iPhone Release Dates: When did the iPhone 15 drop?

iPhone	Year	New iPhones Announced	Release/Shipping Date
iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max	2023	September 12	September 22
iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max	2022	September 7	September 16
iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022)	2022	March 8	March 18
iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 13 Mini	2021	September 14	September 24
iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 Mini	2020	October 13	October 23
iPhone SE 2nd Gen (2020)	2020	April 17	April 24
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max	2019	September 10	September 20
iPhone XR	2018	September 12	October 26
iPhone XS, XS Max	2018	September 12	September 21
iPhone X	2017	September 12	November 3
iPhone 8, 8 Plus	2017	September 12	September 22
iPhone 7, 7 Plus	2016	September 7	September 16
iPhone SE (1st Generation)	2016	March 21	March 31
iPhone 6s, 6s Plus	2015	September 9	September 20
iPhone 6, 6 Plus	2014	September 9	September 20
iPhone 5C, 5s	2013	September 10	September 10
iPhone 5	2012	September 12	September 21
iPhone 4s	2011	October 4	October 14
iPhone 4	2010	June 7	June 21
iPhone 3GS	2009	June 8-12	June 19
iPhone 3G	2008	June 9-13	June 29
iPhone	2007	January 9	June 29

iPhone 15: Specs and launch date

The iPhone 15 series became available to preorder on September 15, 2023 and was released through carriers and retailers on September 22, 2023. 

Like the iPhone 14, the 15 series includes four phones: two base models and a pair of iPhone Pros. The iPhone and entry-level Pro come with a 6.1-inch screen, while the iPhone 15 Plus and 15 Pro Max get a larger 6.7-inch display. Here's what the iPhone 15 roster looks like and how much they cost:

• iPhone 15 (6.1-inch screen): $1,129
• iPhone 15 Plus (6.7-inch screen): $1,279
• iPhone 15 Pro (6.1-inch screen): $1,449
• iPhone 15 Pro Max (6.7-inch screen): $1,749

One of the biggest changes is a switch from Lightning to USB-C. Regulation in the European Union (EU) forced Apple's hand into switching from its proprietary Lightning port to the universal USB-C standard. Because most modern devices including phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, and monitors use USB-C for various purposes like charging, video output/input, and data transfer, USB-C on iPhones makes Apple phones more universally compatible. Just think: you won't have to lug around a separate charger and cable. 

With the iPhone 14 series, Apple's Dynamic Island was only available on the 14 Pro and Pro Max. However, the Dynamic Island is now available on both iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. In addition, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus include Apple's A16 processor, as found in the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, while the flagship 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max have been upgraded to Apple's cutting-edge A17 chip. Additionally, the iPhone 15 Pro Max includes a periscope lens for improved telephoto camera capabilities. 

Here are the most notable changes with the iPhone 15 series:

• Cameras with a hybrid lens design
• USB-C instead of Lightning port
• Dynamic Island on iPhone 15 and 15 Plus
• A16 Bionic processor on iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, A17 on iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
• Periscope telephoto lens on iPhone 15 Pro Max

Apple special event dates

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Apple announced the iPhone 15 at a special event on September 12, 2023 in an event called "Wonderlust."

Apple Special Events are held every year (sometimes multiple times a year) to announce new products and accessories. These dates are important to know because you'll be able to see just what the new iPhone model will have. Although not everyone is invited to these events, since they're usually for media only, they are always streamed live, so you can tune in from the comfort of your own home.

Apple usually announces the new iPhones during a Special Event held in September each year unveiling:

• New features
• Pricing
• Release dates

Apple held an iPhone 14, Apple Watch, and AirPods unveiling on September 7, 2022. 

iPhone preorder dates

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The iPhone 15 became available for preorder on September 15, 2023.

When do iPhones typically come out? The major carriers typically preorder sales within days of the official phone announcement in September. This is the best time to get the new iPhone as carriers like Bell, Rogers, and Telus offer special deals for early birds. So far, we've seen trade-in discounts and BOGO deals for the iPhone 15 available from the major carriers.

Preorder periods last about a week prior to the release date of the actual iPhones. The main iPhone models (i.e., iPhone 15) are released shortly after the Special Event date, while any potential spinoff versions (i.e., iPhone 15 Plus/Pro Max) are usually made available within the following months.

Where to buy the newest iPhone

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You have several options when it comes to buying the latest and greatest iPhone:

• Buy from a cell phone carrier (e.g., Bell, Telus, Rogers)
• Buy direct from Apple
• Buy from a retailer 

There are a few benefits to buying from a cell phone carrier, in particular, one of the major carriers listed above, including:

• Discounts and special deals (which Apple doesn't usually offer), especially during the preorder period
• Option to pay for the phone via monthly payments (with no interest) rather than buying the iPhone outright

If you find the prices for the iPhone 15 to be too high, we recommend looking into the iPhone 14, as we expect prices will start to drop following the 15's launch. You can start your iPhone 14 search with some of the most popular cell phone plan options or by choosing an iPhone 14 model below.