Decoding serial numbers for Apple product types and manufacturing locations

I have heard and also found somewhere in this community about decoding the serial number with first letter indicating the types of product like M for manufactured, N for replacement etc. Is that the same for other products also? I also found something like the first two letter of the serial number is related with the country/city where the product is manufactured? is that true then is the list of such codes available publicly? i want to know specifically for the products with mac os like macbook or mac mini along with iphone.





[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Decoding the Serial Number.

Mac mini, macOS 15.6

Posted on Sep 6, 2025 1:07 AM

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5 replies

Sep 6, 2025 8:23 AM in response to ajaysinghnp

I have heard and also found somewhere in this community about decoding the serial number with first letter indicating the types of product like M for manufactured, N for replacement etc. Is that the same for other products also?


Someone posted bad info. Those codes not for Macs. The M, N, F, codes are at the of the order number (often mixed up by Apple as model number) of iPhones and iPads. This is a replacement iPad following an Apple battery service:



— If the model number starts with M, it was purchased new from Apple or a major carrier.

— If the model number starts with F, it was refurbished by Apple.

— If the model number starts with P, it was sold as a personalized device with Apple engraving.

— If the model number starts with N, Apple provided it as a replacement device for a device returned for service


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Decoding serial numbers for Apple product types and manufacturing locations

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