An iPhone's model number is a 5-character code that starts with A, such as A2849 for a U.S. iPhone 15 Pro Max, and it appears in Settings > General > About after tapping the Model Number line once. Each model has several A-numbers, one for each group of countries, because Apple builds regional versions with different cellular bands and SIM configurations. U.S. models have their own A-number. This list follows Apple's "Identify your iPhone model" support page. The Which iPhone Do I Have? Model Lookup Before You Sell tool finds a model from its A-number or identifier.
- Format: A followed by 4 digits, such as A3256.
- Where: Settings > General > About > Model Number (tap once to switch from the part number).
- Regions: U.S., North America and selected countries, China mainland and other countries each have their own number.
- Why it matters: it confirms the exact model and region when you sell.
Where is the iPhone model number?
The iPhone model number appears in 3 places:
- Settings: open Settings > General > About. The Model Number line first shows a part number, a code such as M followed by 4 characters and LL/A; tap it once to show the A-number.
- SIM tray or frame: on some older models, the model number is printed inside the SIM tray slot or on the back.
- Original box: the barcode label lists the part number, which maps to the A-number.
The part number ending in LL/A usually indicates a U.S. retail model. The A-number is the reliable identifier of the hardware version. Which iPhone Do I Have? Find Your Model Before You Sell covers other identification methods.
Which A-numbers belong to each model?
The table lists the U.S. A-number and the other regional numbers for each model from iPhone 11 to iPhone 18 Pro Max, as listed on Apple's support page.
| Model | Year | U.S. A-number | Other A-numbers |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | 2026 | A3473 | A3716, A3717, A3718 |
| iPhone 18 Pro | 2026 | A3472 | A3713, A3714, A3715 |
| iPhone 17e | 2026 | A3575 | A3634, A3635 |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 2025 | A3257 | A3525, A3526, A3527 |
| iPhone 17 Pro | 2025 | A3256 | A3522, A3523, A3524 |
| iPhone Air | 2025 | A3260 | A3516, A3517, A3518 |
| iPhone 17 | 2025 | A3258 | A3519, A3520, A3521 |
| iPhone 16e | 2025 | A3212 | A3408, A3409, A3410 |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 2024 | A3084 | A3295, A3296, A3297 |
| iPhone 16 Pro | 2024 | A3083 | A3292, A3293, A3294 |
| iPhone 16 Plus | 2024 | A3082 | A3289, A3290, A3291 |
| iPhone 16 | 2024 | A3081 | A3286, A3287, A3288 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | 2023 | A2849 | A3105, A3106, A3108 |
| iPhone 15 Pro | 2023 | A2848 | A3101, A3102, A3104 |
| iPhone 15 Plus | 2023 | A2847 | A3093, A3094, A3096 |
| iPhone 15 | 2023 | A2846 | A3089, A3090, A3092 |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | 2022 | A2651 | A2893, A2894, A2895, A2896 |
| iPhone 14 Pro | 2022 | A2650 | A2889, A2890, A2891, A2892 |
| iPhone 14 Plus | 2022 | A2632 | A2885, A2886, A2887, A2888 |
| iPhone 14 | 2022 | A2649 | A2881, A2882, A2883, A2884 |
| iPhone SE (3rd generation) | 2022 | A2595 | A2782, A2783, A2784, A2785 |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | 2021 | A2484 | A2641, A2643, A2644, A2645 |
| iPhone 13 Pro | 2021 | A2483 | A2636, A2638, A2639, A2640 |
| iPhone 13 | 2021 | A2482 | A2631, A2633, A2634, A2635 |
| iPhone 13 mini | 2021 | A2481 | A2626, A2628, A2629, A2630 |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 2020 | A2342 | A2410, A2411, A2412 |
| iPhone 12 Pro | 2020 | A2341 | A2406, A2407, A2408 |
| iPhone 12 | 2020 | A2172 | A2402, A2403, A2404 |
| iPhone 12 mini | 2020 | A2176 | A2398, A2399, A2400 |
| iPhone SE (2nd generation) | 2020 | A2275 | A2296, A2298 |
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | 2019 | A2161 | A2218, A2220 |
| iPhone 11 Pro | 2019 | A2160 | A2215, A2217 |
| iPhone 11 | 2019 | A2111 | A2221, A2223 |
Apple's page also lists iPhone Duo, introduced in 2026, with the U.S. model number A3447. Specifications for each model are on the iPhone Specs by Model: Check Before You Sell page.
Why do regions have different numbers?
Regions have different model numbers because Apple builds regional versions with 3 kinds of hardware differences:
| Difference | Example |
|---|---|
| Cellular bands | U.S. models support U.S. carrier bands, including mmWave 5G on many models |
| SIM configuration | U.S. iPhone 14 and later models are eSIM only; many other regions keep a SIM tray |
| Local requirements | China mainland models support dual physical SIM on many generations |
The A-number groups follow these differences. For example, the iPhone 15 Pro is A2848 in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, A3101 in Canada, Japan, Mexico and some other countries, A3104 in China mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, and A3102 in other countries and regions.
Does the A-number change the sale price?
The A-number changes the sale price only when it shows a version that does not match the U.S. market, such as a model without U.S. bands or with a different SIM configuration. U.S. models, and models from the North American group that support U.S. networks, are priced on model, storage, carrier status and condition. The A-number also helps confirm that the model and storage chosen in the quote are correct.
What is the difference between a model number and a model identifier?
A model number and a model identifier are different codes. The model number, such as A2848, identifies the regional hardware version. The model identifier, such as iPhone16,1, is the internal code iOS uses for the model family. Both identify the iPhone 15 Pro. The identifier appears in some diagnostic tools and in Finder or the Apple Devices app; the model number appears in Settings.
What is the part number?
The part number, a code such as M followed by 4 characters and a region suffix like LL/A, is the sales configuration code that includes storage and color. It appears first on the Model Number line in Settings, and on the box label. The letters before the slash indicate the country or retail channel: LL/A is common for U.S. retail models. Tap the line to switch to the A-number.
How do I use the model number when selling?
Use the model number in 3 ways when selling:
- Confirm the model before choosing it in the quote, for example to tell an iPhone 16 Pro from a 16 Pro Max.
- Confirm the phone is a U.S. or North American version.
- Match the phone to its listing or receipt if a question arises.
Storage capacity is separate and appears on the Capacity line in the same screen. How to Check iPhone Storage Capacity explains it.
Can I find the model number on a phone that does not turn on?
A phone that does not turn on can be identified from the original box label, the purchase receipt, the carrier account's device list or the Apple Account's device list at account.apple.com, which shows the model, serial number and IMEI. On some older models, the model number is printed inside the SIM tray slot. Quote a phone that does not turn on as non-working with the model confirmed this way.
Which models do buybacks commonly accept?
Buybacks commonly accept the iPhone 11 lineup and later, plus the iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation, which covers every model in the table above except iPhone Duo. Sell iPhone: Every Model and Condition We Buy lists every accepted model and condition.
Do model numbers show refurbished or replacement phones?
Model numbers do not show whether a phone is refurbished. Part numbers that begin with F usually indicate an Apple Certified Refurbished unit, and part numbers that begin with N usually indicate a replacement device from Apple service. M and P usually indicate a new retail unit. These prefixes do not change the A-number.
How do I check that the model number matches the phone?
Check that the model number matches the phone by comparing 3 sources: the A-number in Settings, the model name at the top of Settings > General > About and the physical design, such as the number of rear cameras. A mismatch between Settings and the physical design can indicate a counterfeit or a modified phone. How to Tell If an iPhone Is Genuine or Fake covers authenticity checks.
Which A-numbers cover regions near the U.S.?
Several models use one A-number for the U.S. and a second for a North American and partner-country group. The table lists examples from Apple's page.
| Model | U.S. and Puerto Rico | Canada, Japan, Mexico and partner countries |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 | A3258 | A3519 |
| iPhone 16 | A3081 | A3286 |
| iPhone 15 | A2846 | A3089 |
| iPhone 14 | A2649 | A2881 |
| iPhone 13 | A2482 | A2631 |
| iPhone 12 | A2172 | A2402 |
For the iPhone 11 lineup and the iPhone SE 2nd generation, Canada and the U.S. share one number. For the iPhone SE 3rd generation, A2595 covers the U.S., Canada, Mexico and several other countries.
How do A-numbers relate to eSIM-only models?
U.S. A-numbers for iPhone 14 and later identify eSIM-only phones with no SIM tray, while many other regional A-numbers for the same models keep a physical SIM tray. A U.S. iPhone 15 Pro (A2848) has no SIM tray, while the version for other countries and regions (A3102) keeps one. Which iPhones Are eSIM Only? lists every eSIM-only model.
How are A-numbers assigned over time?
A-numbers rise over time as Apple assigns new numbers to new models, but they are not strictly in release order across all models. For example, the U.S. iPhone 12 is A2172, a lower number than the iPhone 11 Pro's regional A2215. Use the full A-number with a lookup table rather than guessing the model from the number's size.
Do A-numbers show storage or color?
A-numbers do not show storage or color, because every storage and color version of a model in a region shares the same A-number. Storage appears on the Capacity line in Settings, and color is visible on the phone. The part number encodes both storage and color.
What should I record before selling?
Record 4 identifiers before selling: the A-number, the IMEI, the serial number and the storage capacity, all from Settings > General > About. These identifiers confirm the model in the quote, support any question during testing and help if the package needs to be traced.
Can I sell an iPhone bought outside the U.S.?
An iPhone bought outside the U.S. can often be sold when it supports U.S. carrier networks and is unlocked, because regional versions share the same design and most features. Some regional versions lack U.S. mmWave 5G bands or use a different SIM configuration, which can affect demand. Enter the exact model in the quote and note the A-number if asked. Phones must also be free of Activation Lock and not reported lost or stolen.
Where does Apple list A-numbers officially?
Apple lists every iPhone's A-numbers on its "Identify your iPhone model" support page, grouped by model and year with region notes. The page is updated when new models launch.
Does a repair change the model number?
A repair does not change the model number, because the A-number belongs to the device's logic board and enclosure. A whole-unit replacement from Apple service is a different device with its own serial number and IMEI.
Frequently asked questions about iPhone model numbers
How do I find my iPhone model number?
Open Settings > General > About. The Model Number line first shows a part number, a code such as M followed by 4 characters and LL/A; tap it once to see the A-number, such as A2848. On some older models, the model number is also printed inside the SIM tray slot. The original box label lists the part number.
What is the U.S. model number of the iPhone 17 Pro?
The U.S. and Puerto Rico model number of the iPhone 17 Pro is A3256, according to Apple's identification page. Other regional versions are A3522 for Canada, Japan, Mexico and several other countries, A3524 for China mainland and A3523 for other countries and regions. Apple lists every regional number on its Identify your iPhone model support page.
Why does my iPhone have a different A-number from a friend's same model?
Two phones of the same model can have different A-numbers because Apple builds regional versions with different cellular bands and SIM configurations. A phone bought in Canada or Japan, for example, carries a different number from a U.S. phone of the same model, while the model name and features stay the same.
Is the model number the same as the IMEI?
The model number and the IMEI are different. The model number, such as A2849, identifies the hardware version shared by many phones. The IMEI is a 15-digit number unique to each phone, used by carriers to identify a single device and to check lost, stolen and financing flags. Record the A-number with the IMEI and serial before selling, for the sale records.
What does LL/A mean in an iPhone part number?
LL/A at the end of an iPhone part number usually indicates a model sold through U.S. retail channels. The part number encodes the configuration, including storage and color, and appears before the A-number on the Model Number line in Settings > General > About. The model lookup tool on this site finds a model from its A-number in seconds.
Sources and references
- Apple Support: Identify your iPhone model.
- Apple Support: find the model number of your iPhone.
- Apple: iPhone technical specifications by model.
