iPod, iPhone & iPad Identification Q&As (ID iPods, iPhones & iPads)

Also see: iPod, iPhone & iPad Identification (Main) | Mac Identification

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Where can I locate the Order Number for my iPod, iPhone, or iPad? Are Order Numbers unique? What are the limitations identifying a specific device using Order Numbers?

When referring to iPods, iPhones, or iPads, Apple Order Numbers -- which also are called Model Numbers, Part Numbers, or Marketing Numbers in some places (and simply as "Model" within the iOS) -- look like MKT02LL/A in the US and Canada.

Order Number Locations (Also Called "Model")

Order Numbers, which again, are somewhat oddly called "Model" within the iOS, can be found in many places -- on some receipts, invoices, packaging, shipping information, product information sheets, brochures and other assorted documentation in addition to within the iOS.

For all iPod touch, iPhone, and iPad devices, Order Numbers can be found within the operating system by launching the "Settings" app, selecting General >, selecting About >, and swiping until "Model" is visible. This model should not be confused with the entirely different Model Number on the back of each device.

In these examples -- from Everyi.com's own collection -- the Order Number (then called a "Part Number") for the Original iPod (Scroll Wheel) is from the bottom of its packaging (left) and the Order Number (called "Model") for the iPod touch (4th Gen) is as displayed within iOS 4 (right):

Photo Credit: Everyi.com (Left - M8513LL/A, Right - MC540LL)

As apparent above, within iOS 5 and earlier versions of the iPhone OS/iOS, this "Model" number even more strangely dropped the "/A" suffix if one was listed in print. For iOS 6 and subsequent versions of the iOS, Apple restored the "/A" suffix.

Photo Credit: Everyi.com (Left - MC540LL/A, Right - MD237LL/A)

On the left is the same iPod touch (4th Gen) as the previous screenshot displaying MC540LL, but running iOS 6 and displaying MC540LL/A. On the right is an iPhone 4S running iOS 7. Later versions of the iOS display these details in the same way as iOS 7.

Order Numbers are unique and refer to a specific configuration, capacity, and/or color of a specific iPod, iPhone, or iPad. As a result, these are the best identifier to distribute as they are safer to share than Serial Numbers and are easier to read than externally listed Model Numbers.

Order Number Limitations

Unfortunately, Order Numbers cannot be externally found on the hardware itself and this is the primary limitation of the identifier.

If an iPod, iPhone, or iPad won't turn on and other documentation like a receipt or packaging that contains the identifier is not readily available, there is no way to identify a specific model using the Order Number.

iPod models that are not powered by the iOS (all iPods except for the iPod touch line), likewise cannot be identified using the Order Number from the hardware itself as this identifier is not stored within software on these earlier devices.

Global Order Numbers

Another more minor limitation of Order Numbers is that the identifier can vary in different countries, different regions, and even within the same country or region at different times.

A number of examples of Order Numbers in different countries include:

Everyi.com's Ultimate iLookup can easily identify all of the above devices using their Order Numbers along with thousands of others.

Using Everyi.com's Ultimate iLookup

Everyi.com only lists the most common Order Number in the United States and Canada for a device within "Quick Specs" on the iPod, iPhone and iPad "By Series" pages as well as the "By Year" pages, but lists all standard US and Canadian Order Numbers on the specs pages for each individual device.

For devices that were not offered in North America, Everyi.com lists a common Order Number for a major country where the device was sold.

However, Everyi.com's Ultimate iLookup can identify the device from its Order Number in dozens of countries, regions, and more.

Ultimately, if you find an Order Number for a iPod, iPhone, or iPad -- which, again, also are referred to as Model Numbers, Part Numbers, or Marketing Numbers in some places (and as "Model" within the iOS) -- and type it into Everyi.com's Ultimate iLookup, it should be able to properly identify the device.

Also see:

• Where can I locate the Model Number on my iPod, iPhone, or iPad? Are they unique? What are the limitations identifying a specific device using this identifier?
• Where can I locate the EMC Number on my iPod, iPhone, or iPad? Are EMC Numbers unique? What are the limitations identifying a specific device using EMC Numbers?
• Where can I locate the Model Identifier (Model ID) for my iPod, iPhone, or iPad? Are Model Identifiers unique? What are the limitations identifying a specific device using the Model Identifier?
• Where can I locate the Serial Number on my iPod, iPhone, or iPad? Are Serial Numbers unique? What are the limitations identifying a specific device using the Serial Number?

If you cannot find an iPod, iPhone or iPad using its Order Number (Model), but are able to track it down using another identifier, please share any missing information with Everyi.com. Thank you.

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