Apple releases new iPhones in September, usually on a Tuesday or Wednesday

Apple announces new iPhone models in mid-September almost every year. The company holds an event — usually at its headquarters in Cupertino, California — where it shows off the new phones, watches, and sometimes other devices. You can watch the event live on Apple's website or YouTube.

The phones then go on sale about a week or two after the announcement. So if the announcement happens on a Tuesday in mid-September, you can usually buy the new phones the following Friday or the Friday after that. The exact dates shift slightly year to year, but the September window is consistent.

Apple does not announce the date in advance. The company typically sends out invitations to press and analysts a week or two before the event. If you want to know when this year's event is happening, checking Apple's official website or major tech news sites in late August or early September will tell you the date.

Key Takeaways

  • New iPhones are announced in mid-September each year at an Apple event, with sales starting one to two weeks later.
  • Apple does not publish the announcement date ahead of time — invitations go out about a week or two before the event.
  • You can watch the announcement live on Apple's website or YouTube, and pre-orders usually open the day after the event.
  • The specific models, prices, and features change each year, so checking Apple's site or tech news in late August will show you what to expect.
  • Older iPhone models often drop in price after new ones launch, so waiting a few weeks can save money if you do not need the latest version.

How to find out the exact announcement date

Apple sends press invitations about one to two weeks before the event. These invitations go to journalists and tech bloggers first, but the date spreads quickly across the internet. By the time invitations go out, major news sites like The Verge, MacRumors, and CNET will publish the date within hours.

You can also check Apple's own website. In late August or early September, Apple usually puts a banner on its homepage with a link to watch the event. This banner appears a few days before the event and tells you the exact time and date. If you do not see anything yet, check back in late August.

Setting a calendar reminder in late August to check Apple's site or a tech news site is the simplest approach. You do not need to sign up for anything — just check once in late August, find the date, and add it to your calendar.

What happens between the announcement and the sale date

After Apple announces the new iPhones, pre-orders usually open the next day. This means you can reserve a phone online, but it will not ship to you right away. Pre-orders typically close about a week later, and then the phones ship to customers in the order they pre-ordered.

If you do not pre-order, you can still buy the phones on the official sale date. On that day, the phones become available in Apple Stores, on Apple's website, and at carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Supplies of the newest or most popular models can run low quickly, especially in the first few days.

Pre-ordering guarantees you get the phone on or near the launch date. Waiting until the official sale date means you might have to wait longer if the model you want is sold out. If you are not in a rush, waiting a few weeks usually means stock is more available and you have more color and storage options to choose from.

Prices and which models are available

Apple typically releases four iPhone models each year, usually in two sizes. The base model is the least expensive, and the Pro and Pro Max models cost more and include extra features like better cameras and faster processors. The exact prices and features change each year.

New iPhones usually start at around $800 for the base model, though this varies. The Pro models typically cost $200 to $400 more. Apple does not announce prices until the event itself, so you cannot know the exact cost until mid-September.

When new iPhones launch, older models usually drop in price. For example, if you do not need the newest features, buying last year's model a few weeks after the new launch can save you $100 or more. Apple's website and carrier websites both show the current prices for all available models.

What changes from year to year

Each year's new iPhones usually have a faster processor, a better camera, and longer battery life than the previous year. Some years Apple adds new features like a different screen size, a new color, or a new camera lens. Other years the changes are smaller — just speed and camera improvements.

The design of the phone sometimes stays the same for two or three years in a row, then changes significantly. For example, the iPhone 12, 13, and 14 all had a similar flat-edged design, while the iPhone 15 introduced a slightly different look. You can see what changed by watching the announcement event or reading tech news coverage afterward.

If you own an iPhone from the last few years, the new model might not feel like a huge upgrade. Many people skip a year or two and upgrade every three years instead. Checking what features are new and whether they matter to you is worth doing before deciding whether to upgrade.

Where to buy new iPhones

You can buy new iPhones directly from Apple through its website or in Apple Stores. You can also buy them from carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and US Cellular. Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart also sell iPhones, though sometimes with a slight delay after launch.

Buying from Apple means you get the phone unlocked, which means it works with any carrier. Buying from a carrier sometimes locks the phone to that carrier for a period of time, though you can usually unlock it after paying off the phone. Carrier stores sometimes offer trade-in deals or discounts if you switch to their service.

Prices are the same at Apple, carriers, and major retailers. The main difference is the trade-in offers and financing options each place provides. If you want to trade in an old phone, comparing the trade-in value at Apple, your carrier, and Best Buy can save you money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find out what the new iPhone will look like before the announcement?

Leaks and rumors about the new iPhone design usually start appearing online a few months before the announcement. Tech blogs and YouTube channels publish leaked photos and videos based on information from supply chain sources. These leaks are often accurate, but not always — some details change between the leak and the final product. If you want to see what people are predicting, searching "iPhone 16 leaks" (or whatever year you are interested in) will show you what is being reported.

Do I have to buy the newest iPhone, or can I buy an older model?

You can buy any iPhone model that is still being sold. When new iPhones launch, Apple usually keeps the previous year's model available at a lower price. Older models work fine and receive software updates for several years. If you do not need the newest features, an older model is often a better value.

What if I want to pre-order but I am not sure which model to get?

Pre-orders usually stay open for about a week, which gives you time to read reviews and watch videos comparing the models. Tech sites publish detailed reviews within a day or two of the announcement. Watching a few comparison videos will help you decide whether you need the Pro model or if the base model is enough for what you do.

Will the price drop if I wait a few weeks after launch?

The official price from Apple stays the same for at least several months. However, carriers and retailers sometimes offer discounts or trade-in bonuses a few weeks after launch. Waiting a month or two can sometimes get you a better deal, though the newest models may be harder to find in stock.

Do all iPhones work with all carriers in the United States?

Yes, all new iPhones sold in the United States work with Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and US Cellular. If you buy an unlocked iPhone from Apple, you can switch carriers whenever you want. If you buy from a carrier, the phone may be locked to that carrier temporarily, but you can request an unlock once you have paid it off.