Apple releases new iPhones every September, usually on a Tuesday
Apple announces new iPhone models in September almost every year, with the announcement event typically held in the second or third week of the month. The company usually reveals the models, prices, and specs at this event, then opens pre-orders a few days later. The phones ship to customers about a week after pre-orders begin.
The exact dates shift year to year — Apple does not publish a calendar in advance. If you want to know when this year's announcement is happening, check Apple's official website or their social media accounts in late August. They post the event date and time about two weeks before it happens.
Not every iPhone model releases on the same day. Apple typically staggeres the launch so that the base model and one Pro model ship first, then the other Pro model ships a week or two later. If you are waiting for a specific model, the announcement will tell you which ones ship when.
Key Takeaways
- Apple announces new iPhones in September each year, usually in the second or third week of the month.
- Pre-orders open a few days after the announcement, and phones ship about a week after pre-orders begin.
- Different iPhone models may ship on different dates, so check the announcement details for the specific model you want.
- You can find the announcement date by visiting Apple.com or checking Apple's social media accounts in late August.
- Older iPhone models usually drop in price after the new ones are announced, even if you do not buy the newest version.
How to find out the exact announcement date
Apple posts the event date on its homepage at Apple.com about two weeks before the announcement. You can also follow Apple on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or YouTube — they announce the date on all three platforms at the same time.
If you want a reminder, Apple's Calendar app on iPhone and Mac will let you add the event once it is posted. You can also set a phone reminder for the day before, so you do not forget to tune in if you want to watch the announcement live.
Some tech news sites like MacRumors, The Verge, and CNET cover the announcement as it happens and post updates throughout the event. If you prefer reading summaries to watching a two-hour stream, those sites publish detailed breakdowns within an hour of the event ending.
What happens between announcement and shipping
After Apple announces the new iPhones, pre-orders usually open three to five days later. You can pre-order from Apple.com, from your wireless carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.), or from retailers like Best Buy and Amazon. Pre-ordering does not charge your card immediately — most places charge you when the phone ships.
The first batch of phones ships about a week after pre-orders open. If you pre-order on the first day, you are likely to get your phone on the first shipping date. If you pre-order later, your phone may ship a week or two after that, depending on demand for your specific model and color.
You can check your order status on Apple.com or your carrier's website once you have pre-ordered. Both will show you an estimated ship date, which usually becomes more precise as the ship date gets closer.
Why the September timing matters for your current phone
If you own an iPhone from the previous year, the announcement is a good time to think about whether you want to upgrade. Older models usually drop in price by $100 to $200 after the new ones are announced, even if you buy them from Apple directly.
The older model also becomes easier to find in stock after the new one launches, because retailers clear out inventory to make room. If you were thinking about buying last year's model but could not find it in your color, the week after the announcement is often when it reappears.
Apple typically supports iPhones with software updates for five to six years after they ship. So buying a model from one or two years ago is still a practical choice if you want to save money — you will still get security updates and new features for years to come.
What to expect if you want to pre-order on day one
Pre-orders usually open at 8 a.m. Pacific Time on the Friday after the announcement. If you want to pre-order immediately, have your payment method and shipping address ready before that time. Websites can be slow during the first hour, so try again if your order does not go through the first time.
If you are pre-ordering from a wireless carrier instead of Apple, call or visit their website the night before to make sure you understand their process. Some carriers require you to be a customer already, while others let anyone pre-order. A few carriers let you pre-order in their stores starting at midnight, which can be faster than their website.
If you miss the first pre-order window, you can still pre-order later — you will just get a later ship date. There is no penalty for pre-ordering a few hours or days late, and the phone will still ship to you eventually.
How to decide which iPhone model to wait for
The base iPhone model is the most affordable option and gets most of the same features as the Pro models. The main differences are usually the camera system, the screen size, and how fast the processor is. If you take a lot of photos or want the largest screen, a Pro model might be worth the extra cost.
Apple's website has a comparison tool that shows you the exact differences between each model side by side. You can filter by features that matter to you — camera quality, screen size, battery life — and see which models have them. This is more useful than reading reviews, because you can focus on what you actually care about.
If you are not sure whether you need the newest model, wait a few days after the announcement to read reviews from tech sites. Reviewers test the cameras, battery life, and speed in real-world conditions and can tell you whether the upgrade is worth the cost for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not want to wait until September for a new phone?
You can buy the current iPhone model right now from Apple, your carrier, or any retailer. The current model will still work perfectly fine and will get software updates for years. You do not have to wait for a new release unless you specifically want the newest features.
Do all iPhone models release at the same time?
No. Apple usually releases the base model and one Pro model first, then releases the other Pro model a week or two later. The announcement tells you which models ship on which dates. If you want a specific model, check the announcement details to see when it will be available.
Can I pre-order from my wireless carrier instead of Apple?
Yes. Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and other carriers all let you pre-order new iPhones. The price is usually the same as Apple, but your carrier may offer trade-in deals or discounts if you are a customer. Call your carrier or visit their website to see what they offer.
What if the iPhone I want sells out during pre-order?
You can still order it after pre-orders close, though the ship date will be later. Phones do not truly sell out — Apple makes more as demand continues. You may wait an extra week or two, but you will eventually get the model you want.
Will my current iPhone still work after a new model comes out?
Yes. Your iPhone will continue to work exactly as it does now. Apple releases software updates for older models for five to six years after they ship, so you will still get security patches and new features even if you do not buy the newest phone.