Every fall, the world gets its first glimpse at the newest iPhone. A typical year will see a massive Apple event where the phone is revealed, followed by a short pre-order period before it's released to the public about a week later.
Apple announced the iPhone 17 lineup on September 9, 2025, and it was officially released on September 19.
The iPhone 17 series includes the regular base-model iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max. Plus, there's also a new device called the iPhone 17 Air, which is an ultra-thin model replacing the iPhone Plus model.
But Apple didn't stop there. In a notable break from its usual fall-only release schedule, Apple announced the iPhone 17e on March 2, 2026.
Read on for a breakdown of the iPhone in order of release and what to expect for the newest models.
When will the next iPhone come out?
The iPhone 17 was released on September 19, 2025. It was announced at the "Awe dropping" event on September 9, and had a week-long preorder period. This aligned with previous iPhone releases, which typically occur each fall.
iPhones are usually announced at Apple Events in September. For example, the iPhone 16 lineup was announced during the Apple Event on September 9, 2024, and then released on September 20.
For the past decade, every iPhone announcement has come in September except for 2020's iPhone 12 series. That device was announced in mid-October due to production delays from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The iPhone 17e is another exception to that rule. Apple announced it on March 2, 2026, with preorders beginning March 4, and general availability starting March 11. This follows the same early-spring pattern Apple used for the iPhone 16e in February 2025. This suggests Apple may be carving out a separate annual release window specifically for its more affordable e models.
There is also usually a 7- to 10-day preorder period that follows the event. After that, the device is released to the public and available to purchase in person at stores and carriers.
What is the iPhone 17 Air?
Apple has decided to end the Plus model of its base-level iPhones. Instead, what would have been the iPhone 17 Plus is now the iPhone 17 Air. It's an ultra-thin model designed to compete with devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge.
The iPhone 17 Air has a 6.5-inch display and a single 48MP camera. It's width is 5.6mm, not counting the device's camera bump. Pricing starts at $999 for the 256GB model.
Every iPhone generation: A history of the iPhone
The very first iPhone in history was announced on January 9, 2007, and made its world debut five long months later on June 29. Since then, Apple has announced its iPhone lineup much closer to its physical shipping release.
The iPhone 17 is following the typical Apple timeline by being announced and released in September of 2025. The iPhone 17e, though, was announced in March 2026. It's the second consecutive year Apple has released another model in the first quarter of the year rather than alongside its fall lineup.
See all the iPhone models in order of release with their launch dates in the table below:
List of iPhone release dates (newest to oldest)
| iPhone | Year | New iPhones announced | Release/shipping date |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17e | 2026 | March 2 | March 11 |
| iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max | 2025 | September 9 | September 19 |
| iPhone Air | 2025 | September 9 | September 19 |
| iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max | 2024 | September 9 | September 20 |
| 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 17 models and specs
In addition to the iPhone Air, Apple made some other changes to its iPhone 17 lineup. There is a new A19 processor series, and all devices received the new 18MP Center Stage selfie camera.
Pricing also increased for the iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone Air is more expensive than the iPhone Plus model it's replacing. That said, the iPhone 17e is the cheapest among the 17 models. Economic analysts expected price increases due to tariffs and inflation. Luckily, Apple maintained the pricing of the iPhone 17 at $799 and even doubled the device's minimum storage from 128GB to 256GB.
The pricing for each iPhone 17 model starts at:
- iPhone 17e (6.1-inch screen): $599
- iPhone 17 (6.1-inch screen): $799
- iPhone Air (6.5-inch screen): $999
- iPhone 17 Pro (6.3-inch screen): $1,099
- iPhone 17 Pro Max (6.9-inch screen): $1,199
If the tariff price increases or other economic factors mean the iPhone 17 series is out of your budget, consider snagging an iPhone 16 instead—it's worth it. It's received a $100 price cut since the iPhone 17 was released.
What features does the iPhone 17 include?
The iPhone 17 series offers improvements across the board from battery life to display refresh rates. The iPhone 17 series also runs on iOS 26 and offers all of the newest Apple Intelligence features. Check out our iPhone 17 features guide to learn more about the entire series.
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Apple special event dates
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 the public is not invited to these events, they are always streamed live, so anyone can tune in from the comfort of their own home.
The iPhone 17 reveal event was on September 9, 2025. When an event occurs, you can typically expect Apple to unveil things like:
- New devices
- Updated features
- Pricing
- Release dates
iPhone preorder dates
The major carriers typically offer preorder sales within days of the official phone announcement in September. This is the best time to get the new iPhone as carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile offer special deals for early birds. The iPhone 17 preorder period started on September 12 and concluded on September 19. The only exception is the iPhone 17e's preorder, which started on March 4. You can expect trade-in discounts and buy one, get one free (BOGO) deals available from the major carriers. Smaller carriers will typically offer fewer deals or delay selling the device for a few months.
Preorder periods last about a week prior to the release date of the actual iPhones. The main iPhone models (i.e., iPhone 17 and 17 Pro) are released shortly after the announcement date, while any potential spinoff versions (i.e., iPhone XR or SE) are usually made available within the following months.
Want to save money on a new iPhone? Each year, when the Preorder season begins, Apple discounts the previous year's iPhone series. These phones may not have the newest bells and whistles, but they do offer years of updates at a cheaper overall price.
Where to buy the newest iPhone
You have several options when it comes to buying the latest and greatest iPhone:
- Buy from a cell phone carrier (e.g., Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T).
- Buy direct from Apple.
- Buy from retailers (e.g., Walmart, Best Buy).
There are a few benefits to buying from a cell phone carrier:
- Discounts and special deals (which Apple doesn't usually offer), especially during the pre-order period.
- All three major carriers typically offer trade-in or buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals to make the new iPhone model even more attractive.
- Option to pay for the phone via monthly payments (with no interest) rather than buying the iPhone outright.
Once you get your iOS handset, learn how to make the most out of your iPhone in our ultimate guide to Apple phones. While the iPhone 17 series is officially out, we think most customers should consider choosing an iPhone 16 model instead. There are not many improvements between the two models, but the iPhone 16 is $100 cheaper. Check out some of the most popular iPhones below:
iPhone 17e 256GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 17e 512GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 17 256GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
iPhone Air 256GB
- 6.5 inch display
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
iPhone 17 512GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
In addition to the major carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon), you can also purchase an iPhone 17 from select MVNOs, which run on the major carrier networks.
Unlike the Samsung Galaxy models, new iPhones tend to be the same price no matter where you buy them from. The difference is if you manage to get a good deal on a monthly installment plan, such as a buy-one-get-one-free deal or a discount when you trade in your old phone.
Upgrading to the newest iPhone
If you need the latest iPhone each year, there are great upgrade programs you can take advantage of to ensure you are one of the first to get your hands on the newest model. All of these require that you buy your new iPhone in monthly installments.
AT&T Next Up
AT&T's Next Up program costs an additional $5/month and allows you to upgrade your phone for free once you've paid off at least 50% of the phone (and trade in your current phone). This will be a year and a half into your installment plan with AT&T.
T-Mobile JUMP! upgrades
If you pay for T-Mobile's JUMP! program, you will be able to upgrade to a new iPhone once you've paid off at least half of your current phone. This will usually be about a year after you bought your phone unless you signed up for 36-monthly payments.
Verizon annual upgrades
If you're a Verizon customer, you may be eligible to upgrade to a new iPhone once you've paid off at least half of your current phone. To qualify, you'll need to trade in your current phone, which must be in good working condition.
Time to move on from The Fruit?
If this year's iPhone isn't your cup of tea, there are plenty of other models to give you the bang for your buck you're looking for. Check out our picks for the best iPhone alternatives to see if these fit your fancy.
iPhone release date FAQs
Max McCaskill
Sr. Staff Writer
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