Before any MacBook repair, the first question is always the same: which MacBook is it exactly? “MacBook Air” or “MacBook Pro” is not enough. A screen from an M1 MacBook Air will not fit an M2, and a 14″ MacBook Pro battery will not fit a 16″. This guide shows you three ways to find your exact model in under a minute, even if your MacBook will not turn on.
1. If Your MacBook Turns On: About This Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and choose About This Mac. The window shows the model name and year (for example “MacBook Air, M2, 2022” or “MacBook Pro, 14-inch, 2023”) and the chip. That is usually all a repair shop needs to quote you.
For the full model identifier, hold the Option key and choose Apple menu → System Information. The Hardware Overview shows the Model Identifier and the serial number.
2. If It Won’t Turn On: The A-Number on the Base
Turn the MacBook over. In the small print near the hinge you will find “Model A” followed by four digits, such as A2337 or A2442. This A-number identifies the hardware family and is the quickest way to tell similar-looking models apart. It is the number to send us on WhatsApp if your MacBook is dead, cracked or liquid-damaged.
3. Check the Serial Number With Apple
The serial number is printed on the base next to the A-number, and it is also on the original box. Enter it at Apple’s Check Coverage page to see the exact model name and whether your MacBook is still under warranty or AppleCare.
Common MacBook A-Numbers
| A-Number | Model | Chip / Year |
|---|---|---|
| A1932 | MacBook Air 13″ | Intel 2018–2019 |
| A2179 | MacBook Air 13″ | Intel 2020 |
| A2337 | MacBook Air 13″ | M1 2020 |
| A2681 | MacBook Air 13″ | M2 2022 |
| A2941 | MacBook Air 15″ | M2 2023 |
| A3113 / A3114 | MacBook Air 13″ / 15″ | M3 2024 |
| A3240 / A3241 | MacBook Air 13″ / 15″ | M4 2025 |
| A2289 / A2251 | MacBook Pro 13″ | Intel 2020 |
| A2338 | MacBook Pro 13″ | M1 2020 / M2 2022 |
| A2141 | MacBook Pro 16″ | Intel 2019 |
| A2442 / A2485 | MacBook Pro 14″ / 16″ | M1 Pro / Max 2021 |
| A2779 / A2780 | MacBook Pro 14″ / 16″ | M2 Pro / Max 2023 |
| A2918 / A2992 / A2991 | MacBook Pro 14″ / 16″ | M3 family 2023 |
Newer models (M4 MacBook Pro, M5 and the OLED MacBook Pro) can be identified with About This Mac or the serial number check above. The full lists are on our MacBook Air repair and MacBook Pro repair pages.
Why the Exact Model Matters for Repairs
- Screens differ by generation. The M1 MacBook Air uses a 13.3″ Retina panel; the M2 and later use a 13.6″ Liquid Retina panel with a notch. See MacBook screen repair.
- Batteries differ by size and capacity. A 13″ MacBook Air battery will not fit a 15″. See MacBook battery replacement.
- Charging differs. The M1 Air charges only by USB-C; M2 and later Airs and the 14″/16″ Pros add MagSafe 3. See MacBook charging port repair.
- Storage is soldered on Apple Silicon. If an M-series MacBook will not start, your files are on the logic board itself, so recovery means a board-level repair. See MacBook logic board repair and MacBook data recovery.
Not sure what you have? WhatsApp a photo of the base to +65 9750 4333 and we will identify it for you, free. For every repair we offer, see MacBook repair Singapore.
FAQ
Where is the model number on a MacBook?
On the underside, in the small print near the hinge. It starts with the letter A followed by four digits, for example A2337.
Is the A-number the same as the model year?
No. One A-number can cover more than one year. For example, A2338 is the 13-inch MacBook Pro with either the M1 chip (2020) or the M2 chip (2022). About This Mac or Apple’s coverage check gives the exact year.
How do I tell a MacBook Air from a MacBook Pro?
Check About This Mac, or look up the A-number in the table above. On older models, a Touch Bar above the keyboard means it is a MacBook Pro; the MacBook Air never had one.