Apple Begins Transition to Randomized Serial Numbers With Purple iPhone 12

[gnasher729]

I feel this will be problematic for sites like EveryMac, where you can search for the product specifications based on serial number.

Now, no one but Apple will have the mapping for what serial number is what product.

I would assume that Apple makes that available through some API. With either bogus information for non-existing numbers, or throttling if you look mostly for non-existing numbers. I think the main purpose is that people can’t guess serial numbers of real devices.

 

[usagora]

How do they ensure that that the random number comes up twice on 2 of the same product?

I don't understand the question. Every serial number would be unique, as always. You wouldn't want the same randomized serial number on two of the same product.

 

[bookofxero]

I get that some people abused the serial number system to get specific screen panels or the like, but there were also some really good things to come out of being able to identify the manufacture week.
For example, having worked BOH at the Cube a decade ago, it was handy for ensuring the "oldest" phones were fronted. This meant they went out first, reducing the potential false impression of a phone being DOA at activation.

 

[bookofxero]

I get that some people abused the serial number system to get specific screen panels or the like, but there were also some really good things to come out of being able to identify the manufacture week.
For example, having worked BOH at the Cube a decade ago, it was handy for ensuring the "oldest" phones were fronted. This meant they went out first, reducing the potential false impression of a phone being DOA at activation.

Also, the "4 before the last 4" trick was a handy quick validator.

 

[mansplains]

I have a 12 Mini coming in today, will check it out. Also FedEx > UPS when it comes to Apple delivery (as well as most other shipping things.)

 

[MacBH928]

I don't understand the question. Every serial number would be unique, as always. You wouldn't want the same randomized serial number on two of the same product.

Sorry i typed that wrong, I meant how they make sure no 2 random numbers come out matching each other. I know the chances are slim but it still could happen. Ex. if you randomly pick a number between 1-100 there is a chance 57 would come out more than one time , 1/100 chance in fact.

 

[MacBH928]

Prevent fraud by repair shops that charge Apple for non-existing warranty repairs. Since they have no device, they need to make up a seriel number for an existing device. That’s now a lot harder.

I am sure someone will build up a database of legit iPhone serial numbers then someone can just pick 1 and contact Apple asking for a repair.

Plus, this is a little bit too late, they have been making iphones for 14 years now, they just thought of this?

 

[usagora]

Sorry i typed that wrong, I meant how they make sure no 2 random numbers come out matching each other. I know the chances are slim but it still could happen. Ex. if you randomly pick a number between 1-100 there is a chance 57 would come out more than one time , 1/100 chance in fact.

I'm sure whatever software they're using to generate these numbers has a rule that doesn't let it match any other number in the database. It's not like they're just willy-nilly assigning random serial numbers with no record of the ones they've already assigned.

 

[wellander1]

Do any apple products still shipping still use the older version of the serial number?

 

[JPack]

Do any apple products still shipping still use the older version of the serial number?

No, they haven't for a long time.

 

[wellander1]

No, they haven't for a long time.

I thought that the m1 macbook airs still used it?

 

[JPack]

I thought that the m1 macbook airs still used it?

No, they don't. Below is an example a current M1 MBA serial I found on eBay. It's completely randomized.

Old M1 MBA serials from 2021 and prior would start with a predictable FVF indicating site of assembly.

 

[Populus]

That one just started on HRT.

 

[wellander1]

I have a m1 mac mini introduced at the same time as the m1 Macbook pros 13 inch and the mi MacBooks 13 inch that have the old serial number format.

 

[JPack]

I have a m1 mac mini introduced at the same time as the m1 Macbook pros 13 inch and the mi MacBooks 13 inch that have the old serial number format.

That's expected. But anything shipping today, including M1 products, use the randomized format.

It makes sense because randomized serials are to protect Apple from fraud. These things also have a long tail end. Walmart has a special deal to continue selling M1 and Apple is obviously still making them. Prepaid carriers like Boost Mobile are selling brand new iPhone 11 still. These are not old stock and Apple is still making them for some carriers and developing markets.

 

[wellander1]

That is odd since Apple said that currently shipping (as of the change) products will keep the old format

 

[wellander1]

Here is a comparison of my apple items that I have
Iphone 14 (x2) new format
iPad 9 new format
ipod touch 7th old format (bought right before they got discontinued)
Mac mini 2014 old format of course
Mac mini 2018 (x2) old format of course
and Mac mini 2020 (m1) old format
and some accessories (cables, adapters, e.t.c) all in the old format.