The fastest way to find your Mac model number

Your Mac model number is a short code — usually starting with "Mac" or "iMac" — that identifies exactly which computer you own. The quickest way to find it is through the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen. Click the Apple logo, select About This Mac, and look at the line that says "Model Identifier" or "Model Name". That line contains your model number.

If you are looking at a Mac that will not turn on or start up, you can find the model number printed on the bottom or back of the machine itself. Most Macs have a label with the model printed directly on the case. For laptops, check the bottom of the chassis. For desktops like iMacs or Mac minis, check the back panel.

Key Takeaways

  • The Apple menu's About This Mac window shows your model identifier in one click, the most reliable method for any working Mac.
  • Your model number tells you the exact year and generation of your Mac, which matters for repair parts, software compatibility, and resale value.
  • If your Mac will not start, the model number is printed on a label on the bottom or back of the physical machine.
  • Different Mac lines — MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio — have different model numbers even if they were released in the same year.

What the model number actually means

A Mac model number like "MacBookPro18,1" breaks down into two parts. The first part — "MacBookPro" — tells you the product line. The second part — "18,1" — tells you the generation and variant. The higher the first number, the newer the machine. A MacBookPro18,1 is newer than a MacBookPro17,1, and both are older than a MacBookPro19,1.

The second number after the comma usually indicates a variant within that generation — often a different screen size or processor option. Two MacBook Pros released in the same year might have different numbers if one has a 14-inch screen and the other has a 16-inch. This matters when you are looking for replacement parts or checking whether a specific accessory will fit your exact model.

Using the model number to check compatibility

Once you have your model number, you can use it to find out whether your Mac can run a specific version of macOS, whether a particular piece of software will work on your machine, or whether a repair part is the right fit. Apple's support pages let you search by model number, and most third-party software makers list which Mac models they support.

The model number is also what you need if you are buying used parts, sending your Mac for repair, or trading it in. A repair shop needs the exact model number to order the correct battery, display, or logic board. A reseller needs it to price your machine accurately. Without the model number, you are guessing.

Finding the model number on older Macs

Older Macs sometimes use slightly different naming. Very old machines might show "PowerBook" or "iBook" instead of "MacBook", or "PowerMac" instead of "Mac mini". The location of the label on the physical machine also varies — some older iMacs have the label on the back, while some PowerBooks have it on the bottom near the battery.

If you have a Mac from before 2006, the About This Mac window will still show the model identifier, but it may look different from modern Macs. The information is still there and still useful for finding compatible software or parts. If the machine will not start and you cannot read the label clearly, a photo of the label sent to an Apple Store or repair shop can help them identify it.

Other information in the About This Mac window

While you are in the About This Mac window, you will see other useful details beyond just the model number. The "Processor" line tells you what chip your Mac uses — an Apple Silicon chip like M1, M2, or M3, or an Intel processor. The "Memory" line shows how much RAM you have. The "Startup Disk" line shows which drive your Mac boots from and how much space is available.

The "System Report" button at the bottom of the About This Mac window opens a more detailed view with information about your graphics card, storage drives, battery health, and connected devices. This is where you go if you need specifics beyond the basic model number — for instance, if you are troubleshooting a hardware problem or checking whether your Mac has enough RAM for a new process.

Why the model number matters more than the marketing name

Apple markets its computers with names like "MacBook Pro 16-inch" or "iMac 24-inch", but these marketing names change and overlap. Two different machines might both be called "MacBook Pro 13-inch" if they were released in different years. The model number, by contrast, is unique and permanent — it never changes and it never gets reused.

When you are researching whether your Mac can run a specific program, whether it is compatible with a particular accessory, or what it might be worth if you sell it, the model number is what matters. A repair technician or a software maker will ask for the model number, not the marketing name, because the model number removes all ambiguity about which machine you actually have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the model number if my Mac screen is broken?

The model number is printed on a physical label on your Mac's case — usually on the bottom of a laptop or the back of a desktop. You do not need the screen to work to read it. If the label is worn or hard to read, take a photo with your phone and zoom in, or bring the Mac to an Apple Store where staff can read it for you.

Is the model number the same as the serial number?

No. The model number identifies which type of Mac you have — like "MacBookPro18,1". The serial number is a unique code that identifies your specific machine. Both are printed on the label on your Mac's case, and both appear in the About This Mac window, but they serve different purposes.

Can I find the model number if I only have the original box?

Yes. The original box usually has a label on the bottom or back that includes the model number, serial number, and other details. If the label is still readable, you can find the model number there without needing to turn on the Mac.

What if the About This Mac window shows a different name than what I expected?

This usually means your Mac is a different generation than you thought. Model numbers can be confusing because Apple reuses marketing names across different years. The model number shown in About This Mac is always the correct one — that is what matters for compatibility and repair.

Does the model number tell me how much storage my Mac has?

No. The model number identifies the type of Mac, but not the storage capacity. Two MacBook Pros with the same model number might have 256GB or 512GB of storage. You can find your storage amount in the About This Mac window under "Startup Disk", or in System Settings under General > Storage.