Why do you say you can put more memory in some machines than Apple does?

Apple sets their maximum memory configuration based on the memory modules available at the time of the product's release. Apple does not typically revise this limit as compatible higher density modules become available after the release date. This is a safe policy to follow but it inevitably causes confusion when memory vendors and dealers (and Mactracker) state that a computer will hold more memory than Apple says it will.

Why do some of my Mac's specifications differ from what Mactracker says I should have?

Mactracker includes the base specifications along with any CTO (Configure to Order) options that are available from Apple. It does not include all possible upgrade options that you might have installed.

What is the difference between the model or family number on the back of an Apple product and the number on the suggested retail price list?

The model number is stamped on most products. This number is used for the Federal Communications Commission licensing in the United States. A marketing/order number (or finished goods number that frequently ends with LL/A or Z/A) describes not only the product itself, but also the shipping box, packaging material, manuals, and other items that may be contained in the box.

What is the "Support Status" specification referring to?

The Support Status specification indicates whether or not a particular model is currently supported by Apple for hardware service and support. Vintage products are those that have not been sold for more than 5 and less than 7 years ago. Obsolete products are those whose sales were discontinued more than 7 years ago. Apple discontinues all hardware service for obsolete products, with no exceptions. Service providers cannot order parts for obsolete products. More information: Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired warranty

What serial numbers can I search with Mactracker?

Mactracker supports searching by 11 or 12 digit Apple serial numbers from Power Macintosh G3 to iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021). Apple has transitioned products introduced after, and including, the purple iPhone 12 to a new randomized alphanumeric format. You can search recent serial numbers on Apple's website.

How do I link to Mactracker from other apps?

You can create links that, when clicked, will open Mactracker and display the specified model. Simply open an info window and control-click on the model's name and select "Copy Link" from the menu that appears. This will place a link to this model into the Clipboard where it could be copied into a web page or email. The user clicking on the link will need to have Mactracker 4.1 (macOS) or Mactracker 4.0 (iOS) or later installed.

What is the checksum for the latest release?

The SHA-256 for Mactracker_7.12.14.zip is: 643c8265a4d017c35b1aacb43bcc8e559ded348bcdc5358b4e16c429c6450fb7
If the hash on the file you downloaded does not match, the file may be corrupt or tampered with. Please delete any files that do not match.

Can I host Mactracker on my website?

No, to ensure only the latest version is available for download please link to my site, the Mac App Store, or the App Store.

How do I transfer entries in "My Models" to another Mac?

1. In the main window, select one or more entries, and then choose File > Export My Model...
2. On the other Mac, choose File > Import My Model..., and select the file from step 1.

Another option would be to copy the database to the other Mac. The database can be found in:

~/Library/Application Support/Mactracker/mactracker.db (non-Mac App Store release)
~/Library/Containers/Mactracker/Data/Library/Application Support/com.mactrackerapp.Mactracker/mactracker.db (Mac App Store release)

Please note that the Library folder is hidden by default on OS X Lion and later. Earlier versions of macOS may display "com.mactrackerapp.Mactracker" instead of "Mactracker" as the folder name.

How do I backup entries in "My Models"?

Mactracker stores entries in "My Models", Smart Categories, Notes, and Color Labels on your Mac. To backup this data you can ensure Time Machine is backing up the database file or make a backup copy of the file manually. The location of the database can be found above. Please quit Mactracker before performing a backup or restore.