iPhone Release Dates: A Complete History

The Apple iPhone stands as one of the most groundbreaking inventions of the 21st century. With sales surpassing 2.3 billion units worldwide, it's a testament to its revolutionary impact on technology. As we reflect on the 17 years since the debut of the first iPhone, it's fascinating to consider the sheer number of iPhone generations that have been introduced. Apple has consistently released new iPhone models annually, sometimes even launching multiple lines within the same year. Below, we've meticulously compiled a chronological list of every iPhone model released, from the pioneering iPhone of 2007 to the latest iPhone 16 in 2024.

iPhone Release History

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How Many iPhone Generations Have There Been?

In total, there have been 24 distinct iPhone generations. The journey began with the iconic first iPhone in 2007, and Apple has continued to innovate with at least one new model each year. This count includes variations such as the Plus and Max series, alongside unique models like the iPhone SE 2 and iPhone XR.

Every iPhone Generation in Order of Release

iPhone - June 29, 2007

The revolutionary first iPhone was released on June 29, 2007. It marked a significant leap forward in the smartphone market by integrating iPod, Phone, and Internet functionalities into one device. Apple boldly moved away from traditional cell phones, eliminating the physical keyboard in favor of a digital one within the screen. With its 3.5-inch display and 2-megapixel camera, the iPhone set the stage for the technological evolution we witness today.

iPhone 3G - July 11, 2008

The second iPhone, the iPhone 3G, introduced 3G connectivity, significantly enhancing data speeds. It was also the first to feature the Apple App Store, revolutionizing mobile app development and user interaction.

iPhone 3GS - June 19, 2009

The iPhone 3GS brought a 3-megapixel camera upgrade, enhancing photo quality and further positioning the smartphone as a potential camera replacement. New storage options catered to the growing demand for more app space, and performance was claimed to be twice as fast as the iPhone 3G.

iPhone 4 - June 24, 2010

The iPhone 4 introduced FaceTime, enabling video calls from anywhere. It featured a 5-megapixel camera with HD video capture and an LED flash. Additionally, it was the first iPhone to boast Apple's Retina display, significantly improving screen clarity.

iPhone 4S - October 14, 2011

The iPhone 4S is renowned for debuting Siri, Apple's virtual assistant, which has become a cornerstone of the Apple ecosystem. It also introduced 1080p video capture with its 8-megapixel camera, along with key software features like iCloud and iMessage.

iPhone 5 - September 21, 2012

The iPhone 5 was the first to support LTE technology, enhancing data capabilities. It also improved audio quality with new microphones and introduced the Lightning port, marking a significant shift from the 30-pin adapter.

iPhone 5S - September 20, 2013

The iPhone 5S introduced Touch ID, allowing users to unlock their phones with a fingerprint. This feature became a staple in subsequent models until the iPhone X. It also included the A7 processor and advanced camera technologies.

iPhone 5C - September 20, 2013

The iPhone 5C was Apple's first budget-friendly model, released alongside the iPhone 5S. Available in vibrant colors, it utilized the same hardware as the iPhone 5, offering a more affordable entry point into the iPhone ecosystem.

iPhone 6 - September 19, 2014

The iPhone 6 introduced a sleeker design and the groundbreaking Apple Pay, powered by NFC technology. It was also the first to offer multiple models, with the iPhone 6 Plus featuring a larger 5.5-inch screen.

iPhone 6S - September 25, 2015

The iPhone 6S debuted 3D Touch, allowing the screen to respond to different pressure levels for new gestures. It also introduced 4K video capabilities, setting a new standard for mobile filming.

iPhone SE - March 31, 2016

The iPhone SE brought back the iPhone 5S design with updated internals, including 4K video capabilities from the iPhone 6S. It offered a compact yet powerful option at a lower price point.

iPhone 7 - September 16, 2016

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

iPhone 8 - September 22, 2017

The iPhone 8 introduced wireless charging with a glass back and the True Tone display, which adjusted screen colors based on ambient lighting.

iPhone X - November 3, 2017

The iPhone X marked a significant design shift, eliminating the home button for a full-screen experience. It introduced Face ID, shaping future models with its display and recognition technology.

iPhone XS - September 21, 2018

The iPhone XS offered minor improvements over the iPhone X, including a dual-SIM tray for international use and enhanced water resistance.

iPhone XR - October 26, 2018

The iPhone XR provided a budget-friendly option with an LCD display and a single back camera, yet maintained the premium experience of the iPhone X and XS.

iPhone 11 - September 20, 2019

The iPhone 11 increased the standard screen size to 6.1 inches and introduced an Ultra Wide camera. It was the first to offer Pro models with advanced camera setups and HDR support.

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

The iPhone SE 2 improved upon its predecessor with the A13 Bionic chip, a larger 4.7-inch screen, and True Tone display. It also introduced Haptic Touch.

iPhone 12 - October 23, 2020

The iPhone 12 introduced MagSafe for magnetic accessory attachment and the Super Retina XDR display. It also featured a Ceramic Shield for enhanced durability.

iPhone 13 - September 24, 2021

The iPhone 13 boasted significant battery life improvements and introduced Cinematic Mode for advanced photography. The Pro models added ProRes video capabilities.

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

The iPhone SE 3 reintroduced the home button and added 5G connectivity. It also incorporated photography features like Night Mode and Photographic Styles.

iPhone 14 - September 16, 2022

The iPhone 14 introduced Emergency SOS via satellite connectivity and upgraded camera systems. It also marked the return of the Plus model.

iPhone 15 - September 22, 2023

The iPhone 15 series included standard, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max models. Key changes included a new lens, titanium frame, and action button on Pro models, along with a switch to USB-C.

iPhone 16 - September 20, 2024

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

In our comprehensive review of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Max, we highlighted all the significant updates from 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. Although details are scarce, we can expect Apple to follow its usual timeline, suggesting a release around September 2025.

You can explore our detailed guide on all the major announcements for the iPhone 16 from the latest event.

Looking to dive into more Apple history? Check out our guide to every iPad generation and every Apple Watch generation.