The fastest way to find your iPhone model

Open Settings, then tap General, then tap About. Look for the line that says Model — that is your iPhone model name, like iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 14. The number next to it (like A2846) is the internal model identifier that Apple uses, but you do not need that for most purposes.

If you want to know which generation your phone is without opening Settings, look at the back of the device. Starting with iPhone XS, Apple prints the model name directly on the back casing. Older iPhones do not have this, so Settings is your only option for those.

You can also find your model in Settings by going to Settings > General > About and looking at the very top line, which shows the device name you gave it (like "Sarah's iPhone") followed by the model name in smaller text.

Key Takeaways

  • Your iPhone model name appears in Settings > General > About under the Model line, and also printed on the back of most newer iPhones.
  • The model name tells you which version you own (iPhone 15, iPhone 14 Pro Max, etc.), while the model number is an internal code Apple uses.
  • If you need to know your iOS version instead of your hardware model, that information is also in Settings > General > About, listed as Software Version.
  • Knowing your exact model matters when buying cases, troubleshooting problems, or checking whether your phone supports a new iOS update.

Where to find the model name on your physical iPhone

If your iPhone is iPhone XS or newer, flip it over and look at the back. Near the bottom, you will see small text that reads "iPhone" followed by the model name — for example, "iPhone 15 Pro Max" or "iPhone 13 mini". This is the quickest way to check if you have the phone in your hands right now.

For iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 7, and older models, the back does not print the model name. You will need to use Settings instead. The same goes if the text on the back is worn away or hard to read.

Understanding model names versus model numbers

When you look in Settings, you will see two different pieces of information. The Model line shows a name like "iPhone 15" or "iPhone 14 Pro" — this is what you tell other people when you describe your phone. The line below it shows a code like "A2846" or "A2847" — this is the model number, which is what Apple and repair shops use internally to identify the exact hardware variant.

You almost never need the model number for everyday purposes. The model name is what matters when you are shopping for a case, checking if an app works on your phone, or describing your device to someone else. The model number only becomes important if you are dealing with Apple Support or a repair technician who needs to know the exact internal version.

Different regions sometimes get different model numbers for the same model name — for example, the iPhone 15 sold in the United States might have a different model number than the iPhone 15 sold in Europe, even though they are the same phone. This is why Apple keeps both pieces of information in Settings.

Finding your iOS version at the same time

While you are in Settings > General > About, you will also see a line labeled Software Version. This shows which version of iOS your phone is running, like iOS 18.1 or iOS 17.3. This is different from your hardware model — it tells you which operating system update you have installed, not which iPhone you own.

Knowing your iOS version matters when you are checking whether your phone supports a new app, troubleshooting a software problem, or deciding whether to update. Some older iPhones cannot run the newest iOS versions, so your hardware model and your iOS version are two separate things worth knowing.

What to do if you cannot access Settings

If your iPhone will not turn on or Settings is not working, the physical back of the phone is your only option. Look for the model name printed near the bottom of the back casing. If the text is too faint to read, try looking under bright light or at an angle.

If the phone is completely unresponsive and you cannot read the back, you can also check your original purchase receipt, your Apple ID account, or the original box the phone came in — all of these usually list the model name. If you bought the phone from a carrier like Verizon or AT&T, they can also tell you the model over the phone if you provide your account number.

Why your iPhone model matters

Knowing your exact model prevents you from buying the wrong accessories. iPhone 15 cases do not fit iPhone 14 models because the camera placement and overall dimensions changed. Chargers also vary — some older iPhones use Lightning connectors while newer ones use USB-C, so the wrong charger will not work.

Your model also determines which iOS updates your phone can receive. iPhone 11 and older cannot run iOS 18, for example, so if you are thinking about updating, your model number tells you whether that is possible. Apps sometimes have minimum requirements too — a new app might need iPhone 13 or later, which means iPhone 12 and older phones cannot download it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the model number the same as the serial number?

No. The model number (like A2846) identifies which type of iPhone you own. The serial number is a unique code that identifies your specific phone — no two iPhones have the same serial number. You can find your serial number in the same Settings > General > About screen, listed as Serial Number.

Can I tell what color my iPhone is from the model name?

No. The model name tells you the size and capability level (like iPhone 15 Pro Max), but not the color. Color is not part of the model designation — you have to look at the phone itself or check your purchase receipt to know whether you have the black, silver, or gold version.

Do I need to know my model before I buy a case or screen protector?

Yes. Cases and screen protectors are made specifically for each model because the dimensions and camera placement are different. Buying a case for the wrong model will not fit properly. Always check that the case says it is for your exact model before you buy.

What if my Settings shows a different model than what is printed on the back?

This should not happen, but if it does, trust what Settings shows. Settings pulls the information directly from your phone's system. If there is a discrepancy, contact Apple Support — it could mean the phone was repaired with parts from a different model, which is rare but possible.