iPhone Release Dates: A Complete History

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The Apple iPhone stands as one of the most groundbreaking innovations of the 21st century. To date, more than 2.3 billion iPhones have been sold globally, cementing its place as a revolutionary piece of technology. With nearly two decades since the debut of the first iPhone in 2007, it's easy to lose track of how many distinct models have been released. Apple has consistently introduced new generations each year—sometimes even multiple models in a single year—making the iPhone lineup both expansive and impressive. Below, we’ve compiled a complete chronological list of every iPhone ever released, from the original iPhone to the latest iPhone 16 in 2024.

iPhone Release History

iPhone 16 Pro Max

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How Many iPhone Generations Have There Been?

In total, there have been 24 different iPhone generations. Since the release of the original iPhone in 2007, Apple has launched at least one new model every year. This count includes variations such as Plus or Max editions as separate entries. Additionally, models like the iPhone SE (2nd Gen) and iPhone XR are also counted individually due to their unique features and positioning within Apple’s lineup.

How often do you get a new iPhone?

Every yearEvery 2-3 yearsOnly when my current iPhone stops working

Every iPhone Generation in Order of Release

iPhone – June 29, 2007

The very first iPhone was unveiled on June 29, 2007, and redefined mobile communication forever. Combining an iPod, phone, and internet communicator into one sleek device, Apple made a bold move by eliminating the physical keyboard and embracing a full touchscreen interface. With a 3.5-inch display and a 2-megapixel camera, this model laid the foundation for the modern smartphone era.

iPhone 3G – July 11, 2008

This second-generation iPhone introduced 3G connectivity, significantly improving browsing speed over cellular networks. It also brought the App Store to the iPhone, opening the door for third-party app development and transforming the way users interacted with their devices.

iPhone 3GS – June 19, 2009

The iPhone 3GS marked the first major internal upgrade, featuring a 3-megapixel camera for better photo quality. It also offered improved performance—Apple claimed twice the speed of the iPhone 3G—and expanded storage options to accommodate growing app downloads.

iPhone 4 – June 24, 2010

The iPhone 4 introduced FaceTime video calling and a 5-megapixel camera capable of HD video recording. It also featured Apple’s first Retina display, offering incredibly sharp text and visuals, along with an LED flash for better low-light photography.

iPhone 4S – October 14, 2011

Best known for debuting Siri—the company’s virtual assistant—the iPhone 4S packed an 8-megapixel camera capable of 1080p video capture. It also introduced iCloud and iMessage, both of which became core components of the Apple ecosystem.

iPhone 5 – September 21, 2012

This model supported LTE connectivity for faster data speeds and introduced the Lightning port—a significant departure from the older 30-pin connector. The iPhone 5 also included enhanced microphones for clearer audio during calls and FaceTime sessions.

iPhone 5S – September 20, 2013

The iPhone 5S debuted Touch ID fingerprint authentication, allowing secure and convenient unlocking via the home button. It also introduced the A7 chip—the first 64-bit processor in a smartphone—and improved camera features.

iPhone 5C – September 20, 2013

Positioned as Apple’s first budget-friendly iPhone, the iPhone 5C came in vibrant colors and used the same internal hardware as the iPhone 5. It offered an affordable entry point into the iPhone experience without compromising too much on performance.

iPhone 6 – September 19, 2014

The iPhone 6 adopted a thinner, curved design and introduced Apple Pay using NFC technology. It also launched the larger iPhone 6 Plus variant with a 5.5-inch screen, marking Apple’s entry into the phablet market.

iPhone 6S – September 25, 2015

Featuring 3D Touch pressure-sensitive screen technology and 4K video recording capabilities, the iPhone 6S was a major step forward in multimedia functionality and user interaction.

iPhone SE (1st Gen) – March 31, 2016

The first iPhone SE combined the