Ever looked at your phone and realized you actually have no idea what it's called? You aren't alone. Between the "Pro" models, the "Max" models, and the "SE" that looks like a ghost from 2017, Apple has made it surprisingly hard to tell things apart at a glance.
Honestly, it’s kinda frustrating. You go to buy a screen protector or a new case and the cashier asks, "Is that the 15 or the 16?" and you just... stare at the cameras.
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Knowing which iphone do i have is basically a survival skill if you're trying to trade it in or fix a cracked screen. Let's cut through the confusion.
The 5-Second Software Trick
If your phone actually turns on, don't guess based on the color. Software never lies. Usually.
Grab your phone. Open Settings. Tap General, then hit About.
Boom. Right there, next to Model Name, it will say "iPhone 15 Pro" or "iPhone 13 mini." It’s the gold standard. If you're on a newer version of iOS (like iOS 18 or the latest 2026 updates), you can even tap and hold that name to copy it. Super handy if you’re chatting with a support tech.
What if I see a weird code?
Sometimes you’ll see something like "Model Number" followed by a string of gibberish like MTUX3LL/A. That’s a part number. Tap that code once. It will transform into a shorter code starting with the letter A (like A3101). That "A" number is the DNA of your hardware.
Identifying Your iPhone by the "A" Number
If your screen is black or the touch-screen is ghosting, you can't use the settings menu. You’ve gotta go old school.
For anything made in the last few years—basically the iPhone 8 and everything newer—Apple hid the model number inside the SIM tray slot. Pop that tray out with a paperclip. Look inside the hole where the tray goes, specifically toward the screen side. You might need a flashlight and maybe some reading glasses because that text is microscopic.
For the ancient relics (iPhone 7 or earlier), just flip the phone over. It’s etched right on the back.
Here is a quick breakdown of common codes you might find in 2026:
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: A3298
- iPhone 17: A3288
- iPhone 16 Pro: A3292
- iPhone 16: A3286
- iPhone 15: A3089
- iPhone SE (3rd Gen): A2595
If your number isn't here, you can just type that "A" code into Google. It'll tell you the exact specs in half a second.
Visual Clues (The "Eyeball" Method)
Maybe you’re looking at a phone across the room or one that’s stuck in a drawer. You can usually narrow it down by the "furniture" on the device.
Look at the Charging Port
This is the biggest giveaway for modern phones. Does it have a USB-C port? If yes, it’s an iPhone 15 or newer. If it has the old Lightning port (the slim one that only fits Apple cables), it’s an iPhone 14 or older. This single change in 2023 changed everything for "which iphone do i have" detective work.
The Camera Bump
- One Camera: You’re likely holding an iPhone SE (any generation) or an ancient iPhone 8.
- Two Cameras (Diagonal): That’s a standard iPhone 13, 14, or 15.
- Two Cameras (Vertical): This is the new look for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17.
- Three Cameras: You’ve got a "Pro" model.
The Dynamic Island
Look at the top of the screen while it's on. Do you see a little "pill" shape floating at the top that changes size? That’s the Dynamic Island. It started with the 14 Pro, but by the time the iPhone 15 came out, every new model had it. If you still have a "notch" (the black bar cut into the top of the screen), you’re using older tech.
Why the Model Number Actually Matters
You might think "iPhone 14" is enough info. It isn't.
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Apple makes different versions of the same phone for different countries. A US-model iPhone 16, for instance, has no physical SIM tray at all—it's 100% eSIM. If you bought your phone in Europe or Asia, it might still have that physical slot.
Checking the "A" number helps you realize if your phone is a "Global" version or a regional one, which is huge for 5G compatibility if you travel a lot. Also, if you’re looking for a battery replacement, some "Pro" and "non-Pro" batteries look identical but won't fit the connectors.
Summary Checklist for Identification
- Is it alive? Go to Settings > General > About.
- Is it dead? Check the SIM tray slot for the "A" number.
- Does it have USB-C? If so, it's at least a 15.
- No SIM slot at all? You've got a US-model iPhone 14 or newer.
Actionable Next Steps:
Now that you know exactly which model you have, you should check your battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If you have an iPhone 15 or newer, you can even see your exact cycle count, which is a better indicator of how much life is left in your device than the percentage alone. If you're planning to sell, take a screenshot of that "About" page now—it's the first thing any buyer is going to ask to see.