Apple's 2025 iPhone lineup will likely arrive in September, following the company's usual pattern

Apple has released new iPhones every September for the past 16 years. The company typically announces them in the second week of September and makes them available to buy about 10 days later. There is no official announcement yet for 2025, but based on this consistent schedule, you can expect announcements around September 9–11, 2025, with devices in stores by September 19–21.

This timing is not may provide — Apple has occasionally shifted by a week or moved announcements to October in years when production faced delays. But September remains the most reliable window to watch.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple typically announces new iPhones in the second week of September and releases them 10 days later, so 2025 will likely follow this same schedule.
  • You can check Apple's official website or sign up for their email notifications to learn the exact date once it is announced, rather than relying on rumors.
  • New iPhones usually cost the same as the previous generation at launch, though older models drop in price once the new ones arrive.
  • If you own an iPhone from 2020 or earlier, a 2025 model will likely support features your current phone cannot run.

What typically changes between iPhone generations

Each year's iPhone usually brings a camera upgrade, a faster processor, and longer battery life. The design often stays the same for two or three years, then changes noticeably. For example, the iPhone 14, 15, and 16 all look similar, but the iPhone 14 looked quite different from the iPhone 13.

Software features matter as much as hardware. When iOS 19 (or whatever version launches in 2025) arrives, it will run on the new iPhone first, and older models get it weeks or months later. If you care about having the newest features when ready, a new iPhone is the only way to get them on day one.

How to find out the exact announcement date

Apple does not announce dates far in advance. The company typically posts the announcement date on its website about two weeks before the event. The most reliable way to learn the date is to visit apple.com directly and look for a banner or press release section. You can also sign up for Apple's email notifications on that same page.

Avoid relying on tech news sites or social media for the official date — rumors circulate constantly, and many are wrong. Apple's own channels are always correct.

Pricing for 2025 iPhones

New iPhones usually cost the same as the previous generation at launch. The iPhone 16 started at $799 for the base model when it arrived in 2024, and the iPhone 15 also started at $799 in 2023. If this pattern holds, the 2025 base model will likely start at $799 as well, though Apple could change this.

What does change is the price of older models. When the new iPhone launches, the previous year's model usually drops by $100–$200. The iPhone 15 dropped to $699 when the iPhone 16 arrived. This is a good time to buy an older model if you do not need the newest features.

Which iPhones will stop receiving updates

Apple typically supports iPhones for five to six years of software updates. When iOS 19 launches in 2025, it will likely drop support for the iPhone XS and iPhone XR, which came out in 2018 and 2019. Phones from 2020 onward — the iPhone 12 and newer — should continue receiving updates for several more years.

If your iPhone is older than the iPhone 12, a 2025 model will run significantly faster and support features your current phone cannot handle. If your iPhone is from 2021 or later, the speed difference will be smaller, though the camera and battery life will still improve.

Where to buy and pre-order

Apple sells iPhones directly through apple.com, through its retail stores, and through carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. You can also buy from retailers like Best Buy and Amazon. Pre-orders usually open the day after the announcement and ship on the release date.

Prices and trade-in offers are usually the same across all these channels, so choose based on convenience. If you have an old iPhone to trade in, check the trade-in value on apple.com first — that value is often available at carriers and retailers too.

Rumors versus confirmed information

Tech websites publish hundreds of rumors about upcoming iPhones months before launch. Some are based on real supply-chain leaks; many are speculation. Until Apple makes an official announcement, any detail you read — camera specs, colors, processor name — could be wrong.

The only things you can count on before the announcement are the timing (likely September) and the fact that there will be a new model. Everything else is guesswork until Apple speaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I wait for the 2025 iPhone or buy one now?

If your current iPhone works fine, waiting until September makes sense — you will have the newest features and longer software support. If your phone is broken or too slow, buying now is reasonable. The 2024 iPhone 16 will still receive updates for years.

Will the 2025 iPhone work with my current charger?

iPhones have used USB-C since the iPhone 15 in 2023, so any 2025 model will charge with the same cable as your iPhone 15 or 16. If you have an older iPhone with Lightning, you will need a new cable.

Can I pre-order before the announcement?

No. Pre-orders open the day after Apple's announcement event, usually around 8 a.m. Pacific time. You cannot order before that date, even if you know what model you want.

What if I buy an iPhone in August and a new one launches in September?

Most retailers and carriers offer a return window of 14 to 30 days. If you buy in August and want to return it after the September announcement, you should be within that window. Check the return policy before you buy.

Will my apps and data transfer to a new iPhone?

Yes. When you set up a new iPhone, you can restore from a backup of your old phone. All your apps, photos, messages, and settings transfer over. This process takes 30 minutes to a few hours depending on how much data you have.