The official release year of each device (always prefaced with Early, Mid, or Late) is also a reliable way to identify an Apple computer, but mysteriously the release year is nowhere to be found on the exterior of the device. On the other hand, the EMC number is a relatively unique number, usually changing with each official release of a product line.

Don’t even bother trying to use it to pinpoint which device you have because Apple likes to use the same model numbers over and over again. The model number, the gold standard of electronics identification.

Remember, they like to “think different”, but in their goal of simplicity, they don’t really make it easy on you when you’re trying to figure out which upgrade is compatible with your computer, or which part you need to replace when something goes wrong. Essentially, EMC numbers refer to the ability of electronic equipment to be a ‘good electromagnetic neighbor’, without causing or being susceptible to electromagnetic interference.Īre you confused yet? Don’t stress, all you need to know is that EMC numbers are located on almost every iMac, MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air (with the exception of certain older models) and are most commonly used for identification purposes.Īpple doesn’t seem to be a fan of the identification methods used by, well basically the entire electronics manufacturing community. And in a world where Apple insists on using the same model number for six different computers (I’m looking at you A1278), understanding how to use EMC numbers is downright necessary.ĮMC numbers are often overlooked or unheard of, but are very useful when used properly. EMC stands for “Electromagnetic Compatibility” and, unfortunately, seems more complex than necessary. Many people don’t fully know what they mean, or don’t know they exist at all, but they can be an great method of IDing Apple devices. EMC numbers identify every iMac, MacBook, Mac mini and just about every other Apple computer.

Mac serial number model