Apple Serial Lookup

Identify any Apple device from its serial number by combining local decoding with web lookups.

Workflow

1. Decode locally (old 11-12 char format)

Run the bundled decoder script:

python3 scripts/decode_serial.py <SERIAL>

This extracts:

• Manufacturing location and date
• Model codes and configuration identifiers
• Model identifier (e.g., MacBookPro10,1, iPhone9,1) when known
• Basic specs (RAM, storage options) from built-in database

The script includes a database of common model codes compiled from repair sources and EveryMac.

2. Web lookup for complete specs and unknown models

For full specifications or unknown model codes, perform web lookup:

• Primary: web_search for "Apple serial number <SERIAL> specs" or "<SERIAL> site:everymac.com"
• Fallback: web_fetch from https://everymac.com/ultimate-mac-lookup/?search_keywords=<SERIAL>

If EveryMac is blocked by captcha, try:

• https://appleserialnumberinfo.com/Desktop/index.php?sn=<SERIAL> (may need browser)
• Search for the model code (e.g., "Apple DKQ model identifier") to match to a specific device

For new-format (post-2021) serials, web search won't help — direct the user to check Apple's coverage page themselves:

• Apple Check Coverage: https://checkcoverage.apple.com/ (requires captcha, but returns device model + warranty status)
• This is the only reliable source for randomized 10-character serials
• Apple switched to randomized serials starting in late 2020/early 2021 (beginning with iPhone 12 and M1 Macs), fully rolled out across all products by 2021

3. Present results

Combine local decode + web data into a comprehensive summary:

Enhanced Output (from local decode):

• Device: Model name and identifier (e.g., MacBook Pro 15" Mid-2012, MacBookPro10,1)
• Serial: Full serial number
• Manufactured: Location, week, year (e.g., ~Week 38, Sep 2012, Quanta Shanghai)
• Specs: RAM and storage options from built-in database
• Model Codes: Last 4 characters with decode attempt

Web Enhancement (when needed):

• Exact processor specifications
• Complete technical specifications
• Warranty status (Apple Check Coverage)
• Current market value

Reference

• Serial format & encoding: references/serial-format.md
• Model code database: references/model-codes.md - mappings from model codes to device specs and model identifiers

The model code database is continuously expandable as new mappings are discovered.

Notes

• Old format (12 chars): decodable locally for location/date, web needed for exact model
• New format (10-14 chars, 2021+): fully randomized, web lookup is the only option
• IMEI numbers (15 digits) are NOT serial numbers — note this if a user provides one
• The script outputs JSON for easy parsing