Ever dug out an old iPhone and wondered, "When did this come out?" You're not alone! Apple has released a whopping 27 iPhones since the original debuted in 2007 (as of March 2024), making it tough to keep track. This guide will crack the code and tell you exactly how old your iPhone is, along with a breakdown of release dates for every iPhone model.
Unveiling Your iPhone's Age: There are two methods!
Method 1: Settings Sleuthing
- Grab your iPhone and head to Settings.
- Tap on General.
- Navigate to About.
Here, you'll see a treasure trove of information about your iPhone, including its model name and version number. This is the key! Head over to the next section for our handy breakdown, and match your model name to its release date.
Method 2: Model Recognition
If deciphering model names isn't your forte, no worries! Here's a quick guide to identify your iPhone by its physical features:
- Home Button & Bezels: If your iPhone has a physical home button with a sizeable bezel (the frame around the screen), it's likely an older model, pre-iPhone X (2017).
- Notch vs No Notch: iPhones X and later have a distinctive notch at the top of the screen. The notch has gotten smaller over time, but its presence is a giveaway for a newer model.
- Dual vs Triple Rear Cameras: iPhones with two rear cameras were released between 2016 and 2018 (iPhone 7 Plus to iPhone X). Triple rear cameras became the norm with the iPhone 11 (2019) and later models.
The iPhone Release Date Rundown
Now that you've identified your iPhone's model or model range, let's dive into the release dates!
- Original iPhone (2007): The one that started it all!
- iPhone 3G & 3GS (2008 & 2009): Introduced 3G connectivity and faster performance.
- iPhone 4 & 4S (2010 & 2011): Brought Retina displays, FaceTime, and the iconic antenna lines.
- iPhone 5 & 5S (2012 & 2013): Introduced the taller design and fingerprint sensor (Touch ID) on the 5S.
- iPhone 6 & 6 Plus (2014): Offered larger screen sizes and improved cameras.
- iPhone 6S & 6S Plus (2015): Upgraded processing power and introduced 3D Touch.
- iPhone SE (1st Gen) (2016): An affordable option with the design of iPhone 5S and the power of iPhone 6S.
- iPhone 7 & 7 Plus (2016): Water resistance, dual cameras on the Plus model, and the removal of the headphone jack.
- iPhone 8 & 8 Plus (2017): Refined design with a glass back and faster processors.
- iPhone X (2017): The first iPhone with a notch, featuring an edge-to-edge display and Face ID.
- iPhone XR, XS, & XS Max (2018): The XR offered a more affordable option alongside the feature-packed XS and XS Max.
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, & 11 Pro Max (2019): Introduced the ultra-wide camera lens and improved battery life.
- iPhone SE (2nd Gen) (2020): Another budget-friendly option with the iPhone 8 design and iPhone 11 internals.
- iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, & 12 Pro Max (2020): Introduced 5G connectivity and a flat-edged design.
- iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, & 13 Pro Max (2021): Improved camera systems and longer battery life.
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, & 14 Pro Max (2022): Introduced satellite connectivity for emergency calls, the return of the larger non-Pro "Plus" size, and an always-on display on the Pro models.
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro & 15 Pro Max (2023): Ditches the Lightning port for the more universal USB-C for faster charging and data transfer.
By wielding your detective skills and referencing this timeline, you can now confidently determine your iPhone's age and appreciate its place in Apple's remarkable iPhone legacy. So, fire up that iPhone, explore its features, and revel in a piece of