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✔ For a foldable — iPhone Duo.
→ 2026 — iPhone 18 Pro added variable aperture, and iPhone Duo became Apple's first foldable.
As of October 2026, the latest iPhone models are the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max (September 18, 2026), with iPhone Duo arriving October 23, 2026.
The iPhone has transformed the smartphone industry since its first release date in 2007, and continues to innovate with each generation. This comprehensive guide documents every iPhone release date in chronological order, from the original 2007 model through the 2026 iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo. Below is a detailed list of all iPhone models in order, along with descriptions highlighting key features and historical significance.
Got an iPhone but not sure about its model, specs, or warranty status? Uncover every tech detail using our free online tool: iPhone serial number lookup.
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| Apple iPhone model | Release date |
| iPhone | June 29, 2007 |
| iPhone 3G | July 11, 2008 |
| iPhone 3GS | June 19, 2009 |
| iPhone 4 | June 24, 2010 |
| iPhone 4S | October 14, 2011 |
| iPhone 5 | September 21, 2012 |
| iPhone 5s | September 20, 2013 |
| iPhone 5c | September 20, 2013 |
| iPhone 6 | September 19, 2014 |
| iPhone 6 Plus | September 19, 2014 |
| iPhone 6s | September 25, 2015 |
| iPhone 6s Plus | September 25, 2015 |
| iPhone SE (1st Gen) | March 31, 2016 |
| iPhone 7 | September 16, 2016 |
| iPhone 7 Plus | September 16, 2016 |
| iPhone 8 | September 22, 2017 |
| iPhone 8 Plus | September 22, 2017 |
| iPhone X | November 3, 2017 |
| iPhone XS | September 21, 2018 |
| iPhone XS Max | September 21, 2018 |
| iPhone XR | October 26, 2018 |
| iPhone 11 | September 20, 2019 |
| iPhone 11 Pro | September 20, 2019 |
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | September 20, 2019 |
| iPhone SE (2nd Gen) | April 24, 2020 |
| iPhone 12 | October 23, 2020 |
| iPhone 12 Pro | October 23, 2020 |
| iPhone 12 Mini | November 13, 2020 |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | November 13, 2020 |
| iPhone 13 Mini | September 24, 2021 |
| iPhone 13 | September 24, 2021 |
| iPhone 13 Pro | September 24, 2021 |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | September 24, 2021 |
| iPhone SE (3rd Gen) | March 18, 2022 |
| iPhone 14 | September 16, 2022 |
| iPhone 14 Plus | September 16, 2022 |
| iPhone 14 Pro | September 16, 2022 |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | September 16, 2022 |
| iPhone 15 | September 22, 2023 |
| iPhone 15 Plus | September 22, 2023 |
| iPhone 15 Pro | September 22, 2023 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | September 22, 2023 |
| iPhone 16 | September 20, 2024 |
| iPhone 16 Plus | September 20, 2024 |
| iPhone 16 Pro | September 20, 2024 |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | September 20, 2024 |
| iPhone 16e | February 28, 2025 |
| iPhone 17 | September 19, 2025 |
| iPhone Air | September 19, 2025 |
| iPhone 17 Pro | September 19, 2025 |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | September 19, 2025 |
| iPhone 17e | March 11, 2026 |
| iPhone 18 Pro | September 18, 2026 |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | September 18, 2026 |
| iPhone Duo | October 23, 2026 |
That was the iPhone release dates history. Now, let's see what each release was memorable for.
Also, check out all Apple Watches in chronological order.
June 29, 2007: The first iPhone is 19 years old. When it was first released in 2007, it was so revolutionary. We remembered it for bringing in multi-touch tech. The first-generation iPhone combined an iPod, a cell phone, and a web-enabled device into one product. It was amazing and truly transformed the way people used mobile technology. They didn't need a stylus anymore.
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| Reddit is buzzing about the first iPhone.
It seems like some folks can't wait to get their hands on the iPhone, while others are jokingly considering some wild sacrifices just to afford it.
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July 11, 2008: The iPhone 3G came with 3G connectivity. This means users could access the internet much faster. The new App Store allowed other companies to make apps. This enabled the mobile phone to do a lot more things. Can you imagine the world without the App Store now? Me either! What's more, the 3G model also had GPS navigation. That allowed users to take advantage of maps and services right on their phones.
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Note: Apple never released an "iPhone 2". The second generation was named iPhone 3G to emphasize its 3G connectivity feature.
TipWant to know every detail about your iPhone or another Apple device? Use the Apple serial number lookup tool to check specs, model info, warranty status, and more. |
June 19, 2009: Apple released smartphone versions that included the letter S, indicating "speed." The 3GS was a more powerful iteration of a popular device, equipped with a new processor, additional built-in memory, and RAM. Voice control, a magnetometer, a compass, and a new camera with autofocus were among the new things users liked.
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June 24, 2010: To be honest, all three previous smartphones were essentially the same model. Apple just fine-tuned them, including mastering and improving its own operating system. The time for innovation came in 2010 when the iPhone 4 was introduced to the world.
The iPhone 4 was a milestone for several reasons:
This design change had a positive effect on sales — 1.7 million items sold and tons of positive reviews received.
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October 14, 2011: The iPhone 4S received updated memory, a version with up to 64GB of storage, and a new camera module. The 8MP camera supports video recording up to 1080p. Users were finally able to use geolocation. And can you imagine the world without Siri? It was born with the 4S release.
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| Reddit is full of discussions about Siri, the voice assistant Apple introduced with the iPhone 4S. Users share their hilarious experiences, from accents that lead to unexpected responses to moments when Siri just doesn't quite get it.
"Siri, help me avoid adulting until noon!"
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September 21, 2012: iPhone 5 was the first iPhone to get 4G LTE. This gave users faster mobile data and a much better web browsing experience. The new model had the new Lightning connector. It replaced the older 30-pin Dock connector. Many reviewers noted this change. Also, for a time after its launch, the iPhone 5 held the title of the world's thinnest smartphone. Because of this, I like its design so much. Do you? Also, one interesting fact about this model: In just the first 5 days, Apple sold over 5 million units of this product.
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September 20, 2013: Many Apple fans believe the iPhone 5s was the most innovative product in the company's history. The 5s was so popular that it has been in production for an impressive three years! The updates were huge! Apple introduced a 64-bit A7 processor and a proprietary M7 motion-tracking co-processor. The latter could collect information from sensors even when the mobile phone was in sleep mode.
Another innovation was the fingerprint scanner. There have been attempts to integrate a scanner before — in phones and communicators from Pantech, Toshiba, and so on. But it was Apple that set the trend and made it almost a universal standard.
The same year, Apple tried to enter the budget market with the iPhone 5C. A case with a plastic cover, a previous-generation A6 processor, and no TouchID. Few liked this simplified version.
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Interesting factApple launched its Material Recovery program in 2013, encouraging consumers to recycle their old iPhones and other devices to recover valuable materials for reuse in new products. |
September 19, 2014: In 2014, smartphones with larger screen sizes were extremely popular. So Apple followed the trends and presented two iPhone models with 4.7" and 5.5" screens. In addition to the screen size, the Plus version has optical stabilization, which the iPhone 6 did not have. The iPhone 6 did not differ from the 5S in terms of basic parameters. The only things that were different were design and screen size. Users liked the large screen size because it was convenient for watching videos. However, the body of the device was not durable, and people often bent it when they accidentally sat on the phone. Yikes!
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| Can you imagine only 10 years ago, we were still fumbling for cash and cards at the register?
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September 25, 2015: Fortunately, we now can notice that the new 6S and 6S Plus models have a more durable case. No more broken phones, hopefully. The most significant changes in the design we can see were more rounded corners compared to the iPhone 5S. We can also see rounded glass on the side edges. The power button, which used to be on top, has now been moved to the side. Although the new design was not much different from previous versions, the world still saw some innovations.
3D Touch and Live Photos technology appeared. The camera improved to 12MP, enabling 4K video recording.
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March 31, 2016: The iPhone SE (1st Gen) took the powerful internals of the iPhone 6S and put them in the compact body of the iPhone 5S. This model was aimed at users who preferred smaller devices without compromising on performance and featured the A9 chip for speed and efficiency. The 12MP camera and Live Photos functionality were also included, making this a great option for those looking for budget-friendly performance.
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Check out our iPhone serial number lookup tool
September 16, 2016: Apple presented versions 7 and 7 Plus. This model is still relevant and many people prefer it even though we actively use iPhone 16. I bet you have a friend who uses an iPhone 7! In this device, the humidity protection was improved and the Home button became touch-sensitive. Stereo sound was introduced in this smartphone. The 7 Plus received a larger screen and a second main camera.
The main thing users hated was the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack. It made it impossible to use third-party headphones. How dare they?
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September 22, 2017: Compared to the iPhone 7, the design of the version 8 gadgets was not particularly different. The devices received True Tone technology and wireless charging support. With its Portrait mode and improved low-light photography, the iPhone 8 Plus became an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts. Some of my friends still have the 8th iPhones.
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November 3, 2017: Nearly five years in the making, the new model was the culmination of all the company's advanced technologies. It had the latest Apple A11 Bionic, wireless charging, and 3GB of RAM. What set it apart from the iPhone 8 was its huge 5.85-inch AMOLED display, which took up almost the entire front panel. The colors were bright and saturated.
TouchID had to go. Apple was now promoting the new FaceID system, which recognized faces using the front camera. I remember how impressed I was with facial recognition. I spent weeks playing around with it like crazy!
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| Face ID is great, but it comes with a side of "twin trouble." Who knew having a lookalike would mean sharing your secrets? Other than that, it really does beat Touch ID!
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Tip: You might also be interested in checking out all the iPad generations in order.
September - October 2018: Each new Apple smartphone always presents us with a choice. And this time, the company gave us a choice between three models at once. The Xs and Xs Max got an updated Apple A12 Bionic, more RAM, and OLED displays. The differences, as always, were noticed in screen size and battery capacity. After much anticipation, the iPhone now supported dual SIM cards, a feature that many users have been waiting for. Plus, it was the first of its kind to have an IP68 rating, which meant it could handle being underwater at a depth of up to two meters without any worries.
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September 20, 2019: Apple introduced iPhones with an even bigger processor. They worked faster and took much better quality photos, as they processed the images as they were taken. Smartphones had an updated camera system consisting of three modules: ultra-wide-angle, wide-angle and telephoto. And this was also the first iPhone with a night shooting mode.
The most noticeable external change was the camera block, and for the first time, we also saw a three-module iPhone. They stuck out quite a bit and became the subject of both ridicule and debate.
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April 24, 2020: Apple introduced the second-gen iPhone SE, and, like it or not, it looked like the classic iPhone 8. However, underneath the phone, there is a really powerful A13 Bionic chip. Speaking of the screen, the 4.7" display is just right – not too big, not too tiny – perfect for keeping it comfortable.
My favorite part comes when we talk about cameras. This phone has a 12-megapixel wide-angle camera that has an ƒ/1.8 aperture. With this power, you can take some really nice shots. On top of that, you get Portrait mode and portrait lighting, which makes things even better! Your pictures can look super professional — almost like the ones you'd get from the pricier phones like the iPhone X, XS, and 11. And if you love making videos, note that the phone can shoot 4K at various frame rates, like 24, 30, or 60 fps. So awesome!
Overall, a lot of users are saying that the SE is a fantastic choice if you're looking for something budget-friendly without giving up on quality compared to the iPhone 8 release date and older models. Definitely a solid option!
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October - November 2020: When did the iPhone 12 come out? The answer is complicated — COVID-19 caused Apple's staggered release, with iPhone 12 and 12 Pro launching on October 23, 2020, while the Mini and Pro Max followed on November 13, 2020. That time, we saw a comeback of Jonathan Ive's classic design style: those familiar sharp edges that remind me of older iPhone models. I have to say, I loved this nostalgic touch!
Powered by the impressive A14 Bionic chip, these models are all set for 5G connectivity.
The camera on the iPhone 12 has some noticeable upgrades. The wide-angle lens now has a bright ƒ/1.6 aperture, while the ultra-wide lens comes in at ƒ/2.4. You get a two-times optical zoom and a five-times digital zoom, plus optical image stabilization to make sure your shots stay steady. And the front camera? It's a 12-megapixel wonder that makes for some sharp selfies. I use it pretty often to shoot Instagram stories and love the quality I get.
Speaking of the Mini, if you're into smaller phones, then the iPhone 12 mini is a great pick! It has all the key features that the regular model has but in this cute little 5.4-inch display. It's super lightweight at just 133 grams, perfect if you prefer something that's easy to handle!
Also, I have to share my own experience here. Back in winter 2021, I got the iPhone 12 Pro Max, and honestly, I still think it's one of my all-time favorites. I mean, I've been considering upgrading to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but the 12 Pro Max is just so good that I really can't decide if I'm ready to let it go just yet!
Check out our iPhone 12 review.
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| Apple decided not to include a charger with the iPhone 12, sparking quite a bit of debate. While the move was aimed at promoting environmental sustainability by reducing e-waste, many customers felt caught off guard. It's a bold choice, but it also leaves users wondering if they'll need to invest in additional accessories just to power up their new devices.
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Tip: Love Apple products? Check out all Mac generations in order.
September 24, 2021: The iPhone 13 release comes with Apple's A15 chip, which is super powerful with 15 billion transistors. This means better graphics, better performance, and better energy efficiency. For the Pro and Pro Max versions, you get a really smooth 120Hz display. Once you get used to that, a regular 60Hz screen will feel kinda slow! The best part? The refresh rate adjusts to what you're doing, which helps save battery life.
Now, if you buy the mini or the regular model, you start with 128 GB of storage instead of just 64 GB like before. And thank goodness they improved the battery! You can get about an hour and a half to two hours more use, mostly thanks to that new efficient A15 chip.
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March 18, 2022: So, the iPhone SE 3 totally keeps that classic vibe of the iPhone 8, rocking a 4.7-inch display along with the good old Home button that has Touch ID, which is super nostalgic. I mean, while the design might come off as a bit dated, Apple really stepped up with some impressive upgrades under the hood. The SE 3 packs the awesome A15 Bionic chip from the iPhone 13, plus it supports 5G, which, let's be real, makes it a solid contender in the current tech scene.
On top of that, the improved battery life means you're getting a device that performs really well without being too bulky. But, you know, some users were kind of wishing for a fresh design, which has sparked a lot of buzz and speculation about what the iPhone SE 4 might bring to the table.
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September 16, 2022: The iPhone 14 lineup had four models: iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max. The Plus replaced the Mini. The Pro models introduced Dynamic Island and a 48MP main camera, and every model added Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite. With the absence of the iPhone Mini in this release due to its lack of popularity among consumers the iPhone 14 Plus emerged as a worthy replacement. It featured an impressive display akin to that of the Pro Max variant.
When considering performance capabilities of the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus models, in terms of power efficiency and speed enhancements are notable, with the A15 Bionic chip carried over from the year.
Apple introduced some updates to the Pro models; the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max now boast a revolutionary feature called Dynamic Island instead of the traditional notch design seen in previous models. Dynamic Island is an area at the top of the iPhone screen that acts as a hub and adjusts its shape based on different usage scenarios. This new feature includes sections for the camera and sensors within Dynamic Island while offering a space for displaying various content types elsewhere in the area.
In this version update, the camera system has been significantly enhanced to 48MP, ensuring that your photos and videos will stand out like never before.
Guess what! Apple didn't just stop at that point and introduced a range of safety features such as Crash Detection and Emergency SOS through satellite – isn't that great for ensuring peace of mind? Also worth noting is their adoption of technology, across the U.S.
We compared iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 14. Check it out.
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Interesting factIn 2023, Apple announced that it achieved its goal of using 100% recycled cobalt in all iPhone batteries, demonstrating its commitment to responsibly sourcing materials and reducing environmental impact. |
September 22, 2023: The iPhone 15 release date marked a historic transition — after 11 years, Apple replaced the Lightning connector with USB-C across the entire lineup. You no longer have to carry several different wires with you. Now, you can charge an iPhone, iPad, and MacBook with one charger. Dynamic Island can now be seen not only in Pro versions, as last year, but in the entire line.
The basic models received an updated design with rounded edges and matte "backs," as well as an improved wide-angle 48 MP camera. Apple has also released new artificial intelligence algorithms and portrait mode. The camera will now recognize when you're taking a portrait (even of animals!) and automatically switch to portrait mode. And thanks to Smart-HDR, pictures at night will be much better. The iPhone 15 Pro Max (but not the iPhone 15 Pro) has a photo sensor for 5x optical zoom without loss of detail. This can be compared with a 120 mm lens! Can you imagine?
The shift to USB-C represents more than just a new port — it closes an 11-year chapter that began with the iPhone 5 in 2012. Apple made this change partly to comply with EU regulations, but the benefits extend far beyond legal requirements. USB-C brings faster data transfer speeds, especially on Pro models with USB 3 support, and introduces reverse charging capability so you can power your AirPods directly from your iPhone. The real convenience shows up in everyday life: one cable now works with your iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and even non-Apple devices. It's a rare moment when regulatory pressure and user experience actually align.
iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are equipped with A17 Pro and iOS 17 introduced alongside iPhone 15, the most powerful processor for mobile devices. Apple assures that the new chip is faster and more energy efficient than last year's A16 Bionic. And it will especially appeal to gamers, as it increases performance in games by about 20%.
Users frequently ask, "When did the iPhone 15 come out?" — It launched on September 22, 2023, with pre-orders beginning September 15.
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September 20, 2024: The iPhone 16 came out on September 20, 2024, with pre-orders starting September 13, marking Apple's entry into the AI-powered smartphone era. Therefore, it's no surprise that Apple centered the iPhone 16 lineup around Apple Intelligence while also rolling out some notable upgrades in other areas.
The standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus feature a new vertical dual camera setup designed to capture spatial video for Apple Vision Pro. This vertical arrangement isn't just aesthetic — it positions the lenses in a way that mimics human eye spacing, capturing depth information that creates a 3D effect when viewed on Vision Pro. Essentially, your iPhone becomes a content creation tool for spatial computing without needing specialized equipment. It's Apple's way of turning everyday moments into immersive memories that can be relived in three dimensions.
The introduction of the 3nm A18 chip represents a significant leap in both processing power and energy efficiency compared to previous models. Additionally, the increased RAM of 8GB allows the iPhone 16 to handle AI tasks effortlessly. The Action button provides various shortcuts and gestures to enhance photography and videography.
Apple rebuilt the entire architecture around AI. The jump to 8GB of RAM across all models (compared to 6GB in standard iPhone 15 models) was necessary for on-device AI processing, allowing Apple Intelligence to run locally rather than relying on cloud servers. This means faster responses, better privacy, and the ability to use AI features even without an internet connection. The 3nm A18 chip was designed specifically to handle these AI workloads efficiently without draining battery life.
For the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple has made a 5x telephoto camera standard, along with a new 48-megapixel ultra-wide lens. Beyond AAA gaming and Apple Intelligence capabilities, the A18 chip also allows for the smooth recording of 4K video at 120 frames per second.
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Tip: If you’re interested in LLMs, AI, and machine learning innovations, visit our LLM News website.
February 28, 2025: While the main iPhone 16 lineup came out in September 2024, Apple later introduced the iPhone 16e on February 28, 2025. This budget-friendly model addresses the complete iPhone 16 family timeline by offering a more accessible entry point into Apple's AI-powered ecosystem.
The iPhone 16e retains core Apple Intelligence features while maintaining a lower price point through strategic component choices. It features the A18 chip, the same chip as the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. It still delivers solid performance for everyday tasks and select AI capabilities.
The single rear camera system is designed for straightforward photography, though it lacks the spatial video recording found in the standard iPhone 16.
With reportedly 8GB of RAM, the iPhone 16e handles most AI tasks efficiently, though power users may notice limitations with more demanding workloads.
It has an Action button instead of Camera Control.
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September 19, 2025: As of now, the latest iPhone models are the iPhone 17 series. Many users ask, "When did the iPhone 17 come out?"— the answer is September 19, 2025, with pre-orders starting September 12 , when all four models became available. The iPhone 17 family has contoured edges, thinner borders, and Ceramic Shield 2 on the front.
All iPhone 17 models now feature a 48 MP Fusion main camera and an 18 MP Center Stage camera. This means you don't have to rotate your iPhone to switch between portrait and landscape modes when using the front camera; you can take photos and videos in either orientation while holding your iPhone vertically.
iPhone 17 uses the A19 chip, and iPhone Air uses the A19 Pro chip. The 17 has a 6.3-inch screen and the Air a 6.5-inch display. iPhone Air is 5.6mm thin with a titanium frame. However, the Air has a single 48MP camera. The iPhone Air also represents a significant shift in Apple's lineup strategy — it takes the place of the Plus model. Plus models ran from iPhone 6 to iPhone 8 and again from iPhone 14 to iPhone 16. At 5.6mm thick, the Air is one of the thinnest iPhones ever made, prioritizing elegant design over camera versatility. It's Apple's bet that there's a market for people who want a bigger screen without the bulk or the Pro price tag.
The 17 Pro and Pro Max are best for professionals. They feature cooling systems, bigger screens of 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch, respectively, and triple 48MP cameras with 8x optical zoom. Plus, they support ProRes RAW video and have the best battery life ever in an iPhone.
Verify your iPhone 17 model and specifications.
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Let's have a look at key features and technical specifications for the iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16, and iPhone 17 series:
| Feature/specification | iPhone 14 | iPhone 15 | iPhone 16 | iPhone 17 |
| Processor | A15 Bionic | A16 Bionic (A17 Pro in Pro models) | A18 | A19 and A19 Pro chip |
| Camera system | Dual 12MP (Wide, Ultra-Wide) | 48MP Main and 12MP Ultra Wide | Vertical dual-camera setup | Dual 48MP Fusion Main |
| Front camera | 12MP with Night mode | 12MP with improved AI features | 12MP with spatial video recording | 18MP Center Stage |
| Video recording | 4K at 60 fps | 4K at 60 fps | 4K at 120 fps | 8K, ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2 |
| Connectivity | 5G | USB-C, 5G | USB-C, Enhanced 5G | USB-C |
| Design | Aluminum and glass, 5 colors | Aluminum and glass, new colors | Aluminum and glass, new finishing | Titanium and aluminum frame |
| Notable features | Dynamic Island | Improved AI algorithms | Enhanced camera control features | Dual capture front and rear video on all models |
March 11, 2026: Apple announced the iPhone 17e on March 2, 2026, with pre-orders on March 4. It’s the low-cost model in the iPhone 17 family, with the A19 chip and a $599 starting price for 256GB, according to press reports of Apple’s release.
Source: apple.com
September 18, 2026: Apple announced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on September 9, 2026. Pre-orders began September 12, and they went on sale September 18 in more than 65 countries and regions, with 20 more following on September 25. They run iOS 27 and come in black, silver, glacier, and a new burgundy. Prices start at $1,199 and $1,299 in the U.S.
What we got:
Milestones that shaped the iPhone 18 Pro:
Apple Reference Image capture isn’t available at launch in the EU or China.
Compatibility note: iOS 27 runs on iPhone 11 and later, but Apple Intelligence needs iPhone 15 Pro or later and any iPhone 16 or later. Some features need newer hardware: customizable Siri voices require iPhone 17 Pro or newer, iPhone Air, iPhone 18 Pro, or iPhone Duo.
Source: apple.com
October 23, 2026: Apple announced iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone, on September 9, 2026. Pre-orders begin October 16, and it’s available October 23. Opened, it has a 7.6-inch inner display and is the thinnest iPhone. It’s made of grade 5 titanium in star white and night sky, and runs on the A20 Pro chip. Starting prices run from $1,999 in press coverage of the launch.
That completes our comprehensive iPhone release date timeline from 2007 to 2026. But what to expect next?
The 2026 iPhone lineup is arriving in stages. Apple announced the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Duo in September, and iPhone Duo ships October 23. Apple hasn’t announced a standard iPhone 18. Apple’s pattern since 2025 is to release its low-cost “e” model in the spring.
Read also:
In 2024, we conducted research* across several EU countries (Germany, Spain, Italy, and France) and uncovered a few interesting insights.
People in Germany turned out to be the least pragmatic when it comes to upgrading their iPhones — 24% said they try to get the newest model as soon as it’s released, while another 27% upgrade when the new model has been on the market for one to two years.
On the other hand, users in Spain and France seem to take a more practical approach. Around 36% of Spaniards and 37% of French respondents said they only buy a new iPhone when their current one starts having real technical issues.
*Source: 2024 EU iPhone users Research by Setapp
This iPhone timeline demonstrates Apple's consistent innovation. To wrap up this detailed history of iPhone generations in order, it's clear that the evolution of the iPhone has been nothing short of remarkable, with each model bringing exciting innovations. As we look ahead, there's so much to anticipate, especially with new features enhancing both performance and user experience.
If you find yourself missing features like efficient data transfer, photo organization, or even better security for your personal information, get Setapp. This platform offers a variety of apps for iPhone, including CleanMyPhone, Session, Nitro PDF Pro, Spark Mail, NotePlan, Elephas, Awesome Habits, Paste, Expenses, UpLife, and many more. These tools can help you declutter your photo library, improve focus, edit documents, manage email, get organized, speed up your writing, track expenses, improve mental health, and so on. The best part? Setapp lets you try all 250+ Mac, iOS, and web apps for seven days at no cost.
Apple has released 54 individual iPhone models through September 2026, or 55 once iPhone Duo ships. We count each Plus, Pro, Pro Max, mini, SE, e, Air, and Duo model separately. If you count every size variant (Plus, Max, Mini), SE model, and Air version, the total number of individual iPhone models exceeds 50. The distinction matters: Each generation represents a new design and chip architecture, while model variants within a generation share core technology but differ in size, camera systems, or price positioning.
The first iPhone was announced by Steve Jobs on January 9, 2007, and it was released to the public on June 29, 2007.
Apple rolls out a new iPhone lineup once a year. The company usually announces the phones in early-to-mid September, opens pre-orders a few days later, and ships them about a week after that.
COVID-19 caused Apple's first-ever staggered release, with the iPhone 12 being rolled out on October 23, 2020. The iPhone 12 Mini and Pro Max followed on November 13, 2020.
The iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max were released on September 24, 2021.
The iPhone 15 release date was September 22, 2023, when all four models became available simultaneously.
As of now, Apple hasn’t announced an iPhone 19, and it’s not expected for several more years.
Apple has released iPhone models every year since 2007, starting with the original iPhone, followed by major series like the 3G, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and most recently Apple iPhone 17 with release date in 2025, with multiple variations including Plus, Pro, Pro Max, Mini, SE, and Air versions along the way.
Apple announced the iPhone 17 lineup on September 9, 2025, opened pre-orders on September 12, and released it on September 19, 2025.
The iPhone 16 was officially announced on September 9, 2024, and it became available for purchase on September 20, 2024.
Apple announced the iPhone 16e on February 19, 2025, and it became available for purchase on February 28, 2025. This model serves as the entry-level option in the iPhone 16 lineup, succeeding the iPhone SE (3rd generation)
iPhone SE (1st generation) and iPhone SE (2nd generation) are older than iPhone 12. However, the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is newer than the iPhone 12.
The chronological order of these devices is:
The newest iPhones are the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max (September 18, 2026) and iPhone Duo (October 23, 2026). Recent models include the iPhone 17e (March 2026) and the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max (September 2025). Check Apple’s iPhone page for the models still on sale.
Apple typically announces new iPhone models in September each year, with availability following within 1-2 weeks of the announcement. The pattern has been consistent since iPhone 6 (2014), with occasional variations. For example, the iPhone 12 launched in October 2020 due to COVID-19 delays. Pro and Pro Max models sometimes ship a week or two after the standard models.
No. Google services — Search, Gmail, Google Maps, Google Drive, YouTube, Chrome — are all fully accessible on macOS and iOS through browsers or dedicated apps. Apple's ecosystem has native alternatives: Safari instead of Chrome, Apple Mail instead of Gmail, Apple Maps instead of Google Maps, iCloud Drive instead of Google Drive.
Switching to Apple primarily changes your hardware and operating system, not your relationship with web services.
Only the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, which went on sale September 18, 2026. Apple hasn’t announced a standard iPhone 18. Apple’s foldable, iPhone Duo, arrives October 23.
iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and every iPhone 16 or later. iOS 27 runs on more iPhones (iPhone 11 and later), but older ones don’t get Apple Intelligence. Siri AI isn’t initially available in the EU on iPhone.
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