The fastest way: look at the back of your phone

Turn your iPhone over and look at the text printed on the back, below the camera. You will see a line that says "iPhone" followed by a number and sometimes a letter — like "iPhone 15 Pro Max" or "iPhone 13". That is your model. This works for every iPhone made since 2014.

If the text is too small to read comfortably, take a photo of the back with another device and zoom in on the image. The model name will be clearly printed there. The lettering is usually centered on the lower half of the back panel, below all the camera lenses.

Key Takeaways

  • The model name is printed on the back of your iPhone below the camera lens, and this is the fastest way to find out which iPhone you own.
  • Settings > General > About shows the model name and also tells you the exact iOS version you are running and your storage capacity.
  • If you have the original box, the model is printed on the outside and inside the box, along with the storage capacity.
  • Apple's website has a tool where you can enter your serial number to confirm the exact model and when it was manufactured.

Check your phone's Settings app

Open Settings and tap General. Then tap About. The first line will show your model name — for example, "iPhone 14" or "iPhone 12 Pro". This screen also shows your iOS version, storage capacity, serial number, and IMEI number.

This method is useful if the back of your phone is damaged or the text has worn away. The Settings app always has the correct information, even if the physical printing is hard to read. You can also take a screenshot of this screen to save the information for later.

Look at the original box or paperwork

If you still have the box your iPhone came in, the model name is printed on the outside and on the inside of the lid. The receipt or invoice from your purchase will also list the model clearly.

The box is also useful because it often shows the storage capacity (64GB, 128GB, 256GB, or higher) printed alongside the model name. This tells you how much space your phone has for apps, photos, and files. The box also typically shows the color of your phone and the purchase date.

Use Apple's serial number lookup tool

Go to apple.com/support/products and scroll to "Identify your product". Enter your serial number (found in Settings > General > About) and Apple will tell you the exact model, when it was manufactured, and whether it is still under warranty.

This method is most useful if you are buying a used iPhone and want to verify the model before you pay. It also tells you the manufacturing date, which helps you understand how old the phone is. The serial number is unique to your device and cannot be changed.

Understand the difference between model name and model number

The model name is what you see printed on the back: "iPhone 15", "iPhone 13 Pro", and so on. The model number is a code like "A2846" that Apple uses internally. You do not need the model number for most purposes — the model name is what matters when you are shopping for cases, chargers, or repair parts.

If you see a model number and want to know what it means, you can search "iPhone model number A2846" (using your actual number) and Apple's support pages will tell you which iPhone it is. But for everyday use, the model name on the back is all you need. The model number appears in Settings > General > About as well, listed separately from the model name.

What to do if you cannot read the back of your phone

If your iPhone is in a case that covers the back, remove the case temporarily to see the printing. If the text is worn away or faded, use Settings > General > About — this method always works because the information is stored in your phone's system. If you have lost the phone and need to identify it remotely, ask whoever has it to open Settings and read you the model name from the About screen.

For a phone that will not turn on, the original box or receipt is your best option. If you do not have either, contact Apple Support with your phone's serial number (if you have it) and they can tell you the model based on that number alone. You may also find the serial number on your carrier's account page if you purchased through them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro?

Yes. The iPhone 13 Pro has a better camera, a faster processor, and a different screen than the regular iPhone 13. Both are printed on the back of the phone, so you will see either "iPhone 13" or "iPhone 13 Pro" — not both. The Pro model also usually costs more and comes with additional features.

What does the letter after the model number mean?

Some iPhones have a word like "Max" or "Plus" after the number — for example, "iPhone 15 Pro Max". This refers to the screen size. Max and Plus models are larger phones with bigger screens. A regular iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro is smaller.

Can I find my model if I do not have the phone with me?

If you have the original box or receipt, the model is printed there. If you bought it from Apple or a carrier, you can log into your account online and see the model listed in your purchase history. If you have the serial number, you can enter it at apple.com/support/products to confirm the model.

Does the model name tell me how much storage I have?

No. The model name (like "iPhone 14 Pro") does not include storage capacity. You have to check Settings > General > About and look for "Capacity" to see whether you have 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB. The original box will also show the storage amount printed on the outside.

What if my iPhone is very old — will this still work?

Yes. Every iPhone since the original model in 2007 has the model name printed on the back. Older iPhones may have faded text, but Settings > General > About will still show the correct model. Apple's serial number lookup tool works for iPhones going back several years.