Apple releases new iPhones every fall, usually in September or October
Apple has followed the same release pattern for over a decade: new iPhones arrive in the fall, typically announced in mid-September and available for purchase within two weeks. The company rarely deviates from this schedule. If you're reading this in spring or summer, a new model is coming in the next few months. If it's already October or later, the current year's phones are already on sale.
The exact announcement date shifts by a week or two each year depending on Apple's internal calendar, but it's always a Tuesday or Wednesday in September. The phones then ship to customers starting the following Friday or the Friday after that. This timing is so consistent that tech news sites publish the likely announcement date months in advance based on historical patterns.
Apple typically releases between two and four new iPhone models each fall. In recent years, that's usually meant a standard model, a larger "Plus" version, and two "Pro" variants with better cameras and processors. The company occasionally skips a model number (jumping from iPhone 14 to iPhone 16, for example) but never skips a year of releases.
Key Takeaways
- New iPhones are announced in mid-September almost every year, with phones shipping to customers within two weeks.
- You can find the exact announcement date by checking Apple's official website or major tech news outlets in late August.
- Pre-orders typically open the Friday after the announcement and ship the following week.
- Older iPhone models usually drop in price by $100 to $200 once the new ones are announced, even if you don't want the latest version.
How to find out the announcement date before it happens
Apple does not announce the announcement date in advance. Instead, the company sends out press invitations to journalists about a week before the event, and those invitations include the date and time. Tech news sites like MacRumors, The Verge, and 9to5Mac publish these dates immediately once they're confirmed.
If you want to know the date without hunting for news articles, check Apple's official website in late August. Apple typically posts a banner or countdown timer on its homepage about a week before the event. You can also follow Apple's official social media accounts on X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram, where the company announces the event date and time.
The announcement is always livestreamed for free on Apple's website and on YouTube. You do not need to register or pay to watch. The event usually lasts about two hours and includes product announcements, pricing, and availability dates.
Pre-orders and shipping timelines
Pre-orders open the Friday after the announcement, usually at 8 a.m. Pacific Time. If the announcement is on Tuesday, September 10, pre-orders open Friday, September 13. Phones ship the following Friday, September 20. This timing is consistent year to year.
You can pre-order from Apple's website, from your wireless carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.), or from retailers like Best Buy and Amazon. Prices are the same everywhere. The main difference is which carrier you choose and whether you want to pay in full or finance the phone over 24 months.
If you wait until after pre-orders close, you can still buy phones on the release date itself, but popular models and colors may sell out for a few weeks. Waiting until mid-October usually means stock is more available, though you'll miss any launch-week promotions some carriers offer.
What changes between iPhone models
Each year's new iPhones get a faster processor, a better camera, and longer battery life. The processor improvement is usually noticeable if you play games or edit video. The camera improvement is subtle unless you zoom in or take photos in low light. Battery life typically improves by a few hours per charge.
The physical design usually stays the same for two or three years, then changes significantly. For example, iPhones 14, 15, and 16 all have the same flat-edged shape, but the iPhone 15 added a USB-C port instead of Lightning, which was a major change for charging and data transfer.
The biggest differences are usually between the standard model and the Pro models. Pro iPhones have better cameras (including a telephoto lens), a faster processor, and a higher refresh rate screen. They also cost $200 to $400 more. For most people, the standard model is sufficient.
Price drops on older models after the announcement
When new iPhones are announced, older models drop in price. The previous year's model usually drops by $100 to $200. Models from two years ago drop even more. For example, when the iPhone 16 was announced, the iPhone 15 dropped from $799 to $699, and the iPhone 14 dropped to $499.
These price cuts happen automatically at Apple and at most carriers and retailers. You do not need to wait for a sale or look for a coupon. The new pricing takes effect on the release date of the new phones, not on the announcement date.
If you don't need the latest features, buying last year's model after the new announcement is often the best value. You get a phone that's still fast and capable, with a lower price, and you avoid the initial shipping delays that come with new releases.
How to decide whether to upgrade
If your current iPhone is more than three years old, a new one will feel noticeably faster and have a better camera. If your phone is one or two years old, the upgrade is less dramatic. If your phone still works well and you're happy with the camera, waiting another year is fine.
Consider upgrading if your battery no longer lasts a full day, your phone is slow when opening apps, or you want a significantly better camera. Consider waiting if your phone is less than two years old and you're satisfied with its performance.
One practical reason to upgrade on schedule is that Apple supports iPhones with software updates for about five to six years. An iPhone purchased in 2024 will receive updates until around 2029 or 2030. Phones older than that stop receiving security updates, which is a real risk if you use the phone for banking or shopping.
Rumors and leaks before the official announcement
Months before Apple's official announcement, tech news sites publish rumors about what the new iPhones will include. These rumors come from supply chain leaks, case manufacturers, and people claiming to have inside information. Some rumors are accurate, and some are completely wrong.
If you're curious about what might be coming, sites like MacRumors and 9to5Mac compile these rumors into roundups. But treat them as speculation, not fact. The only reliable information comes from Apple's official announcement.
Rumors can be useful if you're trying to decide whether to buy a current iPhone now or wait. If rumors suggest a major camera upgrade is coming in two months, waiting might make sense. If rumors suggest only minor changes, buying now is reasonable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I buy an iPhone right before the new ones are announced?
You can return it within 14 days for a full refund at Apple, or within 30 days at most carriers. If you buy within a week of the announcement, returning it and buying the new model is straightforward. After 14 days, you're stuck with the older phone unless you sell it yourself.
Do I have to buy the newest iPhone, or can I buy an older model?
You can buy any iPhone model that's still being sold. Older models work fine and receive software updates for years. The main reason to buy a new model is if you want the latest camera or processor, not because older phones stop working.
Will the new iPhone work with my current charger?
iPhones 15 and newer use USB-C, which is the same standard used by most Android phones and laptops. If you have a USB-C charger already, it will work. Older iPhones used Lightning cables, which are different. Check your current phone's charging port before upgrading.
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 age of your old phone. The credit is usually $100 to $400 depending on the model. You can also sell your old phone privately for more money if you're willing to handle the sale yourself.
What if I don't want to upgrade every year?
Most people keep their iPhones for three to four years. Upgrading every two years is common. Upgrading every year is expensive and unnecessary unless you want the latest features. Your phone will work fine for years after a new model is released.