iPhone Release Dates: A Complete History

The Apple iPhone stands as a hallmark of innovation in the 21st century, with over 2.3 billion units sold worldwide. As one of the most revolutionary devices ever created, the iPhone's journey from its inception in 2007 to the latest iPhone 16 in 2024 showcases a rich tapestry of technological evolution. Apple has consistently released new models, sometimes introducing multiple iPhone lines in a single year, resulting in a total of 24 different iPhone generations to date.

Below, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every iPhone model released in chronological order, highlighting the key features and innovations that have defined each generation.

iPhone - June 29, 2007

The original iPhone marked a monumental shift in the smartphone industry. Launched with the capabilities of an iPod, phone, and internet device, it featured a 3.5-inch display and a 2-megapixel camera. Its most revolutionary aspect was the elimination of the physical keyboard in favor of a digital touchscreen.

iPhone 3G - July 11, 2008

The iPhone 3G introduced 3G connectivity, significantly improving data speeds. It was also the first iPhone to include the Apple App Store, opening up a new world of mobile applications.

iPhone 3GS - June 19, 2009

The iPhone 3GS upgraded the camera to 3 megapixels and introduced enhanced storage options, allowing users to store more apps. It boasted performance improvements, claiming to be twice as fast as the iPhone 3G.

iPhone 4 - June 24, 2010

The iPhone 4 introduced FaceTime for video calls and a 5-megapixel camera with HD video recording and an LED flash. It also featured Apple's first Retina display, enhancing screen clarity.

iPhone 4S - October 14, 2011

The iPhone 4S debuted Siri, Apple's virtual assistant, and introduced 1080p video recording with an 8-megapixel camera. It also launched iCloud and iMessage, pivotal software features.

iPhone 5 - September 21, 2012

The iPhone 5 was the first to support LTE, improving data connectivity. It featured new microphones for enhanced audio quality and introduced the Lightning port, replacing the 30-pin connector.

iPhone 5S - September 20, 2013

The iPhone 5S introduced Touch ID, allowing fingerprint unlocking, and was equipped with the A7 processor, marking significant performance enhancements.

iPhone 5C - September 20, 2013

The iPhone 5C was Apple's first budget-friendly model, available in vibrant colors and utilizing the same hardware as the iPhone 5.

iPhone 6 - September 19, 2014

The iPhone 6 featured a slimmer design and introduced Apple Pay via NFC technology. It also launched the larger iPhone 6 Plus with a 5.5-inch screen.

iPhone 6S - September 25, 2015

The iPhone 6S introduced 3D Touch, enabling pressure-sensitive screen interactions, and was the first to record 4K video.

iPhone SE - March 31, 2016

The first iPhone SE combined the compact design of the iPhone 5S with the capabilities of the iPhone 6S, including 4K video recording.

iPhone 7 - September 16, 2016

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

iPhone 8 - September 22, 2017

The iPhone 8 added wireless charging and a True Tone display, which adjusted screen colors based on ambient lighting.

iPhone X - November 3, 2017

The iPhone X marked a significant design shift with an edge-to-edge display and the introduction of Face ID, replacing the home button.

iPhone XS - September 21, 2018

The iPhone XS offered minor upgrades over the iPhone X, including a dual-SIM tray for enhanced connectivity.

iPhone XR - October 26, 2018

The iPhone XR was a budget-friendly model with an LCD display and a single rear camera, providing an affordable alternative to the premium models.

iPhone 11 - September 20, 2019

The iPhone 11 increased the standard screen size to 6.1 inches and introduced an Ultra Wide camera. It also launched Pro models with a triple-camera setup.

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

The iPhone SE 2 improved performance with the A13 Bionic chip and introduced a larger 4.7-inch True Tone display.

iPhone 12 - October 23, 2020

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

iPhone 13 - September 24, 2021

The iPhone 13 improved battery life and introduced Cinematic Mode for video recording. Pro models added ProRes video support.

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

The iPhone SE 3 reintroduced the home button and added 5G connectivity, along with new photography features like Night Mode.

iPhone 14 - September 16, 2022

The iPhone 14 introduced Emergency SOS via satellite and upgraded camera systems. It also reintroduced the Plus model.

iPhone 15 - September 22, 2023

The iPhone 15 series switched to USB-C ports and introduced significant upgrades to Pro models, including a new lens and a titanium frame.

iPhone 16 - September 20, 2024

The latest iPhone 16 models feature faster CPU performance, a customizable action button, and the integration of Apple Intelligence.

In our review of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Max, we detailed the key differences 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. Although details are scarce, we can expect the iPhone 17 to be unveiled around September 2025.

For the latest updates on the iPhone 16 and more Apple history, explore our guides on every iPad generation and every Apple Watch generation.

Looking to save money on a new Apple phone? Check out our guide to the best iPhone deals happening now.