Perform both checks. Use the Apple serial number check Apple provides for warranty and Activation Lock. Use an IMEI check (via a third-party carrier checker or paid service) to see if the device is reported stolen by a cellular carrier.
With the shift to randomized serial numbers, the art of "decoding" is dead for new devices. Apple has done this to combat fraud and parts reselling. In the future, the only way to perform an will accept is via encrypted API calls. apple serial number check apple
Before handing over cash for a used device, follow this protocol: Perform both checks
In the vast ecosystem of Apple products—from the iPhone in your pocket to the MacBook on your desk—every single device carries a unique identifier. This 10-to-12-character string (or longer for newer models) is more than just a random jumble of letters and numbers. It is the genetic code of your hardware. With the shift to randomized serial numbers, the
