Apple will randomize Mac serial numbers starting this year

[OneMoreThing...]

Enlarge / The 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro running macOS. (credit: Samuel Axon)

According to MacRumors, Apple will completely change how the serial numbers for Macs are generated. The numbers will soon be fully randomized, meaning that users, IT managers, repair-shop technicians, and others will not be able to glean the same information from them that the current serial number system provides.

Serial numbers on Macs shipping today reflect the time and place where the Mac was assembled, as well as some configuration details like storage capacity. Moving forward, serial numbers will be fully random, with no code or consistency that can be used to learn information about the product. The new numbers will be between eight and 14 characters long.

MacRumors claims it learned of the change when it gained access to an internal AppleCare email. This change does not apply to Mac models that are shipping today, but it will go into effect for future Macs the company will introduce. That includes the rumored MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iMac refreshes expected later this year, as well as new Mac Pro models that appear to be planned for a later date.

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[pm-r]

I'm glad I doubt I will ever be affected, but what possible reason would Apple have for making such a change other than screwing up how some of their users work and use such data?????

Change for the sake of change again...????

It boggles one's mind...


- Patrick
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[Slydude]

I don't think it's change for the sake of change. Under the current system, anyone familiar with the pattern for generating the serial numbers can figure out a unit's initial hardware configuration. For many users, that initial configuration is also their current configuration because they haven't had a need to make changes.

I realize that the odds of someone actively trying to get that information from most users is probably ridiculously low but as an end user why should I make it easier for them than need be?

 

[chscag]

Change for the sake of change again...????

Serial numbers on Macs shipping today reflect the time and place where the Mac was assembled, as well as some configuration details like storage capacity. Moving forward, serial numbers will be fully random, with no code or consistency that can be used to learn information about the product. The new numbers will be between eight and 14 characters long.

So... a person wants to sell their Mac, advertises it and gives all the specs. A smart buyer will ask for the serial number first. Because the buyer wants to know if the specs advertised are true and not faked. And the buyer also wants to know if the Mac has been stolen.

A random serial number that shows no designations can mislead customers and potential buyers. What's the point of Apple doing this? Maybe we're missing something?

 

[Slydude]

I hadn't thought of that scenario Charlie. Surely there will be a way to verify such information.Even with the current system though the serial numbers would at best identify the date and place of manufacture, initial system configuration and perhaps whether it's stolen.

 

[Rod]

I agree with Charlie on this one. It’s just taking away a useful consumer tool. I don’t understand the reasoning behind it.