The Apple iPhone stands as a pinnacle of 21st-century innovation, with over 2.3 billion units sold worldwide. It's widely regarded as a revolutionary device that has transformed the tech landscape. Since the launch of the first iPhone in 2007, we've witnessed 17 years of continuous evolution, with Apple introducing multiple iPhone lines annually. This article presents a comprehensive timeline of every iPhone model released, leading up to the latest iPhone 16, covering the period from 2007 to 2024.

iPhone Release History Upcoming iPhones!

0 See it at Best Buy Looking to save money on a new Apple phone? Check out our guide to the best iPhone deals happening now.

How Many iPhone Generations Have There Been?

In total, there have been 24 different iPhone generations. The journey began with the iconic iPhone in 2007, and Apple has consistently released at least one new model each year. This count includes variations like the Plus and Max series within the mainline generations, as well as distinct models such as the iPhone SE 2 and iPhone XR.

iPhone - June 29, 2007

The revolutionary first iPhone was released on June 29, 2007. It combined the functionalities of an iPod, phone, and internet device, marking a significant leap in the smartphone market. Apple's decision to ditch the physical keyboard in favor of a touchscreen was groundbreaking. With its 3.5-inch display and 2-megapixel camera, the iPhone set the stage for a new era in technology.

iPhone 3G - July 11, 2008

Image Credit: Cult of Mac The iPhone 3G introduced 3G connectivity, enhancing data speeds significantly. It also marked the debut of the Apple App Store, revolutionizing mobile app development and usage.

iPhone 3GS - June 19, 2009

The iPhone 3GS upgraded the camera to 3 megapixels, enhancing photo quality and further positioning smartphones as viable camera alternatives. It also introduced new storage options and boasted performance twice that of the iPhone 3G.

iPhone 4 - June 24, 2010

The iPhone 4 brought FaceTime, enabling video calls. It featured a 5-megapixel camera with HD video recording and an LED flash. The Retina display was another highlight, making text crisper and more readable.

iPhone 4S - October 14, 2011

The iPhone 4S introduced Siri, the voice-activated assistant that became a hallmark of Apple's ecosystem. It also supported 1080p video recording with an 8-megapixel camera and launched features like iCloud and iMessage.

iPhone 5 - September 21, 2012

The iPhone 5 was the first to support LTE, enhancing data capabilities. It also focused on audio quality with improved microphones and introduced the Lightning port, replacing the older 30-pin connector.

iPhone 5S - September 20, 2013

The iPhone 5S introduced Touch ID, allowing fingerprint-based unlocking, a feature that became standard until the iPhone X. It also included the A7 processor and advanced camera technologies.

iPhone 5C - September 20, 2013

The iPhone 5C was Apple's first budget-friendly model, featuring the same internals as the iPhone 5 but in vibrant colors, making it more accessible to a wider audience.

iPhone 6 - September 19, 2014

The iPhone 6 introduced a slimmer design and Apple Pay, leveraging NFC technology. It was also the first to offer multiple sizes, with the iPhone 6 Plus boasting a 5.5-inch screen.

iPhone 6S - September 25, 2015

The iPhone 6S introduced 3D Touch, allowing for pressure-sensitive screen interactions. It also supported 4K video recording, solidifying the iPhone's role in professional-grade filming.

iPhone SE - March 31, 2016

The iPhone SE combined the design of the iPhone 5S with the capabilities of the iPhone 6S, offering a compact yet powerful device at a lower price point.

iPhone 7 - September 16, 2016

The iPhone 7 controversially removed the headphone jack, shifting to Bluetooth and Lightning port audio. It added water resistance and a haptic home button, with the iPhone 7 Plus introducing a dual-camera system.

iPhone 8 - September 22, 2017

The iPhone 8 added wireless charging via a glass back and introduced the True Tone display, adjusting colors based on ambient lighting.

iPhone X - November 3, 2017

The iPhone X marked a significant design shift, eliminating the home button for an all-screen design and introducing Face ID. This model set the template for future iPhones.

iPhone XS - September 21, 2018

The iPhone XS offered incremental improvements over the iPhone X, including a dual-SIM tray, enhancing its appeal for international users.

iPhone XR - October 26, 2018

The iPhone XR was a budget-friendly option with an LCD display and a single rear camera, providing a cost-effective alternative to the premium models.

iPhone 11 - September 20, 2019

The iPhone 11 increased the standard screen size to 6.1 inches and introduced an Ultra Wide camera. It was the first to offer Pro models with advanced camera systems and HDR support.

iPhone SE (2nd Gen) - April 24, 2020

The iPhone SE 2 upgraded to the A13 Bionic chip, improving performance significantly. It featured a larger 4.7-inch screen with a True Tone display and added Haptic Touch.

iPhone 12 - October 23, 2020

The iPhone 12 introduced MagSafe for magnetic accessory attachment and the Super Retina XDR display across base models. It also featured a more durable Ceramic Shield front cover.

iPhone 13 - September 24, 2021

The iPhone 13 improved battery life significantly and introduced Cinematic Mode for enhanced video recording. The Pro models added ProRes video support.

iPhone SE (3rd Gen) - March 18, 2022

The iPhone SE 3 reintroduced the home button and added 5G connectivity. It included advanced photography features like Night Mode and Photographic Styles.

iPhone 14 - September 16, 2022

The iPhone 14 introduced Emergency SOS via satellite and upgraded camera systems. It also saw the return of the Plus model with a larger screen.

iPhone 15 - September 22, 2023

The iPhone 15 series included standard, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max models. Key changes included a new lens, titanium frame, action button, and a switch to USB-C due to EU regulations.

iPhone 16 - September 20, 2024

Apple unveiled the iPhone 16 series in September 2024, featuring faster CPU performance, a customizable action button, and integration of Apple Intelligence. Our detailed review of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Max highlights the significant upgrades from the previous generation.

When Is the iPhone 17 Coming Out?

While the iPhone 16 is still fresh, anticipation for the iPhone 17 is already building. Though details are scarce, we expect the iPhone 17 to follow the traditional release timeline, with more information likely to surface around September 2025.

You can see our guide to all of 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.