iPhone 5 Model Number Question

I don't think anyone currently knows.

It could be a multitude of reasons. For instance, in Europe the French iPhone is exactly identical in hardware to iPhones sold in other countries, but its model number* is different so the phone knows to apply a volume limiter (which is required by law there.)

It could be something like that, or that it uses components from a different manufacturer (like the screen or the flash memory.)


*) Actually the country code appended to the model number

The country code is the part at the end. In your case, it's LL. My model number is MD298DN, where DN is the country code.

the European iP5 uses the identical hardware as the Sprint and Verizon models. Provisioning software is different.
The ATT model is specific to ATT only and will only be sold for that as well as the minor US carriers

My (UK) replacement's (iPhone 5, 16GB, black) model number is ND297.
Googling that model number brings up 0 results, only results for MD297 (which corresponds to the 16GB black version). Can anyone shed some light on this?

Edit: and the back of the original phone's box says MD297, too.

I'm guessing this is because it's a replacement? The Genius told me it was't refurbished because it's too soon for there to be any refurbs.

Nevermind, I just saw this post. I really should do a proper search before posting...

To add a little more confusion to the mix...

White iPhone 5, 64GB, purchased from AT&T store: MD647LL/A
White iPhone 5, 64GB, replacement, from Apple store: MD645LL/A