Apple releases new iPhones in September most years, with pre-orders starting a week or two later

Apple has announced new iPhones every September since 2014, with rare exceptions. The company typically holds an event in early to mid-September, shows off the new models, and opens pre-orders about a week later. Phones ship to customers roughly a week after that. This timing has held steady enough that if you see September on a calendar, a new iPhone is probably coming.

The exact dates shift year to year — September 7th one year, September 12th another — but the month itself is reliable. Apple does not announce the date until a few weeks before the event, so you cannot plan around a specific day far in advance. If you want to know when this year's announcement is happening, Apple's website and press releases are the only sources that matter; rumors from tech blogs are educated guesses, not facts.

Older iPhones usually drop in price once the new ones arrive. If you are not set on the latest model, waiting for the announcement can save you money on last year's phone, even if you do not buy the new one.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple announces new iPhones in September almost every year, with pre-orders opening about a week after the announcement event.
  • The exact date changes yearly and is not public until a few weeks before the event, so check Apple's website rather than relying on rumors.
  • New iPhones typically ship within one to two weeks of pre-orders opening, though demand can cause delays.
  • Previous-generation iPhones usually become cheaper once new models are announced, making them a budget option if you do not need the latest features.
  • Not every iPhone model gets replaced each year — some lines continue while others are discontinued.

What usually changes between one iPhone generation and the next

Each new iPhone generation typically brings a faster processor, a better camera, and longer battery life. The processor upgrade is the most noticeable for everyday use — newer chips handle apps faster and run new features that older phones cannot. The camera improvements are usually in low-light performance or zoom quality rather than megapixel counts, which have plateaued.

Design changes happen less often. The iPhone 12, 13, and 14 all looked nearly identical from the outside. The iPhone 15 added a USB-C port instead of Lightning, which was a major shift because it meant new charging cables. The iPhone 16 kept the same overall shape but added new camera controls and processing features.

Not every change matters to every person. If your current phone takes photos you like and runs the apps you use without lag, a new processor may not change your daily experience. Battery life improvements are usually modest — a few hours over a full year of use, not a dramatic jump.

How to find out the exact announcement date

Apple sends press invitations to journalists about three weeks before the event. Once those go out, the date becomes public. You can find it on Apple's newsroom website, which lists all official announcements. Major tech news sites will also cover it, but Apple's own site is the source of truth.

If you want to be notified the moment Apple announces the date, you can follow Apple's official social media accounts or sign up for their press release emails. You can also check their events page periodically in late August or early September.

Do not rely on leaks or rumors from tech blogs. These sites publish educated guesses based on supply chain information and past patterns, and they are often wrong about the exact date, the models that will be released, or the features that will ship.

Which iPhone models are currently available and which ones are being phased out

When a new iPhone launches, Apple usually keeps the previous two or three generations on sale at lower prices. For example, when the iPhone 16 launched, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 remained available. Older models like the iPhone 13 were discontinued and removed from Apple's store.

The specific models available depend on which generation just launched. You can see the current lineup on Apple's iPhone purchase page — that page is updated the day new models go on sale. If a model is not listed there, it is no longer sold by Apple, though you can still find it from third-party sellers and carriers.

Carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile sometimes keep older models in stock longer than Apple does, so if you want a previous-generation phone, checking a carrier's website may give you more options.

Storage and color options for new iPhones

New iPhones typically launch in four to five storage sizes, usually starting at 128 GB and going up to 512 GB or 1 TB. The base model is almost always the cheapest option, and each step up costs more. For most people, 128 GB or 256 GB is enough; 512 GB and above are for people who store a lot of video or games locally.

Apple usually offers five to six colors for new iPhones, though not all colors are available at launch. Some colors ship a few weeks later. The color you want may affect when you can get the phone — popular colors often have longer wait times than neutral ones like black or white.

Carriers and third-party retailers sometimes have different color availability than Apple's store, so if a specific color is sold out at Apple, it may still be in stock elsewhere.

Price changes when new iPhones launch

New iPhones typically cost the same as the previous generation's base model — around $800 for the standard model and $900 to $1,100 for larger or Pro versions. Apple does not usually raise prices year to year, though the company has kept prices flat while adding storage or features.

When a new iPhone launches, the previous generation drops in price. A phone that cost $800 new might drop to $700 or $650 once the new model arrives. This price cut happens immediately at Apple's store and usually within a few days at carriers and retailers.

If you are budget-conscious, waiting for the announcement and then buying last year's model is a straightforward way to save money. You lose access to the newest features, but you keep most of the performance and get a phone that will receive software updates for years.

How to prepare if you plan to buy a new iPhone

If you want a new iPhone on launch day, pre-order is the only way to may provide you get one. Pre-orders open about a week after the announcement, and popular models sell out within hours. You can pre-order from Apple, your carrier, or retailers like Best Buy.

Before pre-orders open, decide which model you want and which storage size. The choice between standard and Pro usually comes down to camera features and screen size — Pro models have better zoom and more advanced photography tools. If you do not use the camera heavily, the standard model is usually enough.

Have your payment method and shipping address ready. Pre-orders move fast, and checkout can take several minutes. If you wait until the next day, you may face a weeks-long delay before the phone ships.

If you do not need the phone immediately, waiting a few weeks after launch means shorter shipping times and more color options in stock. The trade-off is that you do not have the newest phone as soon as it is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I trade in my old iPhone when I buy a new one?

Yes. Apple, carriers, and retailers all offer trade-in programs. You get a credit toward the new phone based on the condition and model of your old one. The amount varies — a recent iPhone in good condition might be worth $300 to $500 in credit, while an older or damaged phone might be worth much less. You can trade in at the point of purchase or mail the old phone in after you receive the new one.

Do all iPhone models get announced at the same time?

Usually, yes. Apple announces the standard iPhone, the Plus or Max model, and the Pro versions all on the same day. They all go up for pre-order at the same time, though some models may ship a week or two later than others depending on demand. Occasionally Apple announces one model separately — the iPhone XR launched a month after the XS, for example — but this is rare.

What if I want to wait and see reviews before I buy?

Reviews come out the day the phone launches or the day before. Major tech publications like The Verge, CNET, and Wired publish detailed reviews once they have had time to test the phone. If you want to read reviews before deciding, you can wait a day or two after launch, though popular models may have longer shipping times by then. Waiting a week or two means you can read reviews and still get the phone within a reasonable timeframe.

Is it worth buying a new iPhone every year?

For most people, no. iPhones typically last three to five years before they slow down noticeably or the battery degrades too much. Upgrading every two to three years is more common and more cost-effective. If your phone still works well, waiting another year or two before upgrading saves money and reduces electronic waste.

Do I have to buy a new iPhone from Apple?

No. Carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile sell new iPhones at the same price as Apple. Best Buy and other retailers also carry them. Buying from a carrier can be useful if you want to finance the phone over 24 or 36 months instead of paying upfront. The phone itself is the same regardless of where you buy it.