Apple will switch to randomized serial numbers in early 2021 (opens in new tab)

(appleinsider.com)

25 pointsbobbybidon5y ago8 comments

8 comments

ziml775y ago

Is the number still serial if it's random?

Jaxkr5y ago

Why? And why only Macs and not iPhones? Is this currently a major privacy issue?

throwaway20485y ago

Likely to prevent gleaning of production amounts from serial numbers.

Nextgrid5y ago

I wonder if it’s to prevent “Hackintosh” machines from connecting to Apple services? Services such as iCloud and iMessage require the machine to have a valid serial, and given the format of them is well-known it’s easy to make a valid serial.

rasz5y ago

Its a business issue.

mofosyne5y ago

Assuming base 32 and we have 8char initially. That gives us around 32^8 = 1.099e12 of serial numbers. Might be enough for a while.

ksec5y ago

Still not seen any convincing argument as to why this is a good thing.

david-cako5y ago

Maybe a randomized serial number will allow Apple to sell you a product made in America or Europe without you needing to know the difference. Maybe it also grants Apple greater liberties when negotiating with existing suppliers.

What was the story with Fountain (FC) and Fremont (F) anyway?

https://beetstech.com/blog/decode-meaning-behind-apple-seria...

https://9to5mac.com/2013/01/25/apple-lists-quanta-computer-i...

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