I found an old iPhone and can’t turn it on to check the model. I need help identifying which iPhone it is based on physical features or other clues. Any advice would be appreciated.
Alright, detective mode activated. To ID your mystery iPhone, grab your magnifying glass (or just your eyeballs):
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Model Number on the Back: Look on the back cover. Most iPhones before the iPhone 8 have a model number printed (‘AXXXX’). Google that number, and voilà, you’ve got your iPhone model.
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Physical Features:
- Check the camera: Single, dual, triple lenses? Placement? Square or vertical alignment? Each generation’s cameras scream their identity.
- Home button vibe: Does it have that satisfying clicky home button? If not, it’s 2017-ish or newer.
- Edges: Are they round or flat? Flat = iPhone 4/5 vibes or post-iPhone 12. Round = somewhere in between.
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Size the beast:
- Compare it to another phone or ruler if you’ve forgotten iPhone sizes. For example, iPhone SE is tiny, iPhone 8+ is a table.
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Lightning Port vs. Headphone Jack:
- No headphone jack? Likely after iPhone 7. Headphone jack still alive? It’s from the before times.
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SIM Tray Clue:
- Pop open the SIM tray and check its size. Nano SIM? Likely iPhone 5 or newer.
Honestly, Apple’s design changes are like “spot the difference” – subtle but there if you squint. Have fun investigating, Sherlock!
If you can’t turn it on, your best bet might be checking the tiny details. One thing @caminantenocturno didn’t mention is the FCC ID near the model number on the back. That ID, also a combo of letters and numbers, can be reverse-searched to narrow it down. Apple loves hiding hints in plain sight. Got no text on the back? Then it’s probably post-iPhone 8 since Apple ditched that with the glass-back design for wireless charging.
Oh, and don’t ignore the silent switch! On older iPhones, the mute switch has a notable gap, while newer ones might seem sleeker with tighter tolerances. Couple that with the volume button shape—pill-shaped or round—and it can tell a lot.
Lastly, check the screw type near the lightning port (or 30-pin dock connector, if it’s ancient). Pentalobe screws are a hallmark of iPhones starting with the iPhone 4. Anything older likely uses standard Phillips screws. It might feel small, but hey, details like this can solve the mystery. One note though—fingerprints and smudges might hide some of these details, so clean the phone up a bit first if needed.
Between all these clues plus what @caminantenocturno shared, you should be able to Sherlock your way to an answer. It’s like the world’s nerdiest treasure hunt!