The switchover was initially scheduled for late 2020, but was delayed until early 2021. All Apple-brand electronic devices have a way to see their serial number in the system settings. There’s no specific reasoning given for why Apple plans to switch randomized serial numbers, but such a change could help reduce fraud.
They are 10 completely random alphanumeric characters, but the length could eventually increase.Ĭurrently, Apple serial numbers are broken down into several parts, as the report explains. The new randomized serial numbers will not allow Apple service providers or customers to glean any information about the associated product. Any product that is currently shipping will “continue to use the current serial number format.” Future products will be the ones to shift to the new format, and Apple says this transition will happen in “early 2021.” This is a change from the current serial number system that identifies things like the date and location of manufacture for the product.Īs first reported by MacRumors, this change will only apply to future products. According to a new AppleCare email this week, the company will soon start using randomized alphanumeric serial numbers. Apple will reportedly be making a change to how it identifies future products.