Apple releases new iPhones every fall, usually in September or early October
Apple has followed a consistent yearly pattern for over a decade: new iPhones arrive in the fall, typically announced in mid-September and available for purchase within days or weeks. The company holds a media event where it shows off the new models, prices, and features, then opens pre-orders shortly after. You can expect this cycle to repeat each year, though the exact dates shift by a week or two depending on how Apple schedules its event.
The 2024 iPhone 16 models were announced on September 9 and released on September 20. Before that, the iPhone 15 came out in September 2023, and the iPhone 14 in September 2022. If you're reading this in late 2024 or early 2025, the next announcement will almost certainly fall in September 2025, with release following within two to three weeks.
This timing is not accidental. Apple uses the fall release to capture holiday shopping season and to reset the phone market before the year ends. It also gives the company time to manufacture enough units to meet demand across dozens of countries simultaneously.
Key Takeaways
- New iPhones are announced in mid-September almost every year, with release dates following within two to three weeks.
- Apple typically offers three to four models at different price points, so you can choose based on screen size and budget rather than waiting for a single "new iPhone."
- You can find the announcement date by checking Apple's website or major tech news outlets in late August, which usually report the rumored date weeks in advance.
- Pre-orders usually open the Friday after the announcement event and ship the following week, so you do not have to wait months to get one.
How many new models Apple releases each year
Apple does not release one new iPhone—it releases a lineup. In recent years, that has meant three or four distinct models: a base model, a Plus (larger base model), a Pro, and a Pro Max. Each has the same processor and core features, but the Pro models add a better camera system, more RAM, and a higher refresh rate screen. The Plus is straightforward the base model with a bigger screen.
This matters because you do not have to choose between "the old iPhone" and "the new iPhone." If you want a new phone in March, you can buy the current model at a discount. If you wait until September, you get the newest processor and camera, but you pay full price. The choice depends on your budget and how long you can wait.
Prices for the base model typically start around $800 to $900, with Pro models starting $200 to $300 higher. The Plus and Pro Max add another $100 to $200 on top of that. These prices are set by Apple and do not change much between retailers, though carriers sometimes offer trade-in discounts.
Where to find the announcement date before it happens
Apple does not announce the announcement date far in advance. Instead, it sends invitations to press and analysts about a week before the event. However, tech news outlets like MacRumors, The Verge, and 9to5Mac publish predictions based on supply chain reports and historical patterns, usually in late August. These predictions are often accurate within a day or two.
The most reliable way to stay informed is to check Apple's official website in early September. Apple posts the event details there once they are finalized, and you can watch the livestream for free. You do not need to pre-register or sign up for anything—the stream is public.
If you want a heads-up before the official announcement, follow one of the major tech news outlets on social media or subscribe to their newsletters. They will report the date as soon as Apple sends out invitations, which gives you a week to plan.
Pre-order dates and when you can actually buy one
Pre-orders typically open on the Friday following the announcement event. If the event is on a Tuesday, pre-orders open the next Friday. This gives Apple time to process orders and manufacturers time to prepare shipments. The first units ship the following week, usually on a Friday.
You can pre-order through Apple's website, through your carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile), or through retailers like Best Buy and Amazon. Prices are the same everywhere, but carriers sometimes bundle discounts if you are upgrading from an older phone or switching providers. Check your carrier's website to see what they offer before you decide where to order.
If you miss the pre-order window, you can still buy the phone on release day or shortly after, though popular models and colors may sell out temporarily. Restocks happen within days or weeks, so you are unlikely to wait months unless you want a very specific configuration.
What changes between iPhone generations
The processor is the biggest change each year. Apple designs its own chips (the A-series), and each new generation is faster and more power-efficient than the last. This means the new iPhone runs apps faster, handles video editing better, and lasts longer on a charge. If you use your phone for demanding tasks like video or photo editing, the new processor is worth the upgrade.
The camera system usually improves too, though the changes are often subtle. Apple adds higher megapixel counts, better low-light performance, or new zoom capabilities. For most people, the difference is noticeable only in specific situations—like photographing in dim light or zooming in on distant objects.
Software features tied to the new hardware also arrive with each generation. iOS 18 (released in 2024) introduced AI-powered features that only work on the iPhone 15 Pro and newer. If you have an older phone, you get the update but not the newest features. This is one reason people upgrade: not just for speed, but for features their old phone cannot run.
Should you wait for the new model or buy now
If your current phone works fine and you do not need the latest features, waiting for the fall release makes sense. You will get a faster processor, a better camera, and new software features. The trade-off is that you will pay full price and have to wait a few months.
If your phone is broken, slow, or you are frustrated with it, buying the current model now is reasonable. Prices drop by $100 to $200 once the new model launches, so you save money. You also get a phone that works today instead of waiting. The current model will still receive software updates for five to seven years, so it is not obsolete.
If you upgrade every year or two, waiting for the announcement is usually worth it. You can see the new features and decide whether they matter to you. If they do not, you can buy the previous model at a discount. If they do, you can pre-order the new one and have it within weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find out what the new iPhone will look like before the announcement?
Yes. Weeks before the announcement, tech outlets publish leaked photos and videos based on factory images and supplier information. These leaks are usually accurate about the design, colors, and overall look. However, they sometimes miss details about features or performance, so treat them as previews rather than complete information.
Do all carriers get the new iPhone on the same day?
Yes. Apple coordinates with all major carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) to release the phone on the same date. Carrier-specific models are rare now—most phones work on any network. The only difference is which carrier you buy from and what discounts they offer.
What happens to the price of older iPhones when a new one comes out?
Apple drops the price of the previous model by $100 to $200 and keeps it in the lineup for another year. For example, when the iPhone 16 launched, the iPhone 15 price dropped from $799 to $699. Older models are discontinued and removed from Apple's store, though you can still buy them used or from third-party retailers.
Is there ever a surprise iPhone release outside of September?
Not for the main lineup. Apple occasionally releases special editions or colors mid-year, but the new generation always arrives in fall. The company has stuck to this schedule for over 15 years, so it is reliable enough to plan around.
How long do iPhones get software updates?
Apple typically supports iPhones with major iOS updates for five to seven years after release. Security updates last even longer. This means a phone you buy today will receive updates well into the 2030s, so you do not need to upgrade just because a new model exists.