Every iPhone Generation: A Full History of Release Dates

Author: Samuel Feb 21,2025

The Apple iPhone: A Comprehensive History of Every Model

The iPhone, a 21st-century marvel, boasts over 2.3 billion units sold globally. Its impact on the tech landscape is undeniable. With 17 years and numerous releases, keeping track of every iPhone generation can be challenging. This chronological list details each iPhone model, from 2007 to 2024, including variations like Plus, Max, and SE models.

iPhone 16 Pro Max

Total iPhone Generations: 24

This count includes distinct models within each generation.

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How Often Do You Upgrade?

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How often do you upgrade your iPhone?

Every iPhone Generation:

  • iPhone (June 29, 2007): The groundbreaking original, merging iPod, phone, and internet capabilities. Its 3.5-inch display and 2MP camera revolutionized the smartphone market. Original iPhone

  • iPhone 3G (July 11, 2008): Introduced 3G connectivity and the App Store. iPhone 3G

  • iPhone 3GS (June 19, 2009): Boasted a 3MP camera and double the processing speed of its predecessor. iPhone 3GS

  • iPhone 4 (June 24, 2010): Featured FaceTime video calling, a 5MP camera with LED flash, and the first Retina display. iPhone 4

  • iPhone 4S (October 14, 2011): Introduced Siri, 1080p video recording, and iCloud. iPhone 4S

  • iPhone 5 (September 21, 2012): Offered LTE support, improved audio, and the Lightning port. iPhone 5

  • iPhone 5S (September 20, 2013): Introduced Touch ID fingerprint scanning and the A7 processor. iPhone 5S

  • iPhone 5C (September 20, 2013): Apple's first budget-friendly iPhone, available in various colors. iPhone 5C

  • iPhone 6 (September 19, 2014): Featured a slimmer design and Apple Pay. iPhone 6

  • iPhone 6S (September 25, 2015): Introduced 3D Touch and 4K video recording. iPhone 6S

  • iPhone SE (March 31, 2016): A compact iPhone with iPhone 6S features. iPhone SE

  • iPhone 7 (September 16, 2016): Removed the headphone jack, added water resistance, and introduced a dual-camera system on the Plus model. iPhone 7

  • iPhone 8 (September 22, 2017): Featured wireless charging and a True Tone display. iPhone 8

  • iPhone X (November 3, 2017): A revolutionary design with an all-screen front, Face ID, and edge-to-edge display. iPhone X

  • iPhone XS (September 21, 2018): A refined iPhone X with minor improvements. iPhone XS

  • iPhone XR (October 26, 2018): A more affordable iPhone X alternative. iPhone XR

  • iPhone 11 (September 20, 2019): Introduced a larger screen and an ultrawide camera. iPhone 11

  • iPhone SE (2nd Gen) (April 24, 2020): A significant upgrade over the first SE, featuring the A13 Bionic chip. iPhone SE 2

  • iPhone 12 (October 23, 2020): Introduced MagSafe and a Ceramic Shield. iPhone 12

  • iPhone 13 (September 24, 2021): Improved battery life and introduced Cinematic Mode. iPhone 13

  • iPhone SE (3rd Gen) (March 18, 2022): Returned to the home button and added 5G connectivity. iPhone SE 3

  • iPhone 14 (September 16, 2022): Featured Emergency SOS via satellite and camera improvements. iPhone 14

  • iPhone 15 (September 22, 2023): Switched to USB-C and featured upgrades to the Pro models. iPhone 15

  • iPhone 16 (September 20, 2024): Faster CPU, customizable action button, and Apple Intelligence integration. iPhone 16

Looking Ahead to the iPhone 17:

While details are scarce, the iPhone 17 is anticipated around September 2025.

This comprehensive overview provides a detailed look at the evolution of the iPhone. For further Apple history, explore resources on iPad and Apple Watch generations.