iPhone Generations: Complete Release Date History

The Apple iPhone stands as a testament to the innovation that has defined the 21st century, with over 2.3 billion units sold worldwide. Recognized as a groundbreaking device, the iPhone has transformed the tech landscape since its debut in 2007. With 17 years of evolution, the journey from the original iPhone to the latest iPhone 16 encompasses a rich history of technological advancement and design evolution.

Below, we present a comprehensive timeline of every iPhone model released from 2007 to 2024, culminating with the latest 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 original iPhone in 2007, and every year since, Apple has introduced at least one new model. This count includes variations such as the Plus and Max series as part of the mainline generation, while also recognizing models like the iPhone SE 2 and iPhone XR as distinct entries.

Every iPhone Generation in Order of Release

iPhone - June 29, 2007

The revolutionary first iPhone hit the market on June 29, 2007. It combined the functionalities of an iPod, phone, and internet device, marking a pivotal moment in the smartphone industry. Apple's decision to replace the traditional keyboard with a digital touchscreen on its 3.5-inch display, along with a 2-megapixel camera, set the stage for the future of mobile technology.

iPhone 3G - July 11, 2008

iPhone 3GS - June 19, 2009

The iPhone 3GS featured a 3-megapixel camera and enhanced storage options, paving the way for more extensive app usage. It was claimed to be twice as fast as its predecessor.

iPhone 4 - June 24, 2010

With the introduction of FaceTime and a 5-megapixel camera capable of HD video recording, the iPhone 4 also debuted the Retina display, significantly improving screen clarity.

iPhone 4S - October 14, 2011

The iPhone 4S introduced Siri, Apple's virtual assistant, alongside 1080p video recording and the debut of iCloud and iMessage.

iPhone 5 - September 21, 2012

The iPhone 5 supported LTE, enhanced audio quality, 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, the A7 processor, and new camera technologies, enhancing security and performance.

iPhone 5C - September 20, 2013

The budget-friendly iPhone 5C brought vibrant colors and the internals of the iPhone 5 to a wider audience.

iPhone 6 - September 19, 2014

The iPhone 6 featured a sleeker design and introduced Apple Pay, powered by NFC technology. It also marked the debut of the larger iPhone 6 Plus.

iPhone 6S - September 25, 2015

The iPhone 6S introduced 3D Touch and 4K video recording, adding new dimensions to user interaction and media capture.

iPhone SE - March 31, 2016

The first iPhone SE combined the compact design of the iPhone 5S with the advanced features of the iPhone 6S, offering a high-quality, affordable option.

iPhone 7 - September 16, 2016

The iPhone 7 controversially removed the headphone jack, added water resistance, and introduced a dual-camera system on the iPhone 7 Plus.

iPhone 8 - September 22, 2017

The iPhone 8 added wireless charging and the True Tone display, enhancing the user experience with adaptive screen technology.

iPhone X - November 3, 2017

The iPhone X marked a significant design shift with its edge-to-edge screen and introduced Face ID, setting the stage for future models.

iPhone XS - September 21, 2018

The iPhone XS improved upon the iPhone X with a dual-SIM tray and enhanced water resistance, catering to global travelers.

iPhone XR - October 26, 2018

The budget-friendly iPhone XR featured an LCD display and a single rear camera, offering an affordable alternative to the premium models.

iPhone 11 - September 20, 2019

The iPhone 11 introduced a larger 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display and an Ultra Wide camera, with Pro models offering a triple-camera setup and HDR support.

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

The second-generation iPhone SE upgraded to the A13 Bionic chip, a larger 4.7-inch True Tone display, and added Haptic Touch.

iPhone 12 - October 23, 2020

The iPhone 12 introduced MagSafe technology, a Super Retina XDR display, and a Ceramic Shield for enhanced durability.

iPhone 13 - September 24, 2021

The iPhone 13 brought improved battery life and new photography features like Cinematic Mode, with Pro models adding ProRes video support.

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

The third-generation iPhone SE reintroduced the home button and added 5G connectivity, along with advanced photography features like Night Mode.

iPhone 14 - September 16, 2022

The iPhone 14 introduced Emergency SOS via satellite and upgraded camera systems, alongside the return of the Plus model.

iPhone 15 - September 22, 2023

The iPhone 15 series switched to USB-C from Lightning, with Pro models featuring a new lens, titanium frame, and an action button.

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.

In our comprehensive review of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Max, we delve into the latest advancements and differences 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 expect the iPhone 17 to follow a similar release timeline, likely debuting in September 2025.

You can explore our detailed guide covering all the significant announcements from the iPhone 16 event.

Interested in more Apple history? Dive into our guides on every iPad generation and every Apple Watch generation.