Decoding Apple serials (where & when hardware was assembled) 1983–2021; and Apple Model Numbers, 1977–present

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B S Magnet

macrumors 601

Decoding Apple serials (where & when hardware was assembled, 1983–2021);
and Apple Model Numbers, 1977–present
Last updated: 19 May 2023

This WikiPost provides, as complete as possible, a description of the Apple serial number syntax used for all Apple hardware between 1983 (ca. Apple Lisa) and April 2021*. Especial care is given to relationships between serials and where hardware was assembled.

We are also aggregating all known Apple Model Numbers dating from 1977 through today.

* April 2021 and serials subsequent to then, starting with the third alpha-numeric digit, are cryptographically randomized and are not engineered to be human-decipherable

Why is this project worthwhile?

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

This WikiPost cites those earlier sources and aggregates their data, along with other sources, into one open, accessible wiki. The value of this non-proprietary WikiPost ought to improve as more sources and references get 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 Apple’s carbon footprint).

So far, 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 WikiPosts on MR forums, any member may modify and update this WikiPost. This is a collaborative peer project. But if you’re shy about editing the WikiPost, just add your additions to a reply below!

SERIAL SYNTAX

DIAGRAM A. 1989 through late 2010: 11-alphanumeric

AA B CC DDD EEE
| | | | |_ c onfiguration options, i.e., processor, colour, display size, storage, etc. (mix of letters and numbers)
| | | |_ u nique 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 l ocation code [ Table 1 ]

Figure 1. Cartographic visualization of factory location data from Table 1.

REGION LEGEND
███ (GREEN, top-left hue in colour picker): the Americas
███ (RED, bottom row, fourth from left): Asia
███ (BLUE, top row, fourth from left): Europe
███ (PURPLE, top row, fifth from left): Oceania
███ (ORANGE, bottom row, second from left): Africa

Table 1. “AA” in serials: FACTORY location code*

* Most single-letter location codes (e.g., A, C, E, F, G, K, R, S, etc.) appeared in serials on Apple hardware products produced during the 1980s and early 1990s. This period includes serial syntax variations which diverged from later, standardized serial syntax formats described above in Diagrams A and B .

DATE LEGEND
███ (TAN, third row, fifth from left hue in colour picker): 1st half of YEAR (weeks 1 thru 27)
███ (SALMON, third row, third from left): 2nd half of YEAR (weeks 28 thru 53)

Table 2a. “C” in serials, 2010–2021: YEAR