Every iPhone Generation: A Full History of Release Dates

The Apple iPhone: A Comprehensive History of Every Model

The iPhone, a 21st-century marvel, has sold over 2.3 billion units globally. With 17 years and numerous releases, tracking each iPhone generation can be challenging. This chronological list details every iPhone ever released, from the original in 2007 to the latest iPhone 16 in 2024.

A Total of 24 iPhone Generations

In total, there are 24 distinct iPhone generations. This count includes variations like Plus and Max models within the main generation lines, as well as separate entries for models such as the iPhone SE 2 and iPhone XR.

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Every iPhone Generation: A Detailed Look

• iPhone (June 29, 2007): The groundbreaking original, combining iPod, phone, and internet capabilities. Its 3.5-inch display and 2MP camera marked a significant shift in the smartphone landscape.

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

• iPhone 3GS (June 19, 2009): Boasted a 3MP camera and significantly improved performance.

• 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 (8MP camera), iCloud, and iMessage.

• 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, the A7 processor, and enhanced camera technology.

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

• 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 capabilities.

• iPhone SE (March 31, 2016): A compact iPhone with the design of the iPhone 5S and features from the iPhone 6S.

• 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): A revolutionary design with an edge-to-edge display and Face ID.

• iPhone XS (September 21, 2018): Minor improvements over the iPhone X, including a dual-SIM tray.

• 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 6.1-inch display and an ultrawide camera. Introduced Pro models with triple-camera systems.

• iPhone SE (2nd Gen) (April 24, 2020): A significant upgrade over the first SE, with the A13 Bionic chip and a larger display.

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

• iPhone 13 (September 24, 2021): Improved battery life, Cinematic mode, and ProRes video on Pro models.

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

• iPhone 14 (September 16, 2022): Featured Emergency SOS via satellite and upgraded camera systems.

• iPhone 15 (September 22, 2023): Switched to USB-C, Pro models feature titanium frames and an action button.

• 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 new, anticipation for the iPhone 17 is already building. A September 2025 release is expected.

This comprehensive overview provides a detailed history of Apple's iconic iPhone.