characters (e.g., MN572LL/A for a specific version of the iPhone).

Model Number: The model number identifies the iPhone model in terms of design and global specifications (processor, display). It is more general than a part number and does not include details such as memory capacity or color. Model numbers begin with the letter “A” followed by a four-digit number (e.g., A2849). The number is comparable to the commercial name of the iPhone, for example:

• A2849 is the iPhone 15 Pro Max for the U.S. and Puerto Rico, 
• A3105 – iPhone 15 Pro Max for Canada, Guam, Japan, Mexico, Saudia Arabia and the USVI
• A3108 – iPhone 15 Pro Max for Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau
• A3106 – iPhone 15 Pro Max for other countries and regions

A part number (SKU) generally contains specific information about a product variant, including color, memory capacity, and regional or operator specifics. In contrast, a model number indicates the model lineup to which the iPhone belongs. This distinction is helpful for various purposes, including resale, technical support, and checking compatibility with accessories or software updates.

iPhone model number decode

• As an example, consider the model number MLQ93HU/A.

M – All products from the consumer electronics section. Apple assigns the first letter M to all its new products. If you have a different letter, it means that the phone has been repaired or refurbished, which is pretty interesting, especially if you’re buying the phone at a discount. So, more details.

• M – the new phone has been tested at the factory and approved for sale—the new device’s part number (model number).
• N – the phone has been refurbished, usually a factory-repaired phone. It has yet to undergo a final performance test before being packed in the box. The main circuit board in which the model number is located has been replaced at the factory. 
• F – the phone has been repaired at a service center, which required replacing the main board or reinstalling the operating system. The phone was sold but broke down during use. 
• P – A personalized engraved device means that the device was personalized with an engraving at the time of purchase.

• L – is the FCC identifier. An FCC ID is a unique identifier assigned to a device that is registered with a registration authority such as the FCC in the United States. The phone model is checked for safety and is included in the registry. The letter identifies which registration authority the phone model has been registered with.
• Q93 – code that characterizes the device according to technical parameters. For example, color, internal memory capacity, supported network standards. This information is required by the service centers.
• HU – The country code for which the phone is made. There are many codes, the code may change after some time.

Country Codes in Apple Part Number

Code	Region
AB	Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
B	Ireland, UK, also used for some replacement units
BR	Brazil (Assembled in Brazil)
BZ	Brazil (Assembled in China)
A, C	Canada
CL	Canada
CH	China
CZ	Czech Republic
D	Germany
DN	Austria, Germany, Netherlands
E	Mexico
EE	Estonia
FB	France, Luxembourg
FD	Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland
GR	Greece
HN	India
IP	Italy
HB	Israel
HU	Ukraine
J	Japan
KH	Korea
KN	Norway
KS	Finland, Sweden
LA	Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru
LE	Argentina
LL	USA, Canada, also used for some replacement units
LZ	Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay
MG	Hungary
MO	Macau, Hong Kong(?)
MY	Malaysia
NF	Belgium, France, Luxembourg
PL	Poland
PO	Portugal
PP	Philippines
RO	Romania
RS	Russia
SL	Slovakia
SO	South Africa
T	Italy
TA	Taiwan
TU	Turkey
TY	Italy
VC	Canada
X	Australia, New Zealand
Y	Spain
ZA	Singapore
ZP	Hong Kong, Macau

/ A – is a product manufactured by Apple.

Now you can read the iphone model number and understand its meaning, and also know the differences between the phone part number and iPhone model number. Of course, I realize that in most cases this information is not needed. But still, you may find this information useful.