TL;DR
Follow these steps to find what year is your MacBook:
- Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
- Select About This Mac from the dropdown menu.
- A window will appear showing your Mac’s model name and year.
- If you need more details, click the More Info button for additional specifications.
Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.
Wondering how old your MacBook Pro or Air is? You’re in the right place. This post will show you three quick and easy ways to find out the exact year and model of your MacBook. Whether you check through the Apple menu, use Apple’s support site, or look elsewhere, you’ll get the info you need in no time. Let’s get started!
3 Methods to Find What Year Is My MacBook Pro or Air
To find out what year your MacBook Pro or Air is, you can use three simple methods. First, click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select About This Mac to see the model year. Second, visit Apple’s Check Coverage page and enter your MacBook’s serial number to get detailed information.
Third, check the original purchase receipt or the box your MacBook came in for the model year. These methods will quickly give you the information you need.
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Below, I’ve shared detailed steps of these methods to help you find out what year your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air was produced:
1. From the Apple Menu
The Apple menu serves as a central hub for managing and navigating through various aspects of the Mac system. You can find it in the top-left corner of the screen, and the Apple logo represents it.
The Apple menu is a simple and direct way to identify your MacBook Pro or Air model and year. Follow these steps to find your Mac’s model and year from the Apple Menu:
- Click the Apple logo in the upper-left corner of your MacBook’s screen and select About this Mac.
- A window will appear displaying essential information about your Mac, including the model and year.
- Here, you will find the model name and year of your MacBook Pro or Air. For example, it might state MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2020) or MacBook Air (15-inch, Mid 2018). This information indicates the specific model and the year it was first released.
- If you need additional information, click the More Info button. This will provide comprehensive details about display resolution, storage capacity, coverage status, and other specifications.
2. From Apple’s Support Site
Apple’s support site also offers a convenient and reliable solution to identify the specific model of your Mac. It has a comprehensive database of Mac models and their corresponding details.
Warning ⚠️: Be cautious when entering your MacBook’s serial number online. Only use official Apple websites to avoid phishing scams.
Here’s how to determine your Mac’s model and age from the Apple Support site:
- If you can access your MacBook, click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen and select About This Mac. The window that appears will display the serial number. Make a note of it.
- Open a web browser on any device and navigate to Apple’s Check Coverage page.
- Enter or paste your MacBook’s serial number into the provided text box on the Check Coverage page.
- Sometimes, you may be asked to log in using your Apple ID. You can use any Apple ID for this step, it’s not necessary to use the same ID logged into your Mac.
- After entering the serial number and completing the necessary verification steps, you will see detailed information about your MacBook. This includes the model name, year of release, warranty status, and AppleCare coverage details.
- You can also find other important information besides the model and year, such as the Apple silicon or Intel chip model, memory capacity, storage size, and more.
🔍 The serial number on your MacBook can reveal more than just the model year; it also contains information about where and when it was manufactured.
3. Through Other Sources
If the previous methods are not feasible, there are alternative ways to locate your MacBook Pro or Air’s model number and determine its year.
Here are some other sources to find your Mac’s model number:
- If you have the original purchase invoice or the box in which your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air came, look for the serial number on these documents. The serial number typically accompanies the product information.
- You can also find the serial number printed on the back of your MacBook near the FCC markings. Take note of it for future reference.
- If you cannot find the serial number using the previous methods, refer to Apple’s support page for detailed information on identifying MacBook Pro or Air model numbers.
Why Is It Important to Know the Year of Your MacBook Pro or Air?
Knowing the year of your MacBook Pro or Air holds significant importance for several reasons. Below, I’ve shared some reasons why it’s important to find out your MacBook’s manufacturing year.
1. Understanding the Age of Your Device
Firstly, it helps you understand the age of your device. Apple regularly updates MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models with new features, improved performance, and enhanced capabilities.
Knowing your MacBook’s year, you can gauge its relative modernity and determine if it aligns with your current needs and expectations.
2. Assessing Hardware Specifications
The year of your MacBook Pro or Air is closely tied to its hardware specifications. Apple introduces hardware advancements and improvements with each new model, such as faster processors, more RAM, improved graphics, and increased storage capacity.
By identifying the year, you can assess the technical capabilities of your MacBook and ascertain if it meets the requirements of the latest software and applications.
3. Aiding in Troubleshooting and Technical Support
Knowing the year of your MacBook Pro or Air can also aid in troubleshooting and seeking technical support. Apple provides support and software updates based on the specific models and their respective release years.
By accurately identifying your MacBook’s year, you can access the correct documentation, drivers, and software updates tailored to your device.
4. Impact on Resale Value
The year of your MacBook affects its resale value. Buyers often consider the age and specifications of a used MacBook Pro or Air when making a purchasing decision. Knowing the year, you can better assess its market value and set an appropriate price if you decide to sell or trade it in.
Wrapping Up
Now that you know how to find out what year my MacBook is, here are a few more tips to learn more about your Mac:
- If you’re considering buying your first MacBook or upgrading to a newer model, find out what software comes with MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.
- For those who game a lot, it’s worth knowing if MacBooks are good for gaming before investing in one.
- Learn how long do MacBooks last to get an idea about their average lifespan.
