Check the Settings app on your iPhone

The fastest way to find your iPhone model is to open Settings, tap General, then tap About. Look for the line that says Model — this shows you the exact name: iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone SE, and so on. This is the official name Apple uses, and it's what you need if you're buying a case, checking compatibility with an app, or troubleshooting a problem.

The About screen also shows your iOS version (the operating system running on your phone), storage capacity, and serial number. If you're trying to figure out whether your phone can run a particular app or update, the iOS version matters more than the model name — but knowing both is useful.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap General, then tap About to see your exact iPhone model name in one place.
  • The physical design and camera setup differ between models, so looking at your phone's back can narrow it down if Settings isn't available.
  • Your iOS version (also in Settings > General > About) determines which apps and updates your phone can run, separate from the model name.
  • The model name on the back of your phone's box matches what appears in Settings, so check the original packaging if you still have it.

Identify your iPhone by its physical appearance

If you can't access Settings, you can figure out which model you have by looking at the phone itself. The easiest marker is the camera setup on the back. iPhones with a single round camera lens are older models (iPhone SE, iPhone XR). iPhones with two cameras in a vertical rectangle are iPhone 11 through iPhone 13. iPhones with three cameras in a triangle are iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, or newer Pro models. Standard iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 have two cameras in a vertical rectangle, just like the iPhone 13.

The edges also tell you something. Older iPhones (up through iPhone 11) have rounded edges all the way around. iPhone 12 and newer have flat metal edges that look more like a rectangle. The size matters too — if your phone feels noticeably larger or smaller than a friend's, it's probably a different generation or a different size variant (regular, Plus, Pro, or Pro Max).

Look at the notch or Dynamic Island at the top of the screen. A small black notch means iPhone 12, 13, or 14 standard. A pill-shaped cutout (Dynamic Island) means iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max. A larger notch means iPhone X, XS, or XR.

Check the original box or receipt

If you still have the box your iPhone came in, the model name is printed on the outside and inside. Look for text like "iPhone 15 Pro" or "iPhone SE (3rd generation)" — this is the exact name Apple uses. The receipt from where you bought it will also show the model name, and that's the same name you'll see in Settings.

If you bought the phone used and don't have the original box, Settings is still your most reliable source. The model name in Settings is always accurate because it comes directly from the phone's internal data.

Understand the difference between model name and model number

In the About screen, you'll see two different things: the Model (like "iPhone 15 Pro") and the Model Number (like "A2846"). The model name is what you need for almost everything — buying accessories, checking app compatibility, describing your phone to someone else. The model number is a code Apple uses internally and appears on the back of your phone in tiny print.

You only need the model number if you're contacting Apple Support about a hardware issue or looking up very specific technical specifications. For everyday purposes, the model name is what matters.

Find your iPhone model if you're buying it secondhand

Before you buy a used iPhone, ask the seller to show you the Settings > General > About screen and take a photo. This proves the model, the iOS version it's running, and the storage capacity. You can also ask them to show you the back of the phone — the model name is sometimes printed there in small text, though not on all models.

If the seller won't let you see Settings, ask for the original box or a photo of it. If they have neither, you can make an educated guess from the physical design, but Settings is the only way to be completely sure. Knowing the exact model before you buy matters because different models have different repair costs, different resale value, and different support timelines from Apple.

Check Apple's website if you want detailed specs

Once you know your model name, you can visit Apple's website and search for that model to see the full specifications: camera megapixels, battery life, processor type, and which iOS versions it can run. This is useful if you're deciding whether to upgrade, checking whether an app will work on your phone, or understanding why your phone might be slower than a newer model.

Apple's official specs page also shows you the release date of your model, which helps you understand how old your phone is and how much longer Apple will support it with updates. iPhones typically receive major iOS updates for five to six years after release.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have an iPhone or a different Apple phone?

iPhones are phones. iPad is a tablet with a larger screen. Apple Watch is a wristwatch. If you're holding a phone-sized device that makes calls and texts, it's an iPhone. In Settings > General > About, the model name will start with "iPhone" — if it says "iPad" or "Apple Watch", you have a different device.

What's the difference between iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro?

The Pro has a better camera system (three lenses instead of two), a faster processor, a titanium frame instead of aluminum, and a brighter screen. The standard iPhone 15 is less expensive and still runs the same iOS updates. Check Settings > General > About — if it says "iPhone 15 Pro", you have the Pro model. If it just says "iPhone 15", you have the standard version.

Can I find my iPhone model without turning it on?

Yes. Look at the back of the phone — the model name is sometimes printed there in small text. Check the original box if you have it. Look at the physical design: camera count, notch shape, and edge style all narrow it down. But Settings is the only way to be 100 percent certain without guessing.

Does my iPhone model affect which apps I can read?

Not directly — your iOS version does. Older iPhone models can't run the newest iOS, so they can't read apps that require that iOS version. Check Settings > General > About to see both your model and your iOS version. If an app says it requires iOS 17 and you're running iOS 16, your phone model doesn't matter — you need a newer iOS version, which may not be available for your model.

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

Apple sometimes uses regional names or adds "(3rd generation)" or similar labels. Search the exact name from Settings on Apple's website — you'll find the full specs and release date. If you see something like "iPhone SE (3rd generation)", that's the official name; the SE stands for "Special Edition" and is a smaller, less expensive iPhone model.