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Apple will soon be making a significant change to its serial number format for future products, removing some important information.
In an internal AppleCare email published by US blog MacRumors receive Apple explains that the new serial number format will consist of a random alphanumeric string of 8-14 characters. It will no longer contain any manufacturing information or a configuration code. According to the company, the change in the serial number format will take place in early 2021. The IMEI numbers, however, will not be affected. All currently shipped Apple products will continue to use the current serial number format, while future products will receive the new format. The new serial numbers will initially be 10 characters long - the company said in the internal email.
Serial numbers on Apple products: Prevent fraud
Apple's current serial number format has long allowed both customers and service providers to determine the date and location where a product was manufactured. The first three characters represent the manufacturing location, while the following two indicate the year and week of manufacture. The last four characters currently serve as a "configuration code" that indicates the model, color, and storage capacity of a device. Therefore, the new serial number format, based on randomness, should prevent further fraud—at least it would make the serial number significantly more difficult to decipher. The change would have originally should take place at the end of 2020. The reason for the delay is not known. (Image: Apple)
