MacRumors Forums

Decoding Apple serials (where & when hardware was assembled, 1983–2021);
and Apple Model Numbers, 1977–present
Last updated: 08 September 2024

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OVERVIEW

This WikiPost describes the serial number syntax used for all Apple hardware between 1983 and April 2021*. Especial care is given to relationships between serials and where hardware was assembled.

We’re also aggregating all known Apple Model Numbers, from 1977 to present.

* Post-April 2021 serials, starting with the third alpha-numeric digit, are cryptographically generated and are not human-decipherable

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FAQ

Why is this project worthwhile?

A few proprietary sources over the years have striven to compile rough scopes of Apple’s hardware serials to demystify where and when hardware was assembled. These sources focussed broadly on primary products (like Macs and iDevices) but less so on peripherals, components, and consumables (most relying on the same serializing syntax). Smaller manufacturers, responsible for specialized hardware (e.g., remotes, keyboards, and speakers) tended to be overlooked by those sources.

This WikiPost cites those earlier sources and aggregates their data, along with other sources, into this accessible wiki. The value of this non-proprietary wikipost should improve as more sources are brought into the mix.


So what?

So this WikiPost delivers — hopefully, as a permanent desk reference! — a fairly clear and easy way to decode serial numbers on Apple gear and to look up model numbers. Knowing where and when hardware was assembled offers a hint at how broadly Apple’s manufacturing reach has spread over the last half-century (and to what degree those locations have shaped the contours of Apple’s carbon footprint).

We’ve learnt how some physically heavier products (iMacs, Power Macs, and so on) were assembled on several continents, simultaneously, for region-based sale, rather than at one factory for the entire planet.


Who may edit this WikiPost?

As with all MR forum WikiPosts, any member may modify and update this WikiPost. This is a collaborative project. But if you’re shy about editing the WikiPost, just add your additions to a reply below!

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SERIAL SYNTAX

DIAGRAM A. 1989 through late 2010: 11-alphanumeric

AA B CC DDD EEE
  |　|　 |　　|　　|_ configuration options, i.e., processor, colour, display size, storage, etc. (mix of letters and numbers)
  |　|　 |　　|_ unique device identifier, i.e., individual serial — (mix of letters and numbers)
  |　|　 |_ WEEK of manufacture within calendar year (from 01 to 53)
  |　|_ YEAR of manufacture, pre-2010 (0 to 9, reused for the 1990s and 2000s; i.e., 1999 and 2009 use “9”)
  |_ FACTORY location code [Table 1]


DIAGRAM B. Late 2010 through early 2021: 12-alphanumeric

AA B C D EEE FFFF
  |　|　| |　  |　　 |_ configuration options, i.e., processor, colour, display size, storage, etc. (mix of letters and numbers)
  |　|　| |　  |_ unique device identifier, i.e., individual serial — (mix of letters and numbers)
  |　|　| |_ WEEK of manufacture, post-2010 [Table 2b]
  |　|　|_ YEAR of manufacture, post-2010 [Table 2a]
  |　|_ plant-specific code (possibly useful for identifying a particular assembly line)
  |_ FACTORY location code [Table 1]

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SOURCES CITED

1984. “Apple III Products: Confidential Dealer Price List.” Apple Computer. 15 Dec. Retrieved 2 Jan 2023.
1999. “Apple Model Numbers.” Vintage Computing Wiki, Nov 6th (rev. 27 Mar 2002). Retrieved 14 Dec 2022.
2005. “Apple Lisa serial # and date codes.” MacRumors Forums, Sept 4th. Retrieved 11 Dec 2022.
2018. “Decode the meaning behind your serial number.” Beetstech, Feb 9th. Retrieved 11 Sept 2021.
2019. “Apple serial number to lookup — specs decoder.” Techable, Apr 5th. Retrieved 11 Sept 2021.
2019. “Serial number iPhone code, explained 2010–2021.” tab_tv, Sept 12th. Retrieved 11 Sept 2021.
[nd]. “68K Macintosh Serial Decoder v1.2.” MyOldMac.Net. Retrieved 11 Sept 2021.
[nd]. “Apple ‘Profile’ 5MB HDD.” Powerhouse Collection, Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences (NSW, Australia). Retrieved 11 Dec 2022.
[nd]. “Apple Supplier List.” Apple. Retrieved 15 Jan 2022.
[nd]. “Apple Users Group Sydney.” CVX Melody. Retrieved 29 Dec 2022.
[nd]. Computer History Museum. First retrieved 2 Dec 2022.