The Apple iPhone stands as one of the most groundbreaking innovations of the 21st century, with over 2.3 billion units sold worldwide. Since its debut in 2007, the iPhone has revolutionized the tech landscape, continually evolving through multiple generations. With 17 years of history, it's fascinating to reflect on the journey from the original iPhone to the latest iPhone 16. Apple has introduced various iPhone lines annually, showcasing relentless innovation. Below, we present a comprehensive chronological list of every iPhone model released from 2007 to 2024, culminating with the 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**. From the groundbreaking launch of the first iPhone in 2007, Apple has consistently introduced at least one new model each year. This count includes variations like the Plus and Max series alongside mainline models, as well as distinct entries such as 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 released on June 29, 2007. It combined the functionalities of an iPod, phone, and internet device, marking a significant milestone in the smartphone market. Apple boldly eliminated the physical keyboard, introducing a touch screen interface. With its 3.5-inch display and 2-megapixel camera, the iPhone laid the groundwork for future technological advancements.
iPhone 3G - July 11, 2008
iPhone 3GS - June 19, 2009
The iPhone 3GS, launched on June 19, 2009, upgraded the camera to 3 megapixels, enhancing photo quality. It also introduced new storage options and boasted performance improvements, claiming to be twice as fast as its predecessor, the iPhone 3G.
iPhone 4 - June 24, 2010
The iPhone 4, released on June 24, 2010, introduced FaceTime, enabling video calls between devices. It featured a 5-megapixel camera with HD video recording and an LED flash. The iPhone 4 also debuted Apple's Retina display, enhancing screen clarity and readability.
iPhone 4S - October 14, 2011
The iPhone 4S, launched on October 14, 2011, introduced Siri, Apple's virtual assistant, which has since become an integral part of the Apple ecosystem. It also offered 1080p video recording with an 8-megapixel camera and introduced major software features like iCloud and iMessage.
iPhone 5 - September 21, 2012
The iPhone 5, released on September 21, 2012, was the first to support LTE technology, enhancing cellular data capabilities. It also focused on audio quality with new microphones and introduced the Lightning port, a significant departure from the previous 30-pin connector.
iPhone 5S - September 20, 2013
The iPhone 5S, launched on September 20, 2013, introduced Touch ID, allowing fingerprint-based unlocking. This feature became a staple in subsequent models until the iPhone X. It also included the A7 processor and advanced camera technologies.
iPhone 5C - September 20, 2013
The iPhone 5C, released alongside the iPhone 5S, was Apple's first budget-friendly iPhone. It featured vibrant colors and used the same hardware as the iPhone 5, enabling a lower price point.
iPhone 6 - September 19, 2014
The iPhone 6, launched on September 19, 2014, adopted a sleeker design and introduced Apple Pay, powered by NFC technology. It was the first iPhone generation to offer multiple models, including the larger-screened iPhone 6 Plus.
iPhone 6S - September 25, 2015
The iPhone 6S, released on September 25, 2015, introduced 3D Touch, allowing the screen to respond to varying pressure levels. It was also the first iPhone to support 4K video recording, paving the way for its use in professional filming.
iPhone SE - March 31, 2016
The iPhone SE, launched on March 31, 2016, combined the design of the iPhone 5S with the internals of the iPhone 6S, offering a compact yet powerful option at a more affordable price. This was the first of three SE generations.
iPhone 7 - September 16, 2016
The iPhone 7, released on September 16, 2016, controversially removed the headphone jack, shifting audio to Bluetooth or the Lightning port. It also added water resistance and introduced a dual-camera system on the iPhone 7 Plus.
iPhone 8 - September 22, 2017
The iPhone 8, launched on September 22, 2017, added wireless charging with a glass back and introduced the True Tone display, which adjusted screen colors based on ambient lighting. It retained the design of the iPhone 7 with these key upgrades.
iPhone X - November 3, 2017
The iPhone X, released on November 3, 2017, marked a major shift with its edge-to-edge display and removal of the home button. It introduced Face ID, setting the stage for future models to follow suit.
iPhone XS - September 21, 2018
The iPhone XS, launched on September 21, 2018, offered minor improvements over the iPhone X but added a dual-SIM tray, enhancing its utility for travelers.
iPhone XR - October 26, 2018
The iPhone XR, released on October 26, 2018, served as a budget-friendly option with an LCD display and a single rear camera, offering a similar experience to the iPhone X and XS at a lower cost.
iPhone 11 - September 20, 2019
The iPhone 11, launched on September 20, 2019, introduced a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display and an Ultra Wide camera. It was the first generation to offer Pro models with enhanced features like a triple-camera setup and HDR support.
iPhone SE (2nd Gen) - April 24, 2020
The iPhone SE (2nd Gen), released on April 24, 2020, featured the A13 Bionic chip, a larger 4.7-inch True Tone display, and Haptic Touch, significantly improving upon the original SE.
iPhone 12 - October 23, 2020
The iPhone 12, launched on October 23, 2020, introduced MagSafe for magnetic accessory attachment and a Super Retina XDR display on base models. It also featured a Ceramic Shield for enhanced durability.
iPhone 13 - September 24, 2021
The iPhone 13, released on September 24, 2021, significantly improved battery life and introduced Cinematic Mode for video recording. The Pro models added ProRes video capabilities.
iPhone SE (3rd Gen) - March 18, 2022
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen), launched on March 18, 2022, reintroduced the home button and added 5G connectivity. It incorporated advanced photography features like Night Mode and Photographic Styles.
iPhone 14 - September 16, 2022
The iPhone 14, released on September 16, 2022, introduced Emergency SOS via Satellite and upgraded camera systems. It also marked the return of the Plus model with a larger screen.
iPhone 15 - September 22, 2023
The iPhone 15, launched on September 22, 2023, featured a switch to USB-C from Lightning, along with significant upgrades to the Pro models, including a new lens, titanium frame, and an action button.
iPhone 16 - September 20, 2024
Apple unveiled the iPhone 16 series on September 20, 2024, with 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 advancements 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 specifics are scarce, we can expect the iPhone 17 to be revealed around September 2025, following Apple's traditional release schedule.
You can see our guide to all of the biggest iPhone 16 announcements from the event today.
*Looking to dive into more Apple history? Check out our guide to every iPad generation and every Apple Watch generation.*