How To Tell What Year MacBook You Own

Apple doesn’t usually change the name of its products with each new release. Whichever model of MacBook you purchased will generally have the same name as the one that came before, and those that will come after. This can make figuring out what year your MacBook is a bit difficult.

Keep reading to find out how to tell what year MacBook you own.

Release Year vs. Purchase Year

There is a difference between the year the MacBook model was released and the year you purchased it. Apple does not always release a new model of MacBook every year. Thus, you could have purchased your MacBook up to two or three years after the model became available.

Knowing this difference could help you understand your MacBook’s lifespan. You will also need to understand the difference between release year and year of purchase for warranty purposes. This is especially true if you have purchased Apple Care.

How to Tell What Year MacBook You Own

There are several ways to tell what year MacBook you own. Some methods will tell you the date you purchased the MacBook. Others will tell you what year the model was released. This will matter depending on how you plan to use that information.

Receipt Date

If you need to know your MacBook’s year because of warranty or other lifespan issues, the most accurate way to find that information is on the receipt. Apple does not provide hardcopy receipts, but will send them to your email. The receipt was most likely sent to the email you use for your iCloud account. This is the email they use to log your visit to the Apple store.

The receipt will also be the only way to find the date of purchase if you used a third-party vendor to buy your MacBook. If you can’t find the receipt, you’ll need to contact that vendor to see if they have a copy.

Apple’s My Support

Apple has an online portal to provide information about your MacBook should you ever need it. This includes information such as the purchase date, warranty expirations, and any recent activity to the device, like repairs. This will only work if you purchase your MacBook through the Apple store. To find this information, follow the steps listed below.

1. Go to Apple’s My Support website.
   
2. Log in using your Apple ID and Password.
   
3. Scroll down to the “My Devices” section.
   
4. Click on your MacBook.
   
5. Next to the picture of your MacBook, find the “Date of Purchase.”
   

This will be the date you purchased the MacBook from Apple, either in person or on their website.

About This Mac

There are times when you want to know the year the MacBook model was released. MacBook models will need different parts depending on the year it was released. You may also require the release year to verify if a piece of software will work on your MacBook.

To locate the release year on your MacBook, take these steps.

1. Click on the Apple menu in the upper-left corner. The icon is an apple.
   
2. Select “About this Mac.” A pop-up will appear.
   
3. You can find your MacBook’s year on the Overview tab.
   

This is the fastest way to find the release date of your MacBook.

Serial Number

There may be a time when you need to know your MacBook’s year but can’t access it via the software. Apple offers a tool on its website that uses the MacBook’s serial number to find that information for you. Follow the steps below to locate your MacBook’s year using the serial number.

1. Look at the bottom of your MacBook. You will see a series of tiny text. Look for the word “Serial” and copy the text immediately after it. This is your MacBook’s serial number.
   
2. Go to Apple’s Check Coverage website.
   
3. Enter the serial number and follow the prompts for the website security code.
   
4. Click “Continue.”
   
5. Find your MacBook year next to the picture of the computer.
   

This option will work no matter where you purchased your MacBook. Apple keeps a record of every serial number on the products they produce.

Know the Year of Your MacBook

It’s essential to keep track of two dates regarding your MacBook. The date of purchase will inform you about warranties and Apple Care. The model’s release year can provide information about compatible parts and software. Knowing these two dates is an excellent tool for you.

Did you use one of these methods when learning how to tell what year MacBook you own? Were you using it for Apple Care or to update your computer parts? Let us know in the comments section below.