Apple will switch to randomized serial numbers in early 2021

Apple will soon be changing the way serial numbers of Macs and MacBooks are created, with a switch to randomized numbers in early 2021 making it harder to suss out details about a device.

Currently, the serial number of Apple products use a format that can provide more information about the device. The existing string can be used to work out when and where a device was produced, as well as configuration codes that reveal the model and storage capacity of the device.

In a change to that structure, Apple will be switching over to a new serial number format that consists of a random alphanumeric string between 8 characters and 14 character in length. The internal AppleCare email seen by MacRumors explains it will be scheduled for introduction in "early 2021," and will initially use serial numbers that are 10 digits in length.

The introduction was originally set to take place in early 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced Apple to delay its implementation by a year. Currently-shipping Apple products will continue using the existing format, but future products will switch to the new version.

The change in format will effectively make it impossible to gleam details of the location of manufacture and the week and year of production, details that can be determined with the current system.

Other unique identifiers, such as the IMEI number of an iPhone, will remain unchanged in their current format.

27 Comments

crowley 10431 comments · 15 Years

About 3 years ago

I’ve never heard any concerns about serial numbers before?

Seems like it’ll make it harder to do serial number checks for repairs, trade-ins or recalls.

mike1 3437 comments · 10 Years

crowley said:

I’ve never heard any concerns about serial numbers before?

Seems like it’ll make it harder to do serial number checks for repairs, trade-ins or recalls.

I wouldn't think so. The serial numbers are kept in a database and they make you enter the s/n anyway.

RickCiervo 1 comment · 3 Years

Interesting and odd. I wonder what problem this solves? Anyway, I think you meant to use the word "glean" not "gleam".

digitol 276 comments · 15 Years

Lame. Security through obscurity not good. Apple may also be trying to disrupt the second market and further crush right to repair. Shrugs. Sad.

hammeroftruth 1356 comments · 16 Years

digitol said:

Lame. Security through obscurity not good. Apple may also be trying to disrupt the second market and further crush right to repair. Shrugs. Sad.

How would that disrupt those things you mentioned? They’re just changing the way they make serial numbers. It could be the the current way is about to run out of numbers, much like phone numbers did back in the 90’s and the phone carriers had to make new area codes.

Secondary markets will move with Apple in determining what configuration you are buying or selling. Plus if you are buying from a private individual, and have an Apple store nearby, they can give you the details of the configuration and if the device is in warranty or not.

Serial numbers should not affect right to repair. The way the devices are assembled and repaired by Apple will.