iPhone release dates by model
Apple releases a new iPhone model almost every year, usually in September. The most recent model, the iPhone 16, came out on September 20, 2024. Before that, the iPhone 15 launched on September 22, 2023. If you own an older phone, knowing when your model was released helps you understand how long Apple will continue supporting it with software updates.
The original iPhone came out on June 29, 2007. Since then, Apple has released dozens of versions across different product lines — the standard iPhone, the Plus (larger screen), the Pro, and the Pro Max. Each line follows its own naming and release schedule, which is why finding your exact model's launch date matters more than just knowing the year.
To find out when your specific iPhone came out, first identify which model you own. Go to Settings, then General, then About. Look for the line that says "Model Name" — it will show something like "iPhone 15 Pro" or "iPhone 14". Once you know the exact name, you can match it to the release date below.
Key Takeaways
- The iPhone 16 launched on September 20, 2024, and the iPhone 15 on September 22, 2023.
- You can find your exact iPhone model by going to Settings > General > About and reading the Model Name line.
- Apple typically releases new iPhones every September, though some models like the Plus versions come out a month later.
- Knowing your model's release date helps you understand how many more years of software updates your phone will receive.
Complete list of iPhone models and launch dates
Here are the major iPhone models and when they first became available:
| iPhone Model | Release Date |
|---|---|
| iPhone (original) | June 29, 2007 |
| iPhone 3G | July 11, 2008 |
| iPhone 3GS | June 19, 2009 |
| iPhone 4 | June 24, 2010 |
| iPhone 4S | October 14, 2011 |
| iPhone 5 | September 21, 2012 |
| iPhone 5C | September 20, 2013 |
| iPhone 5S | September 20, 2013 |
| iPhone 6 | September 19, 2014 |
| iPhone 6 Plus | September 19, 2014 |
| iPhone 6S | September 25, 2015 |
| iPhone 6S Plus | September 25, 2015 |
| iPhone 7 | September 16, 2016 |
| iPhone 7 Plus | September 16, 2016 |
| iPhone 8 | September 22, 2017 |
| iPhone 8 Plus | September 22, 2017 |
| iPhone X | November 3, 2017 |
| iPhone XS | September 21, 2018 |
| iPhone XS Max | September 21, 2018 |
| iPhone XR | October 26, 2018 |
| iPhone 11 | September 20, 2019 |
| iPhone 11 Pro | September 20, 2019 |
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | September 20, 2019 |
| iPhone SE (1st generation) | March 31, 2016 |
| iPhone SE (2nd generation) | April 24, 2020 |
| iPhone 12 Mini | November 13, 2020 |
| iPhone 12 | October 23, 2020 |
| iPhone 12 Pro | October 23, 2020 |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | November 13, 2020 |
| iPhone SE (3rd generation) | March 8, 2022 |
| iPhone 13 Mini | October 22, 2021 |
| iPhone 13 | September 24, 2021 |
| iPhone 13 Pro | September 24, 2021 |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | September 24, 2021 |
| iPhone 14 | October 7, 2022 |
| iPhone 14 Plus | October 7, 2022 |
| iPhone 14 Pro | September 16, 2022 |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | September 16, 2022 |
| iPhone SE (4th generation) | March 16, 2025 |
| iPhone 15 | September 22, 2023 |
| iPhone 15 Plus | October 17, 2023 |
| iPhone 15 Pro | September 22, 2023 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | September 22, 2023 |
| iPhone 16 | September 20, 2024 |
| iPhone 16 Plus | October 11, 2024 |
| iPhone 16 Pro | September 20, 2024 |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | September 20, 2024 |
Why the release date of your iPhone matters
Apple typically supports each iPhone model with software updates for about five to six years after its release. This means an iPhone 15 released in 2023 will likely receive updates until around 2028 or 2029. Knowing when your model came out helps you estimate how much longer your phone will be supported and when you might need to consider a newer device.
The release date also affects resale value. Newer models hold their value better, while phones that are three or more years old drop in price more significantly. If you are thinking about selling your iPhone, the release date is one factor that determines what someone will pay for it.
How to check if your iPhone is still receiving updates
To see whether your specific model still receives software updates from Apple, go to Settings, then General, then Software Update. If an update is available, your phone will show it here. If your model is no longer supported, this screen will say your software is up to date, but no new versions will appear even if you check back later.
You can also visit Apple's official support page for your model to see the end date for updates. Search for "iPhone [your model] technical specifications" and look for the section on software support. This tells you exactly when Apple will stop releasing updates for your device.
Understanding iPhone naming and release patterns
Apple's naming system changed over time, which can make it confusing to figure out which models are newer. The original iPhones were numbered straightforward: iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 4, and so on. Starting with the iPhone X (released in 2017), Apple began using letters and Pro designations alongside numbers.
Since 2020, the pattern has been more consistent. Standard models get a number (iPhone 15), larger versions get a Plus designation (iPhone 15 Plus), and professional versions get Pro or Pro Max added (iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max). The iPhone SE is a separate budget line that releases on its own schedule, usually in spring rather than fall.
Most new iPhones launch in September, but Plus and some Pro models sometimes come out in October or November. The iPhone SE typically launches in March or April. Knowing this pattern helps you predict when the next model might arrive if you are waiting to upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my iPhone is an older model?
Go to Settings > General > About and look at the Model Name. Compare it to the table above. If your model was released more than four years ago, it is considered older and may not receive updates much longer. You can also check the back of your phone — older models have different camera layouts and design features.
Will my iPhone stop working after Apple stops updating it?
No. Your iPhone will continue to work after it stops receiving updates, but it will not get security patches or new features. Over time, older apps may stop working with your phone, and you may have trouble using newer services. Most people keep using unsupported iPhones for another year or two before upgrading.
Why do some iPhone models come out in October instead of September?
Apple sometimes staggers releases to manage production and demand. The standard model usually launches first in September, while larger Plus versions or budget SE models come out a few weeks later. This also gives the company time to build inventory and handle the initial rush of orders.
Can I find the exact release date for my country?
The dates in the table above are when each model first became available worldwide, usually starting in the United States. Some countries received models a few days or weeks later. If you need your country's specific date, search for "iPhone [model] release date [your country]" to find regional information.