How to find your iPhone model number

The fastest way to know which iPhone you own is to look at the back of the phone or check your settings. On the back, near the bottom, you'll see small text that says "iPhone" followed by a model name — like "iPhone 15 Pro" or "iPhone 14". That's your model.

If the text is too small to read, go to Settings, tap General, then tap About. Look for the line that says "Model Name". This shows you exactly which iPhone you have.

You can also find a model number (a code like "A2846") in the same About screen. This number identifies your phone to Apple and your carrier, but the model name is what you actually need when you're shopping for cases, looking up specs, or troubleshooting.

Key Takeaways

  • Your iPhone model name is printed on the back of the phone or listed in Settings > General > About.
  • Current models include iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max, released in September 2023.
  • Older models still in use include iPhone 14, 13, 12, 11, and SE, each with different camera and processor capabilities.
  • The model name tells you which accessories fit, which iOS versions your phone can run, and how long Apple will send security updates.

Current iPhone models and when they launched

Apple released the iPhone 15 lineup in September 2023. This generation includes four models: the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The main differences are screen size and camera features — the Pro models have better zoom and a titanium frame, while the standard models have a glass back and aluminum frame.

If you bought your phone in the last year or two, it's almost certainly an iPhone 15 or iPhone 14. The iPhone 14 came out in September 2022 and also comes in four versions: iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max. The 14 Plus was released a month later than the other three.

Many people still use iPhone 13 (released September 2021), iPhone 12 (October 2020), or iPhone 11 (September 2019). These older models still receive security updates from Apple, though not as frequently as newer phones. If you're using one of these, you can still find cases, screen protectors, and chargers designed for your specific model.

iPhone SE and other special editions

The iPhone SE (Special Edition) is a smaller, less expensive model that Apple updates occasionally. The current version is the iPhone SE (3rd generation), released in March 2022. It has the same processor as the iPhone 13 but a smaller screen and older camera system. Some people prefer it because it's cheaper and fits in smaller pockets.

The iPhone SE looks similar to the iPhone 8 from the outside — it has a home button and Touch ID instead of Face ID. This makes it instantly recognizable if you're holding one. Apple does not make a new SE every year, so if you own one, it's likely the 3rd generation unless you bought it used.

What the model name tells you about your phone

The model name matters because it determines which accessories work with your phone. A case made for iPhone 15 will not fit an iPhone 14, even though they look similar. The camera placement and button locations are slightly different. Before you buy a case, screen protector, or charger, always check that it's designed for your specific model.

Your model also determines how long Apple will send you security updates. iPhone 15 models will receive updates for roughly six years. Older models like iPhone 11 are still getting updates, but Apple will eventually stop supporting them. When that happens, your phone still works, but it won't receive patches for new security problems.

The model name also tells you which iOS version your phone can run. Newer iOS versions sometimes drop support for older phones. For example, iOS 17 works on iPhone XS and newer, but not on iPhone X. If you're trying to run a new app and it says your phone is not compatible, the model name is what you need to check against the app's requirements.

Reading the model number vs. the model name

Your phone has both a model name (like "iPhone 15 Pro") and a model number (like "A2846"). These are different things, and they serve different purposes. The model name is what you use when talking to other people or shopping for accessories. The model number is what Apple and your carrier use internally.

If you call Apple Support or visit a repair shop, they may ask for your model number instead of the model name. Both are in the same Settings screen, so you can read off whichever one they need. The model number also tells you which region your phone was sold in — a phone sold in the US has a different model number than the same phone sold in Europe, even though they're the same model name.

You don't need to memorize your model number. Just know that if someone asks for it, you can find it in Settings > General > About, right next to the model name.

What to do if you can't read the back of your phone

If your phone has a case on it or the text on the back is worn away, Settings is your answer. Go to Settings > General > About and look for "Model Name". This is always accurate and always readable.

If you're looking at a used phone you just bought and want to verify it's really the model the seller claimed, the Settings screen is the definitive source. A seller could lie about what's printed on the back, but the phone's own settings cannot lie — they're set by Apple when the phone was manufactured.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro?

Yes. The iPhone 15 Pro has a better camera with 3x zoom, a titanium frame instead of aluminum, and a faster processor. The standard iPhone 15 is less expensive and still takes good photos, but the Pro is designed for people who need advanced camera features or want the latest technology.

Can I use an iPhone 14 case on an iPhone 15?

No. Even though they look similar, the camera placement and button locations are different enough that a case made for one will not fit the other properly. Always buy a case designed for your specific model.

How long will my iPhone 11 get security updates?

Apple typically supports iPhones for about six years from release. The iPhone 11 came out in 2019, so it will likely receive updates through 2025 or 2026. After that, the phone still works, but you won't get new security patches.

What does the model number tell me that the model name doesn't?

The model number tells you which region your phone was sold in and helps Apple and carriers identify your phone internally. For most purposes, the model name is all you need. The model number matters mainly if you're contacting Apple Support or a repair shop.

Can I find out my iPhone model if I don't have the phone with me?

If you have an Apple ID, you can sign into iCloud.com, go to Find My, and see your device listed with its model name. You can also check your original receipt or the box the phone came in, which always lists the model clearly.