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iPhone Release Dates: A Complete History

By EleanorMay 02,2025

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 not just a device; it's a revolution in technology. Spanning 17 years since the debut of the first iPhone, the journey through multiple iPhone lines each year has created a rich tapestry of innovation. Below, we've meticulously compiled a chronological list of every iPhone model released, from the pioneering iPhone of 2007 to the latest iPhone 16 of 2024.

iPhone Release History

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How Many iPhone Generations Have There Been?

In total, there have been 24 different iPhone generations. Since the inaugural iPhone launch in 2007, Apple has consistently released at least one new model each year. This count includes variations like the Plus or Max series alongside the mainline releases, as well as separate entries for models like the iPhone SE 2 and iPhone XR.

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Every iPhone Generation in Order of Release

iPhone - June 29, 2007

The revolutionary first iPhone was unveiled on June 29, 2007, integrating iPod, phone, and internet functionalities into a single device. It marked a significant shift from traditional cell phones by introducing a touchscreen, eliminating the physical keyboard, and featuring a 3.5-inch display with a 2-megapixel camera. This pioneering device laid the foundation for today's smartphone era.

iPhone 3G - July 11, 2008

Image Credit: Cult of Mac
The iPhone 3G 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 developers and users alike.

iPhone 3GS - June 19, 2009

The iPhone 3GS upgraded the camera to 3 megapixels, offering clearer photos and positioning the smartphone as a viable alternative to traditional cameras. Enhanced storage options and a performance boost that was twice as fast as the iPhone 3G further elevated the user experience.

iPhone 4 - June 24, 2010

The iPhone 4 introduced FaceTime, enabling video calls from any location. It featured a 5-megapixel camera capable of HD video recording and an LED flash. Additionally, the iPhone 4 debuted Apple's Retina display, enhancing text readability and overall visual clarity.

iPhone 4S - October 14, 2011

The iPhone 4S is renowned for the debut of Siri, the virtual assistant that has become integral to the Apple ecosystem. It also supported 1080p video capture with its 8-megapixel camera and introduced key software like iCloud and iMessage.

iPhone 5 - September 21, 2012

The iPhone 5 introduced LTE technology, enabling faster data speeds and better content accessibility. Enhanced audio with new microphones and the introduction of the Lightning port marked significant upgrades.

iPhone 5S - September 20, 2013

The iPhone 5S debuted Touch ID, allowing users to unlock their device with a fingerprint. It also featured the A7 processor and advanced camera technologies, setting new standards in security and performance.

iPhone 5C - September 20, 2013

The iPhone 5C was designed as a more affordable option, featuring vibrant colors and the same hardware as the iPhone 5. It made high-quality smartphones more accessible to a broader audience.

iPhone 6 - September 19, 2014

The iPhone 6 offered a sleeker design and introduced Apple Pay, powered by NFC technology. It was the first iPhone generation to include multiple models, with the iPhone 6 Plus boasting a larger 5.5-inch screen.

iPhone 6S - September 25, 2015

The iPhone 6S introduced 3D Touch, allowing the screen to respond to varying pressure levels. It also supported 4K video recording, further solidifying the iPhone's role in professional-grade filming.

iPhone SE - March 31, 2016

The iPhone SE combined the compact design of the iPhone 5S with the capabilities of the iPhone 6S, including 4K video. It offered a high-quality, budget-friendly option.

iPhone 7 - September 16, 2016

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

iPhone 8 - September 22, 2017

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

iPhone X - November 3, 2017

The iPhone X marked a significant shift with an all-screen design and the introduction of Face ID. It set a new standard for future iPhone models.

iPhone XS - September 21, 2018

The iPhone XS offered minor improvements over the iPhone X, including a dual-SIM tray for enhanced travel convenience.

iPhone XR - October 26, 2018

The iPhone XR provided a budget-friendly option with an LCD display and a single rear camera, delivering a premium experience at a reduced cost.

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 debuted Pro models with advanced features like a triple-camera setup.

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

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

iPhone 12 - October 23, 2020

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

iPhone 13 - September 24, 2021

The iPhone 13 offered extended battery life and introduced Cinematic Mode for advanced photography. Pro models supported ProRes video for professional-grade video capture.

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

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

iPhone 14 - September 16, 2022

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

iPhone 15 - September 22, 2023

The iPhone 15 featured significant updates in Pro models, including a new lens, titanium frame, and action button. The shift to USB-C marked a major change due to EU regulations.

iPhone 16 - September 20, 2024

Apple unveiled the iPhone 16 series in September 2024, boasting 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 significant upgrades over the previous generation.

When Is the iPhone 17 Coming Out?

Although 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 traditional timeline, likely unveiling the iPhone 17 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? Dive into our guides on every iPad generation and every Apple Watch generation.

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