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 undeniably one of the most revolutionary devices ever crafted. Reflecting on the 17 years since the initial iPhone launch, it's fascinating to trace the evolution through numerous iPhone generations. Apple has consistently released multiple models each year, culminating in the latest iPhone 16. Below, we've meticulously cataloged every iPhone release from 2007 to 2024, offering a comprehensive journey through its history.

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, followed by at least one new model each subsequent year. This count includes variations like the Plus or Max series alongside the mainline models, as well as unique entries such as the iPhone SE 2 and iPhone XR.

How often do you get a new iPhone?

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

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Every iPhone Generation in Order of Release

iPhone - June 29, 2007

The revolutionary first iPhone, launched on June 29, 2007, combined the functionalities of an iPod, phone, and internet device. This marked a significant leap in the smartphone market, introducing a touch screen interface without a physical keyboard, a 3.5-inch display, and a 2-megapixel camera, forever changing the technological landscape.

iPhone 3G - July 11, 2008

Image Credit: Cult of Mac
The iPhone 3G, released on July 11, 2008, brought 3G connectivity for faster data speeds and introduced the Apple App Store, opening a new era for mobile applications.

iPhone 3GS - June 19, 2009

The iPhone 3GS, launched on June 19, 2009, upgraded to a 3-megapixel camera, offered new storage options, and boasted performance twice as fast as the iPhone 3G.

iPhone 4 - June 24, 2010

The iPhone 4, released on June 24, 2010, introduced FaceTime for video calls, a 5-megapixel camera with HD video capture, an LED flash, and Apple's first Retina display.

iPhone 4S - October 14, 2011

The iPhone 4S, launched on October 14, 2011, debuted Siri, the virtual assistant, and featured 1080p video capture with an 8-megapixel camera. It also introduced iCloud and iMessage.

iPhone 5 - September 21, 2012

The iPhone 5, released on September 21, 2012, was the first to support LTE, included new microphones for enhanced audio, and introduced the Lightning port.

iPhone 5S - September 20, 2013

The iPhone 5S, launched on September 20, 2013, introduced Touch ID for biometric unlocking, featured the A7 processor, and included new camera technologies.

iPhone 5C - September 20, 2013

The iPhone 5C, released on September 20, 2013, was Apple's first budget-friendly model, featuring the same internals as the iPhone 5 but with vibrant colors.

iPhone 6 - September 19, 2014

The iPhone 6, launched on September 19, 2014, introduced a sleeker design, Apple Pay with NFC technology, and the larger iPhone 6 Plus with a 5.5-inch screen.

iPhone 6S - September 25, 2015

The iPhone 6S, released on September 25, 2015, introduced 3D Touch, allowing different pressure levels for new gestures, and was the first iPhone to support 4K video.

iPhone SE - March 31, 2016

The iPhone SE, launched on March 31, 2016, combined the compact design of the iPhone 5S with the capabilities of the iPhone 6S, including 4K video, at a lower price point.

iPhone 7 - September 16, 2016

The iPhone 7, released on September 16, 2016, controversially removed the headphone jack, introduced water resistance, and featured a dual-camera system on the iPhone 7 Plus.

iPhone 8 - September 22, 2017

The iPhone 8, launched on September 22, 2017, added wireless charging with a glass back, and introduced the True Tone display.

iPhone X - November 3, 2017

The iPhone X, released on November 3, 2017, marked a significant shift with an all-screen design, Face ID, and set the standard for future models.

iPhone XS - September 21, 2018

The iPhone XS, launched on September 21, 2018, improved on the iPhone X with enhanced water resistance and a dual-SIM tray.

iPhone XR - October 26, 2018

The iPhone XR, released on October 26, 2018, offered a budget-friendly option with an LCD display and a single rear camera.

iPhone 11 - September 20, 2019

The iPhone 11, launched on September 20, 2019, increased the base model screen size to 6.1 inches and introduced Pro models with advanced camera systems.

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

The iPhone SE (2nd Gen), released on April 24, 2020, featured the A13 Bionic chip, a larger 4.7-inch display with True Tone, and Haptic Touch.

iPhone 12 - October 23, 2020

The iPhone 12, launched on October 23, 2020, introduced MagSafe technology, the Super Retina XDR display, and a Ceramic Shield for enhanced durability.

iPhone 13 - September 24, 2021

The iPhone 13, released on September 24, 2021, significantly improved battery life and introduced features like Cinematic Mode and ProRes video on Pro models.

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

The iPhone SE (3rd Gen), launched on March 18, 2022, reintroduced the home button and added 5G connectivity along with advanced photography features.

iPhone 14 - September 16, 2022

The iPhone 14, released on September 16, 2022, introduced Emergency SOS via satellite and enhanced camera systems across all models, reviving the Plus model.

iPhone 15 - September 22, 2023

The iPhone 15, launched on September 22, 2023, shifted to USB-C ports, introduced a titanium frame, and an action button on Pro models.

iPhone 16 - September 20, 2024

Apple unveiled the iPhone 16 series on September 20, 2024, featuring faster CPU performance, a customizable action button, and the integration of Apple Intelligence. Our detailed review of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Max highlights the advancements over the previous generation.

When Is the iPhone 17 Coming Out?

Though the iPhone 16 was recently announced, anticipation for the iPhone 17 is already building. While details are scarce, we can expect Apple to follow its tradition of releasing new models around September 2025.

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

*Interested in more Apple history? Check out our guides to every iPad generation and every Apple Watch generation.*