Apple's upcoming iPhone models and release timing

Apple typically announces new iPhone models in September each year, with devices hitting stores within two weeks of the announcement. The exact models, features, and release dates shift year to year, so checking Apple's official website or major tech news outlets in late August or early September will show you what is actually coming. Right now, the most recent iPhones are the iPhone 16 series (released in September 2024), which includes the standard iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

If you are looking for information about a phone that has not been announced yet, Apple does not pre-announce future models. Rumors and leaks circulate online months before release, but these are guesses based on supply chain information and past patterns — not official information. The safest way to know what is actually coming is to wait for Apple's official announcement or check their website directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple announces new iPhones in September most years, with the devices available in stores within two weeks.
  • The iPhone 16 series is the current model as of late 2024, available in standard, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max sizes.
  • Rumors about future iPhones appear online months before any official announcement, but they are not confirmed until Apple speaks publicly.
  • You can find official information about upcoming models on Apple's website or through major tech news outlets during announcement season.

How to find out about new iPhones before they launch

Apple's official channels are the most reliable source. Visit apple.com and sign up for notifications, or follow Apple's social media accounts on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or YouTube. Apple usually sends press releases and holds events to announce new products, and these are covered immediately by major outlets like The Verge, MacRumors, and CNET.

If you want to know what is rumored to be coming, tech news sites publish detailed speculation based on supply chain leaks and past product cycles. These are educated guesses, not facts. Some rumors turn out to be accurate, but others are wrong. Treat them as possibilities, not certainties.

What typically changes between iPhone generations

Each new iPhone generation usually brings a faster processor, an improved camera system, and longer battery life. The design sometimes stays the same for two or three years, then changes significantly. Screen size options may shift — Apple has added and removed the Plus model before, for example. Storage capacity and color options also change from year to year.

The price of the base model tends to stay similar or increase slightly, though older models usually drop in price once the new ones launch. If you are waiting to buy an iPhone, the announcement of a new model is often a good time to buy the previous generation at a discount.

iPhone models currently available

As of late 2024, Apple sells the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro are still available from some retailers at reduced prices. Older models like the iPhone 14 may still be in stock at carriers or third-party sellers, but Apple's own stores focus on the newest generation.

If you are buying now and do not want to wait for a future announcement, the current iPhone 16 models have the latest processor and features available. If you want to save money, the previous-generation iPhone 15 is still a capable phone and will receive software updates for years.

How to decide whether to wait for a new model

If your current phone works fine, waiting for the next announcement in September makes sense — you will know what is actually coming instead of guessing. If your phone is broken, old, or no longer receives software updates, buying now is the practical choice. A phone that works today is better than a theoretical phone that might be announced months from now.

Consider also that new iPhones usually cost the same as the previous generation at launch. If you buy the current model now, you will pay the same price as someone who buys the new model in September — but you will have a working phone in the meantime. The only financial advantage to waiting is if you plan to buy the older model at a discount after the new one launches.

Where to check for official announcements

Apple's website (apple.com) is the official source. During announcement season, Apple posts details about new models, pricing, and availability there first. You can also watch Apple's keynote event live on their website or YouTube if you want to see the announcement as it happens.

Major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile also post information about new iPhones on their websites, usually on the same day as Apple's announcement. If you plan to buy through a carrier rather than directly from Apple, checking their site will show you carrier-specific pricing, trade-in offers, and financing options.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Apple usually announce new iPhones?

Apple typically holds an event in September to announce new iPhone models. The announcement usually happens in the second or third week of September, with devices available for purchase within one to two weeks after that. This timing has been consistent for several years, though Apple occasionally shifts the date by a week or two.

Can I pre-order an iPhone before it is officially announced?

No. Pre-orders open only after Apple makes an official announcement. Once the announcement happens, you can usually pre-order within a few days, and the phone ships on the official release date. Websites claiming to let you pre-order unreleased iPhones are not legitimate.

Will the new iPhone be more expensive than the current one?

Apple usually prices new iPhone models at the same starting price as the previous generation, though this is not may provide. Occasionally the base price increases by $50 to $100. Storage capacity and color options may also change, which affects the total cost. You will know the exact price when Apple makes the official announcement.

Should I buy the current iPhone or wait for the next one?

If your phone works fine, waiting until September to see what is announced makes sense. If your phone is broken or outdated, buying now is the practical choice — a working phone today is better than a theoretical phone months away. The current iPhone will still be a capable device for years after the next model launches.

Where can I buy a new iPhone when it launches?

You can buy directly from Apple through their website or in-store, from carriers like Verizon and AT&T, or from retailers like Best Buy and Amazon. Prices and financing options vary by seller. Buying directly from Apple or a carrier usually gives you the most straightforward experience, though retailers sometimes offer trade-in deals or discounts.