Apple to Randomize Serial Numbers for New Products Starting in Late 2020

Apple plans to randomize its product serial numbers starting in late 2020, according to an internal memo sent to Apple Authorized Service Providers, reports MacRumors.

The Apple memo says existing serial numbers will remain the same, but new products later this year will get “randomized alphanumeric string” formats, in what appears to be a possible move to combat fraud (some people fake serial numbers for warranty swaps) and also reduce the ability for customers to guess date and location of when their products were made.