Apple releases new iPhone models once a year, usually in September, and stops selling older models shortly after

Apple announces new iPhones in September almost every year without fail. The company typically shows off three to four new models at an event, then starts selling them within two weeks. Once the new phones are available for purchase, Apple stops selling the previous year's model through its own stores and website — though you can still buy older iPhones from carriers, retailers, and secondhand markets for months or years afterward.

The timing matters because it affects price, software support, and repair availability. If you own an iPhone from two or three years ago, a new release doesn't when ready break your phone. But it does mean your device will eventually fall out of Apple's support window, which is when repairs become harder and security updates stop coming.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple releases new iPhones every September, and stops selling the previous year's model at that time.
  • Your current iPhone continues to work and receive security updates for five to seven years after its release, even after a new model comes out.
  • Prices for last year's iPhone model drop by $100 to $200 when the new one launches, making it a cheaper way to upgrade if you want current hardware.
  • Once your iPhone stops receiving updates — usually seven years after release — security patches end and repair costs rise because parts become scarce.

Why Apple releases on a yearly schedule

Apple uses the September release cycle to match the back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons. A new phone in September gives the company three months of sales before the winter holidays, when people spend the most on electronics. This timing is predictable enough that carriers, retailers, and tech reviewers plan their entire year around it.

The yearly schedule also lets Apple control which older models stay in the market. By stopping sales of last year's phone, Apple pushes customers toward either the newest model or a discounted version from two years back. This strategy keeps the product line straightforward and makes it easier for carriers to manage inventory and support.

What happens to your phone when a new one launches

Your existing iPhone does not change when Apple announces a new model. It still works exactly the same way. What changes is the support timeline: Apple begins counting down the years until your phone stops receiving updates.

iPhones typically receive major software updates for five to seven years after their release date. An iPhone 15 released in September 2023, for example, would likely stop receiving updates sometime around 2029 or 2030. During those years, Apple sends security patches regularly — usually monthly — to fix vulnerabilities and protect against new threats. Once that window closes, your phone no longer gets those patches, which is when using it for sensitive tasks like banking becomes riskier.

Price drops when new models arrive

The iPhone model from the previous year typically drops in price by $100 to $200 when the new one launches. An iPhone 15 that cost $799 in September 2023 might drop to $599 or $649 when the iPhone 16 arrives in September 2024. Carriers often offer even steeper discounts or trade-in deals to move older inventory.

This price drop is one reason some people intentionally wait for the new announcement before buying. If you need a new phone but do not need the absolute latest model, waiting a few weeks can save you real money on hardware that still has five or six years of support ahead of it.

How to know if your iPhone is nearing the end of support

Check your iPhone's release date by going to Settings, then General, then About. Look for the "Model" field — it tells you which year your phone was made. iPhones released in 2017 or earlier are now past their support window and no longer receive security updates. iPhones from 2018 are approaching the end of their support life.

If your phone is still receiving updates, you can see which version of iOS you are running in the same Settings menu. Apple lists on its website which iOS versions are current and which are no longer supported. If your phone cannot install the latest iOS version, that is a sign support is ending soon.

You do not have to replace your phone the moment support ends. Many people keep using older iPhones for years. But you should understand the trade-off: without security updates, your phone becomes more vulnerable to malware and data theft, especially if you use it for passwords, banking, or email.

Where to buy iPhones after the new model launches

Apple's own website and stores will only sell the newest model and one or two older ones. If you want a specific older model — say, an iPhone 14 after the iPhone 16 launches — you will need to look at carriers like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile, which often keep previous models in stock longer. Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart also carry older models for weeks or months after launch.

Secondhand markets like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Swappa have older iPhones available year-round, often at steep discounts. The trade-off is that you cannot verify the phone's history or condition the way you can with a retailer. If you buy secondhand, ask for the IMEI number and check it against Apple's database to make sure the phone is not stolen or blacklisted.

What "new" really means in iPhone releases

Not every new iPhone is a major redesign. Some years Apple releases a new model with a faster processor and a better camera but the same overall design as the previous year. Other years bring a new shape, screen size, or major feature. The marketing around the launch usually makes clear what changed, but the core point is this: a new iPhone is always faster and has a better camera than the one it replaces, but the difference in real-world use may be small if your current phone is only one or two years old.

If your iPhone is three or more years old, a new one will feel noticeably faster and the camera will be significantly better. If your iPhone is less than two years old, the upgrade is usually not necessary unless you specifically need a new feature or your current phone is damaged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my iPhone stop working when a new model comes out?

No. Your iPhone will continue to work normally. What changes over time is software support — Apple stops sending security updates five to seven years after your phone's release date, not when ready when a new model launches.

Should I buy a new iPhone every year?

Most people do not need to. iPhones last five to seven years with regular use. If your phone works well and you do not need a new feature, waiting two to three years between upgrades is normal and saves money.

Is it better to buy the new iPhone or last year's model?

Last year's model is usually $100 to $200 cheaper and still has five or six years of support remaining. The new model has a faster processor and better camera, but the difference matters most if you use your phone for photography, video, or demanding apps. For email, messaging, and browsing, last year's model works just as well.

What should I do with my old iPhone when I upgrade?

You can trade it in to Apple, a carrier, or a retailer for credit toward a new phone. You can sell it secondhand on eBay, Swappa, or Facebook Marketplace. You can donate it to a school or nonprofit. Or you can keep it as a backup device. Do not throw it away — iPhones contain valuable materials and hazardous chemicals that belong in an e-waste recycling program.

Can I use an iPhone after it stops receiving updates?

Yes, but with increased risk. Without security updates, your phone becomes more vulnerable to malware and data theft. Many people continue using older iPhones for basic tasks like calling and texting, but avoid using them for banking or storing passwords once support ends.