iPhone Release Dates: A Complete History

The Apple iPhone stands as one of the most groundbreaking inventions of the 21st century, with over 2.3 billion units sold worldwide. It's considered one of the most revolutionary devices ever made. With 17 years having passed since the debut of the first iPhone, it's easy to lose track of the numerous iPhone generations. Apple has introduced multiple iPhone lines in certain years, and new models are released annually. Here, we provide a comprehensive list of every iPhone released in chronological order, spanning from 2007 to 2024, with the latest being the iPhone 16.

iPhone Release History

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How Many iPhone Generations Have There Been?

In total, there have been **24 different iPhone generations**. The journey began with the first iPhone in 2007, and every year since has seen the launch of at least one new model. This count includes variations like the Plus or Max series within the mainline iPhone generations, while also acknowledging new models such as the iPhone SE 2 and iPhone XR as distinct entries.

How often do you get a new iPhone?

Every yearEvery 2-3 yearsOnly when my current iPhone stops working

Answer See Results

Every iPhone Generation in Order of Release

iPhone - June 29, 2007

The inaugural iPhone, launched on June 29, 2007, was a game-changer. It combined the functionalities of an iPod, a phone, and internet capabilities, setting the stage for the modern smartphone era. Apple broke from tradition by ditching the physical keyboard in favor of a touchscreen. With its 3.5-inch display and 2-megapixel camera, the iPhone not only revolutionized technology but also set a new standard for mobile devices.

iPhone 3G - July 11, 2008

The iPhone 3G, released on July 11, 2008, introduced 3G connectivity, significantly enhancing data speeds. It was also the first iPhone to feature the Apple App Store, opening up a world of possibilities for mobile app development.

iPhone 3GS - June 19, 2009

The iPhone 3GS, launched on June 19, 2009, upgraded the camera to 3 megapixels, enhancing photo quality. It also introduced new storage options and claimed performance speeds twice that of the iPhone 3G, making it a significant step forward in smartphone technology.

iPhone 4 - June 24, 2010

The iPhone 4, unveiled on June 24, 2010, introduced FaceTime, enabling video calls. It also featured a 5-megapixel camera with HD video recording and an LED flash. The Retina display, making text crisper and images sharper, was another groundbreaking feature.

iPhone 4S - October 14, 2011

The iPhone 4S, released on October 14, 2011, introduced Siri, Apple's virtual assistant, which has since become a hallmark of the iPhone experience. It also featured an 8-megapixel camera for 1080p video capture and introduced iCloud and iMessage.

iPhone 5 - September 21, 2012

The iPhone 5, launched on September 21, 2012, was the first to support LTE, enhancing mobile data capabilities. It also focused on audio quality with new microphones and introduced the Lightning port, marking a significant design shift.

iPhone 5S - September 20, 2013

The iPhone 5S, released on September 20, 2013, introduced Touch ID, allowing users to unlock their phones with a fingerprint. It also featured the A7 processor and new camera technologies, setting new standards for security and performance.

iPhone 5C - September 20, 2013

The iPhone 5C, launched alongside the 5S, was Apple's first budget-friendly iPhone. Available in vibrant colors, it used the same hardware as the iPhone 5 but at a more affordable price, broadening Apple's market reach.

iPhone 6 - September 19, 2014

The iPhone 6, released on September 19, 2014, shifted to a sleeker design and introduced Apple Pay with NFC technology. It was also the first generation to offer multiple models, including the larger iPhone 6 Plus.

iPhone 6S - September 25, 2015

The iPhone 6S, launched on September 25, 2015, introduced 3D Touch, allowing different levels of pressure to trigger various actions. It also featured 4K video capabilities, making it a favorite among content creators.

iPhone SE - March 31, 2016

The iPhone SE, released on March 31, 2016, combined the design of the iPhone 5S with the features of the iPhone 6S, including 4K video, at a lower price point. It was the first of three SE generations.

iPhone 7 - September 16, 2016

The iPhone 7, launched on September 16, 2016, controversially removed the headphone jack, pushing audio to Bluetooth or the Lightning port. It added water resistance and a dual-camera system on the iPhone 7 Plus.

iPhone 8 - September 22, 2017

The iPhone 8, released on September 22, 2017, introduced wireless charging with a glass back and the True Tone display, which adjusted color and brightness based on ambient light.

iPhone X - November 3, 2017

The iPhone X, launched on November 3, 2017, marked a significant shift with its edge-to-edge display and Face ID technology. It set the template for future iPhone designs.

iPhone XS - September 21, 2018

The iPhone XS, released on September 21, 2018, offered minor improvements over the iPhone X, including a dual-SIM tray for international use.

iPhone XR - October 26, 2018

The iPhone XR, launched on October 26, 2018, was a budget-friendly option with an LCD display and a single rear camera, offering a cost-effective alternative to the iPhone X and XS.

iPhone 11 - September 20, 2019

The iPhone 11, released on September 20, 2019, increased the base model screen size to 6.1 inches and introduced an Ultra Wide camera. It also marked the debut of Pro models with advanced camera systems.

iPhone SE (2nd Gen) - April 24, 2020

The second-generation iPhone SE, launched on April 24, 2020, featured the A13 Bionic chip and a larger 4.7-inch display with True Tone. It also introduced Haptic Touch.

iPhone 12 - October 23, 2020

The iPhone 12, released on October 23, 2020, introduced MagSafe for magnetic accessories and the Super Retina XDR display. It also featured a Ceramic Shield front cover for enhanced durability.

iPhone 13 - September 24, 2021

The iPhone 13, launched on September 24, 2021, offered significant battery life improvements and introduced Cinematic Mode for video. The Pro models added ProRes video capture.

iPhone SE (3rd Gen) - March 18, 2022

The third-generation iPhone SE, released on March 18, 2022, reintroduced the home button and added 5G connectivity. It also included advanced photography features like Night Mode.

iPhone 14 - September 16, 2022

The iPhone 14, launched on September 16, 2022, introduced Emergency SOS via satellite and enhanced camera systems. It also saw the return of the Plus model.

iPhone 15 - September 22, 2023

The iPhone 15, released on September 22, 2023, switched to USB-C from Lightning and featured significant updates to the Pro models, including a new lens and titanium frame.

iPhone 16 - September 20, 2024

Apple unveiled the iPhone 16 series in September 2024, boasting faster CPU performance, a customizable action button, and integration with Apple Intelligence.

In our review of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Max, we detailed all the new features and improvements over the previous generation.

When Is the iPhone 17 Coming Out?

While the iPhone 16 was recently announced, anticipation for the iPhone 17 is already building. Though details are scarce, we can expect Apple to unveil the next generation around September 2025.

You can explore our guide to all the major iPhone 16 announcements from the event.

Looking to dive deeper into Apple's history? Check out our guides to every iPad generation and every Apple Watch generation.