The quickest way to find your iPhone model

Open Settings, then tap General, then tap About. Look for the line that says Model — this shows you the internal name (like "iPhone 15 Pro"). Just below it, the Model Number line shows a code like "A2846" that identifies your exact variant.

If you want the marketing name Apple uses in stores — like "iPhone 15 Pro Max" instead of just "iPhone 15 Pro" — the About screen shows this at the very top, right after the word "iPhone".

You can also find your model by looking at the physical device. On the back of your iPhone, near the bottom, Apple prints the model name in small text. This is the easiest method if your phone won't turn on or if you just want to check without opening menus.

Key Takeaways

  • Settings > General > About shows your model name and model number in one place.
  • The model name (like "iPhone 14") appears at the top of the About screen; the model number (like "A2627") appears lower down.
  • You can read the model name printed on the back of your iPhone without opening any menus.
  • The model number is useful when contacting Apple support or checking which parts are compatible with your phone.

Understanding model names versus model numbers

Apple uses two different systems to identify iPhones, and they mean different things. The model name is what you see advertised — "iPhone 15", "iPhone 14 Pro Max". This tells you the generation and size of your phone.

The model number is a code like "A2846" or "A2627". This code identifies not just which iPhone you have, but also which region it was sold in and which network it supports. Two people with the same iPhone 15 might have different model numbers if one was sold in the US and one in Europe. This matters when you are ordering replacement parts or checking compatibility with carriers.

For most everyday purposes — telling a friend what phone you have, or knowing which cases will fit — the model name is what you need. For technical support or ordering parts, you will want the model number.

Finding your iOS version on the same screen

While you are in Settings > General > About, you will also see your Software Version or iOS Version — a number like "17.2.1" or "18.0". This tells you which version of the iPhone operating system you are running.

Knowing your iOS version matters because some features only work on newer versions, and Apple stops sending security updates to very old versions. If you are troubleshooting a problem or checking whether your phone can run a particular app, this is the number you need.

You can also see how much storage your phone has on this same About screen, listed as Capacity. This shows your total storage (like "256 GB") and how much is currently used.

What to do if Settings won't open

If your iPhone is frozen or Settings will not respond, the model name is still printed on the back of the phone. Look near the bottom of the rear case — you will see text that reads "iPhone" followed by the model name and sometimes the capacity.

If you need the model number and cannot access Settings, you can also check the original box your iPhone came in. The model number appears on a label on the box, usually on the side or bottom.

If you have already thrown away the box and your phone will not turn on, you can contact Apple Support with your phone's serial number (which is also on the back of the phone, usually in very small text) and they can tell you the model number over the phone.

Why you might need this information

Knowing your exact model and iOS version helps when you are buying accessories. Phone cases, screen protectors, and chargers are often designed for specific models, and the wrong one will not fit properly. Checking your model number before you buy prevents ordering something incompatible.

If you are contacting Apple Support about a problem, having your model number and iOS version ready speeds up the process. Support staff use this information to look up known issues and determine whether a fix is available for your specific configuration.

Your model number also tells you which repair parts are compatible if you ever need a battery replacement or screen repair. Some third-party repair shops ask for this number to make sure they order the right part for your phone.

Checking compatibility before you update

Before you update your iPhone to a new iOS version, you can check whether your model supports it. Older iPhone models sometimes cannot run the newest iOS versions. Your current iOS version and model name together tell you whether an update is available for your phone.

Go to Settings > General > Software Update to see whether a new version is available. If nothing appears, your phone is already running the newest iOS version that your model supports. If an update is offered, the screen will show you the version number and how much space it needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between "Model" and "Model Number" in the About screen?

Model is the marketing name — "iPhone 15 Pro". Model Number is a code like "A2846" that identifies your specific variant, including which region it was sold in. You need the model name to know what phone you have; you need the model number for technical support or ordering parts.

Can I find my iPhone model without turning it on?

Yes. The model name is printed on the back of your iPhone near the bottom. You can read it without opening any menus or turning the phone on. The model number is also printed on the back in smaller text, though it is harder to read.

Why does my model number start with an "A"?

All iPhone model numbers start with "A" followed by four digits. This is Apple's internal naming system. The number identifies your exact iPhone variant — which generation, which size, and which region it was sold in.

Do I need my model number to get my phone repaired?

You should have it ready when you contact Apple or a repair shop. They use it to order the correct replacement parts for your specific phone. Without it, they might order a part that looks the same but does not work with your model.

Will my iPhone model number change if I update iOS?

No. Your model number stays the same for the life of your phone. Updating iOS changes your software version number, but the hardware model number never changes.