Where to find your iPhone model in Settings

Your iPhone model is listed in the Settings app under General, then About. Open Settings, tap General, then scroll down and tap About. The first line shows your device name (like "Sarah's iPhone"). Scroll down a few lines and you'll see "Model Name" — this tells you whether you have an iPhone 15, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone SE, or another version.

The model name is what you need when you're troubleshooting a problem, buying a case, or checking whether a new app will run on your phone. It's different from the model number, which is a code like "A2846" that Apple uses internally — you won't need that for most purposes.

Key Takeaways

  • Your iPhone model appears in Settings > General > About under "Model Name" and tells you the exact version you own.
  • The model name (like iPhone 15 Pro Max) is what you need for buying accessories or checking app compatibility.
  • You can also find your model by looking at the back of the phone or checking your original box or receipt.
  • If Settings won't open, the model number is printed on the back of your iPhone below the camera.

Reading the model name correctly

When you look at the Model Name line in Settings, you might see something like "iPhone 15 Pro" or "iPhone SE (3rd generation)". The number tells you which generation it is — higher numbers are newer. The word "Pro" means you have a premium model with extra features like a better camera or faster processor.

If you see "Plus" or "Max" in the name, that means your phone has a larger screen than the standard version. An iPhone 15 is smaller than an iPhone 15 Plus, which is smaller than an iPhone 15 Pro Max. All three are iPhone 15 models, but they're different sizes with different capabilities.

Other places to find your model if Settings doesn't work

If you can't get into Settings or your phone won't turn on, look at the physical phone itself. On the back of your iPhone, below the camera, you'll see small printed text that includes a model number like "A2846". You can search that number online to find out which iPhone model it is, though this takes an extra step.

Your original box also has the model printed on it, usually on a label on the side or bottom. If you still have your receipt from when you bought the phone, it will list the model name as well. Your carrier's website or account page may also show your device model if you bought it through them.

Why you might need to know your model

Knowing your exact model matters for several reasons. When you're buying a case or screen protector, the seller needs to know whether you have an iPhone 15 or iPhone 14 because the sizes and camera positions are different. A case made for iPhone 15 won't fit an iPhone 14.

Your model also determines which iOS updates your phone can receive and which apps will run on it. Older models like iPhone SE (1st generation) can't run the newest iOS versions, so some newer apps won't work. Before you download an app, you can check the App Store to see which iPhone models it supports.

The difference between model name and model number

The model name is what you see in Settings — "iPhone 15 Pro Max" or "iPhone 13 mini". This is what you tell people when you're describing your phone. The model number is a code like "A2846" or "A2968" that Apple uses to track manufacturing details. You almost never need the model number unless you're contacting Apple Support or dealing with a warranty issue.

Some people confuse the model with the storage capacity (64GB, 128GB, 256GB, etc.), which is different again. Your storage capacity is also in Settings under About, but it doesn't change which model you have. An iPhone 15 with 128GB storage and an iPhone 15 with 256GB storage are both iPhone 15 models.

Checking your model before buying accessories

Before you buy a case, charger, or screen protector, write down your exact model name from Settings. Search for that model name plus the accessory you want — for example, "iPhone 15 Pro case" or "iPhone 14 Plus screen protector". This ensures you get something that actually fits your phone.

Some accessories work across multiple models, but many don't. The camera cutout is in a different place on different models, and the overall dimensions change. Buying the wrong size wastes money and leaves your phone unprotected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the model name the same as the storage size?

No. Your model is "iPhone 15 Pro" and your storage is "128GB" — they're listed separately in Settings under About. You need the model name to buy a case, but the storage size doesn't affect which accessories fit your phone.

What if my Settings app shows a model I don't recognize?

Search the exact model name online to see what you have. Sometimes older iPhones or refurbished phones show unexpected model names. If you bought it from a carrier, call them with the model name and they can confirm what you own.

Can I change my iPhone model name?

You can change the device name (the first line in About, like "Sarah's iPhone") but not the model name. The model name is set by Apple and can't be changed. It's there to identify what hardware you actually have.

Do I need the model number for anything?

Usually no. The model name is what you need for accessories and troubleshooting. You only need the model number if Apple Support asks for it or if you're dealing with a warranty or repair claim.

Why does my phone say "iPhone SE" instead of a number?

The iPhone SE is a separate product line that Apple makes alongside the numbered models. It's a smaller, less expensive iPhone. The full name might be "iPhone SE (3rd generation)" to show which version of the SE you have.