Knowing your MacBook’s model and serial numbers matters, especially when it comes to checking compatibility, fixing issues, and learning about warranties and maintenance. There are multiple methods to check the model number of the MacBook, such as from System Information, from the device itself, and the packaging.
In this guide, I will cover how to determine which MacBook you own using various methods. Moreover, how to differentiate between different model numbers.
Before, learning methods to check which MacBook you own, you need to understand the variations of the MacBook model numbers.
Types of MacBook Model Numbers
There are two different types of MacBook model numbers; one starts with AXXX, and the other can MBXXXXX/A, MCXXXXX/A, MLXWXXX/A, and so on. Let’s understand how they are different.
MacBook A Model Numbers
The A* model number series is a broad hardware indication number for all units that fall in that range. For example, model A2780 indicates the range of 16-inch MacBook Pros with processors M2 Pro and M2 Max.
MacBook M Model Numbers
The M* model number series indicates the variant of the MacBook. MacBooks vary depending on size, configuration, color, and region. For example, in the MLXW3xx/A model number, MLXW is a code, xx indicates the region code, and for the USA/Canada is it LL. Other region codes are listed below:
- HN: India
- PA: Pakistan
- J: Japan
- X: Australia and New Zealand
- CH: China
- D: Germany
- F: France
The /A indicates that the model is available worldwide, and can be used anywhere, irrespective of the region.
Find the MacBook Model and Serial Numbers
Many methods can be employed to determine the model and serial numbers of the MacBook, offering flexibility in how you obtain this crucial information.
- Using Packaging
- Using Hardware
- Using macOS About This Mac Option
- Using Terminal
Find the MacBook Model and Serial Numbers through the Packaging
If you just have bought a MacBook, Apple provides some key information about the hardware on the packaging. For the most part, Apple packages are very clean but on the back of the pack, there is a sticker containing hardware information including serial and model number.
The model number you will find using this method will be A* models.
Find the MacBook Model and Serial Numbers through the Device’s Back
You also have the option to determine the model and serial numbers of your MacBook by inspecting the information located on the back of the device.
Flip the MacBook to check it under the regulatory marking.
Here, you will only see the A* model number.
Find the MacBook Model and Serial Numbers through macOS About This Mac Option
If you have logged in to your MacBook, then simply go to the Apple icon, click on it, and then About This Mac. A window will be opened, presenting comprehensive information including the Processor, RAM, Serial Number, and macOS version for your reference.
Click on the More info… button which will trigger the Settings window, where you will find detailed information about the warranty coverage associated with your MacBook.
As you scroll down within the same window, you will find the System Report option. Clicking on it will generate a comprehensive system-wide report, offering detailed insights into various aspects of the MacBook’s configuration and performance.
The first section contains hardware information along with the model and serial numbers.
The system report can also be accessed by pressing Command+Space and then typing System Information. Using this method you will get variant model numbers (M series).
In the following sections, I will list model numbers along with the MacBook names and general specs. It will assist you in identifying your MacBook.
Find the MacBook Model and Serial Numbers through the Terminal
The hardware information of the MacBook can also be seen in the terminal.
Open terminal, and use system_profiler command with SPHardwareDataType.
| system_profiler SPHardwareDataType |
Using this approach, you will be able to see the variant model number and serial number with other hardware specifications.
How to Check MacBook Coverage using Serial Numbers
Apple provides online services to check the coverage and specifications of the MacBook through serial numbers.
Open the Coverage Page.
Enter the serial number to get information about hardware and warranty.
Note: In the following sections the broad model number is used to list the MacBook by their size, specs, and release years.
MacBook
The table given below, lists model numbers and their respective MacBooks.
| Model | MacBook | Year | Colors |
| A1534 | MacBook, 12 Inch, Retina, Intel core M, m3, m5, m7 | Mid 2017, Early 2016, Early 2015 | Rose gold, space gray, gold, silver |
| A1342 | MacBook, 13 Inch, Intel Core 2 Duo | Mid 2010, Late 2009 | White |
| A1181 | MacBook, 13 Inch, Intel Core 2 Duo | Mid 2009, Early 2008, Late 2007, Mid 2007, Late 2006 | White, black |
| A1278 | MacBook, 13 Inch, Unibody, Intel Core 2 Duo | Late 2008 | Black, silver |
MacBook Air
The following list shows the model numbers and their respective MacBook Airs.
| Model | MacBook | Year | Colors |
| A2941 | MacBook Air, 15 Inch, M2 | 2023 | silver, starlight, space grey, midnight |
| A2681 | MacBook Air, 13 Inch, M2 | 2022 | silver, starlight, space grey, midnight |
| A2337 | MacBook Air, 13 Inch, M1 | 2020 | space grey, gold, silver |
| A2179 | MacBook Air, 13 Inch, Intel i7, i5, i3, Scissor | 2020 | space grey, gold, silver |
| A1466 | MacBook Air, 13 Inch, Intel i7, i5 | 2017, Early 2015, Early 2014, Mid 2013, Mid 2012, Edu Only | Silver |
| A1465 | MacBook Air, 11 Inch, Intel i7, i5 | Early 2015, Early 2014, Mid 2013, Mid 2012 | Silver |
| A1369 | MacBook Air, 13 Inch, Intel i7, i5, Core 2 Duo | Mid 2011, Late 2010 | Silver |
| A1370 | MacBook Air, 11 Inch, Intel i7, i5, Core 2 Duo | Mid 2011 | Silver |
| A1304 | MacBook Air, 13 Inch, Intel Core 2 Duo | Mid 2009, Late 2008 | Silver |
| A1237 | MacBook Air, 13 Inch, Intel Core 2 Duo | Original | Silver |
MacBook Pro
The following list shows the model numbers and their respective MacBook Pros.
| Model | MacBook | Year | Colors |
| A2780 | MacBook Pro, 16 Inch, M2 Max, M2 Pro | 2023 | Space Gray, silver |
| A2779 | MacBook Pro, 14 Inch, M2 Max, M2 Pro | 2023 | Space Gray, silver |
| A2338 | MacBook Pro, 13 Inch, M2, M1 | 2022, 2020 | Space Gray, silver |
| A2485 | MacBook Pro, 16 Inch, M1 Max, M1 Pro | 2021 | Space Gray, silver |
| A2442 | MacBook Pro, 14 Inch, M1 Max, M1 Pro | 2021 | Space Gray, silver |
| A2141 | MacBook Pro, 16 Inch, Intel Core i9, i7 | 2019 | Space Gray, silver |
| A2251 | MacBook Pro, 13 Inch, Intel Core i7, i5 | 2020 | Space Gray, silver |
| A2289 | MacBook Pro, 13 Inch, Intel Core i7, i5 | 2020 | Space Gray, silver |
| A2159 | MacBook Pro, 13 Inch, Intel Core i7, i5, Touch | 2019 | Space Gray, silver |
| A1990 | MacBook Pro, 15 Inch, Intel Core i9, i7, i5, Touch | 2019, 2018 | Space Gray, silver |
| A1989 | MacBook Pro, 13 Inch, Intel Core i7, i5, Touch | 2019, 2018 | Space Gray, silver |
| A1707 | MacBook Pro, 15 Inch, Intel Core i7, Touch | Mid 2017, Late 2016 | Space Gray, silver |
| A1706 | MacBook Pro, 13 Inch, Intel Core i7, i5 Touch | Mid 2017, Late 2016 | Space Gray, silver |
| A1708 | MacBook Pro, 13 Inch, Intel Core i7 | Mid 2017 | Space Gray, silver |
| A1398 | MacBook Pro, 15 Inch, Intel Core i7 | Mid 2017, Mid 2014, Late 2013, Early 2013 | Space Gray, silver |
| A1502 | MacBook Pro, 13 Inch, Intel Core i7, i5 | Early 2015, Mid 2014, Late 2013 | Space Gray, silver |
| A1425 | MacBook Pro, 13 Inch, Intel Core i7, i5 | Early 2013, 2012 | Space Gray, silver |
| A1286 | MacBook Pro, 15 Inch, Intel Core 2 Duo | Mid 2010, Late 2008 | Silver |
| A1278 | MacBook Pro, 13 Inch, Intel Core 2 Duo | Mid 2010 | Silver |
| A1297 | MacBook Pro, 17 Inch, Intel Core 2 Duo | Mid 2009 | Silver |
| A1286 | MacBook Pro, 15 Inch, Intel Core 2 Duo, i7, i5 | Mid 2010 | Silver |
| A1261 | MacBook Pro, 17 Inch, Intel Core 2 Duo | 2008 | Silver |
| A1260 | MacBook Pro, 15 Inch, Intel Core 2 Duo | 2008 | Silver |
| A1229 | MacBook Pro, 17 Inch, Intel Core 2 Duo | 2007 | Silver |
| A1226 | MacBook Pro, 15 Inch, Intel Core 2 Duo | 2007 | Silver |
| A1212 | MacBook Pro, 17 Inch, Intel Core 2 Duo | Late 2006 | Silver |
| A1211 | MacBook Pro, 15 Inch, Intel Core 2 Duo | Late 2006 | Silver |
| A1151 | MacBook Pro, 17 Inch, Intel Core 2 Duo | 2006 | Silver |
| A1150 | MacBook Pro, 15 Inch, Intel Core 2 Duo | 2006 | Silver |
Conclusion
Identifying your specific MacBook model requires knowledge of both its model number and serial number. The serial number is unique, however, there are 2 different types of model numbers for the MacBook. One type represents a range of MacBook units with similar specifications, while the other type denotes the variant of the MacBook based on region. To check the general hardware specifications and warranty, open the Apple coverage page, and enter the serial number. This guide provides a comprehensive list of model number ranges for MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro, along with their corresponding models.
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