The Apple iPhone stands as a pinnacle of 21st-century innovation, with over 2.3 billion units sold worldwide. This groundbreaking device has reshaped the technology landscape since its debut in 2007. Over the past 17 years, Apple has introduced numerous iPhone generations, with the latest being the iPhone 16. The evolution of the iPhone, from its inception to the present, is a fascinating journey through technological advancement.
iPhone Release History
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How Many iPhone Generations Have There Been?
In total, there have been 24 different iPhone generations. The journey began with the first iPhone in 2007, and Apple has consistently released at least one new model each subsequent year. This count includes variations like the Plus or Max series, as well as distinct models such as the iPhone SE and iPhone XR.
Answer See ResultsEvery iPhone Generation in Order of Release
iPhone - June 29, 2007
The revolutionary first iPhone debuted on June 29, 2007, marking a significant leap in the smartphone market. It combined the functionalities of an iPod, phone, and internet device into a sleek package with a 3.5-inch display and a 2-megapixel camera, forever altering the tech landscape by introducing a touchscreen without a physical keyboard.
iPhone 3G - July 11, 2008
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The iPhone 3G, released on July 11, 2008, brought faster 3G connectivity and introduced the Apple App Store, revolutionizing mobile app development.
iPhone 3GS - June 19, 2009
The iPhone 3GS, launched on June 19, 2009, featured an upgraded 3-megapixel camera and enhanced performance, doubling the speed of its predecessor.
iPhone 4 - June 24, 2010
The iPhone 4, released on June 24, 2010, introduced FaceTime, a 5-megapixel camera with HD video recording, and the first Retina display, significantly improving visual clarity.
iPhone 4S - October 14, 2011
The iPhone 4S, launched on October 14, 2011, introduced Siri, the virtual assistant, alongside an 8-megapixel camera and features like iCloud and iMessage.
iPhone 5 - September 21, 2012
The iPhone 5, released on September 21, 2012, was the first to support LTE, enhancing data speeds, and introduced the Lightning port, marking a shift from the traditional 30-pin connector.
iPhone 5S - September 20, 2013
The iPhone 5S, unveiled on September 20, 2013, introduced Touch ID, allowing fingerprint-based unlocking, and featured the powerful A7 processor.
iPhone 5C - September 20, 2013
The iPhone 5C, also launched on September 20, 2013, targeted budget-conscious consumers with its colorful design and internals similar to the iPhone 5.
iPhone 6 - September 19, 2014
The iPhone 6, released on September 19, 2014, introduced a sleeker design and Apple Pay, powered by NFC technology. It also marked the debut of the larger iPhone 6 Plus.
iPhone 6S - September 25, 2015
The iPhone 6S, launched on September 25, 2015, introduced 3D Touch and 4K video recording capabilities, enhancing user interaction and multimedia experiences.
iPhone SE - March 31, 2016
The iPhone SE, released on March 31, 2016, combined the compact design of the iPhone 5S with the powerful features of the iPhone 6S, including 4K video.
iPhone 7 - September 16, 2016
The iPhone 7, launched on September 16, 2016, controversially removed the headphone jack, introduced water resistance, and the iPhone 7 Plus featured a dual-camera system.
iPhone 8 - September 22, 2017
The iPhone 8, released on September 22, 2017, added wireless charging and the True Tone display, adjusting colors based on ambient lighting.
iPhone X - November 3, 2017
The iPhone X, unveiled on November 3, 2017, marked a significant design shift by removing the home button and introducing Face ID and an all-screen design.
iPhone XS - September 21, 2018
The iPhone XS, released on September 21, 2018, featured minor upgrades over the iPhone X, including a dual-SIM tray for enhanced connectivity.
iPhone XR - October 26, 2018
The iPhone XR, launched on October 26, 2018, offered a budget-friendly option with an LCD display and a single rear camera.
iPhone 11 - September 20, 2019
The iPhone 11, released on September 20, 2019, featured a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display and introduced Pro models with advanced camera systems and HDR support.
iPhone SE (2nd Gen) - April 24, 2020
The iPhone SE 2, launched on April 24, 2020, offered improved performance with the A13 Bionic chip and a larger 4.7-inch True Tone display.
iPhone 12 - October 23, 2020
The iPhone 12, released on October 23, 2020, introduced MagSafe for magnetic accessory attachment, the Super Retina XDR display, and a durable Ceramic Shield front cover.
iPhone 13 - September 24, 2021
The iPhone 13, launched on September 24, 2021, boasted significant battery life improvements and introduced Cinematic Mode and ProRes video capabilities.
iPhone SE (3rd Gen) - March 18, 2022
The iPhone SE 3, released on March 18, 2022, reintroduced the home button and added 5G connectivity along with advanced photography features.
iPhone 14 - September 16, 2022
The iPhone 14, launched on September 16, 2022, introduced Emergency SOS via satellite and enhanced camera systems, with the return of the Plus model.
iPhone 15 - September 22, 2023
The iPhone 15, released on September 22, 2023, switched to USB-C from Lightning and introduced significant updates to the Pro models, including a titanium frame and new lens technology.
iPhone 16 - September 20, 2024
Apple unveiled the iPhone 16 series in September 2024, featuring faster CPU performance, a customizable action button, and integration with Apple Intelligence.
In our review of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Max, we detailed all the differences over the previous generation.
When Is the iPhone 17 Coming Out?
Although the iPhone 16 was recently announced, anticipation for the iPhone 17 is already building. While details are scarce, we can expect the iPhone 17 to be released around September 2025, following Apple's typical annual cycle.
You can see our guide to all 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.
