How to Tell Which MacBook Model You Have
Whether you bought a used Mac, received one as a gift, or just never paid attention — this guide walks you through finding your exact model in under 60 seconds. Chip, year, RAM, storage, screen size, and which macOS versions it supports. No guessing.
Method 1 — About This Mac (Fastest)
This works on any Mac running macOS. Takes about 10 seconds.
What you're looking for: "Apple M1" means you have a 2020–2021 MacBook. "Apple M2" means 2022–2023. "Apple M3" means 2023–2024. "Apple M4" means 2024–2025. "Apple M5" means 2026–present (current generation, March 2026). Any "Intel Core" means 2019 or earlier (most commonly 2017–2020).
Method 2 — System Information (Full Specs)
For the complete picture — exact model identifier, serial number, graphics card, Bluetooth version, everything:
Method 3 — Serial Number on the Case
If the Mac won't turn on, or you haven't set it up yet:
- Flip the MacBook over
- The serial number is printed on the bottom case in small text near the hinge
- Enter it at checkcoverage.apple.com — Apple will show you the exact model, purchase date, and warranty status
- You can also Google the serial number prefix (first 4 characters) to look up the model family
Quick ID Guide — What Each Chip Means
| What it says under "Chip" | Model year | Screen size | macOS support through |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple M5 | 2026–present | 13" or 15" | 2033+ (estimated) |
| Apple M4 | 2024–2025 | 13" or 15" | 2031+ (estimated) |
| Apple M3 | 2023–2024 | 13", 14", 15", 16" | 2029+ (estimated) |
| Apple M2 | 2022–2023 | 13", 14", 15", 16" | 2027–2028 (estimated) |
| Apple M1 | 2020–2021 | 13", 14", 16" | 2026–2027 (estimated) |
| Apple M1 Pro / Max | 2021 | 14", 16" | 2027–2028 (estimated) |
| Intel Core i5 / i7 (2020) | 2020 | 13" | 2025–2026 (dropping soon) |
| Intel Core i5 / i7 (2019–2018) | 2018–2019 | 13", 15", 16" | Already losing support |
| Intel Core i5 / i7 (2017 or older) | 2015–2017 | 11", 12", 13" | macOS Monterey — end of line |
What the Information Tells You
Once you've identified your model, here's what matters most:
macOS Support
Apple typically supports a Mac for 7–8 years with major OS updates, then it becomes "vintage." A 2017 Intel Mac is already at the end of its supported life — it won't run the latest macOS. A 2020 M1 Mac still has several years ahead of it.
RAM and Storage (Can't Be Changed)
Every MacBook since 2013 has RAM and storage permanently soldered to the logic board. What you see in About This Mac is what you have permanently. There's no upgrade path. If your Mac has 8GB RAM and you need more, you'll need to buy a different Mac.
Resale Value
Knowing your exact model lets you look up realistic resale prices. An M1 MacBook Air 8GB/256GB is worth around $380–430 in DFW right now. A 2018 Intel Air 8GB is worth significantly less — closer to $150–200.
Can't turn on the Mac at all? Flip it over and find the serial number on the bottom case. Enter it at checkcoverage.apple.com — Apple will tell you the exact model, purchase date, and remaining warranty without needing to boot the machine.
Thinking About Selling?
Now that you know exactly what model you have, you can get an accurate quote. At Caldex Systems, we buy used MacBooks in the DFW area — M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, and select Intel models. Text us your model, RAM, storage, and battery cycle count and we'll make an offer the same day.
Know Your Model — Now Get a Quote
Text us your MacBook specs and we'll make an offer within hours. Cash on pickup, no shipping, no lowball nonsense.
Text Us Your SpecsDFW area · Cash on pickup · Same-day response