Every iPhone Generation: A Full History of Release Dates

The Apple iPhone: A Comprehensive History of Every Generation

The iPhone, a 21st-century marvel, boasts over 2.3 billion units sold globally. Its impact on the tech landscape is undeniable. With seventeen years and numerous models under its belt, tracking every iPhone generation can be challenging. This chronological list encompasses every iPhone released, from the original in 2007 to the latest iPhone 16 in 2024.

How Many iPhone Generations Exist?

A total of 24 distinct iPhone generations have been released. Since the 2007 debut, at least one new model has launched annually. This count includes variations like the Plus and Max series within each mainline generation, as well as distinct models such as the iPhone SE 2 and iPhone XR.

Every iPhone Generation: A Release Timeline

This section details each iPhone generation, highlighting key features and innovations.

• iPhone (June 29, 2007): The groundbreaking original, combining iPod, phone, and internet capabilities. Its 3.5-inch display and 2MP camera revolutionized the smartphone market.

• iPhone 3G (July 11, 2008): Introduced 3G connectivity and the revolutionary App Store.

• iPhone 3GS (June 19, 2009): Boasted a 3MP camera and double the processing speed of its predecessor.

• iPhone 4 (June 24, 2010): Featured FaceTime video calling, a 5MP camera with LED flash, and the first Retina display.

• iPhone 4S (October 14, 2011): Introduced Siri, 1080p video recording, and iCloud.

• iPhone 5 (September 21, 2012): Supported LTE, featured improved audio, and debuted the Lightning port.

• iPhone 5S (September 20, 2013): Introduced Touch ID fingerprint scanning and the A7 processor.

• iPhone 5C (September 20, 2013): Apple's first budget-friendly iPhone, offering vibrant colors and iPhone 5 hardware.

• iPhone 6 (September 19, 2014): Featured a slimmer design, Apple Pay, and introduced the larger iPhone 6 Plus.

• iPhone 6S (September 25, 2015): Introduced 3D Touch and 4K video recording.

• iPhone SE (March 31, 2016): A compact iPhone with iPhone 6S features at a lower price point.

• iPhone 7 (September 16, 2016): Removed the headphone jack, added water resistance, and introduced a dual-camera system on the iPhone 7 Plus.

• iPhone 8 (September 22, 2017): Featured wireless charging and a True Tone display.

• iPhone X (November 3, 2017): Revolutionized the design with an edge-to-edge display and Face ID.

• iPhone XS (September 21, 2018): A refined iPhone X with minor improvements, including dual-SIM support.

• iPhone XR (October 26, 2018): A more affordable option with an LCD display and single rear camera.

• iPhone 11 (September 20, 2019): Featured a larger display, Ultra Wide camera, and introduced Pro models.

• iPhone SE (2nd Gen) (April 24, 2020): Improved performance with the A13 Bionic chip and a larger display.

• iPhone 12 (October 23, 2020): Introduced MagSafe and a Ceramic Shield.

• iPhone 13 (September 24, 2021): Significant battery life improvements and new camera features like Cinematic mode.

• iPhone SE (3rd Gen) (March 18, 2022): Returned the home button and added 5G connectivity.

• iPhone 14 (September 16, 2022): Introduced Emergency SOS via satellite and camera improvements.

• iPhone 15 (September 22, 2023): Switched to USB-C and featured significant Pro model updates.

• iPhone 16 (September 20, 2024): Faster CPU, customizable action button, and Apple Intelligence integration.

Looking Ahead to the iPhone 17

While the iPhone 16 is fresh, anticipation for the iPhone 17 is already building. A September 2025 release is likely.

This comprehensive overview provides a detailed look at the evolution of the iPhone, showcasing Apple's continuous innovation and the device's enduring impact on the mobile technology landscape.