The iPhone 15 was officially announced at a special Apple event on September 12 and is now available through carriers and retailers.
While the iPhone 15 (and the 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 15 Plus) may not be the leap in the future of models past, it's nonetheless a worthwhile upgrade from the iPhone 14. If you're thinking of purchasing it, we recommend checking out our iPhone 15 phone and plan deals.
Want to learn more about the new iPhone 15 series, including specs for the 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max? Read on to find out everything you need to know about the newest line of Apple phones.
Ditch the gossip; get the facts
Want to learn more about the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, and iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max? We've got a list of the three big takeaways from the iPhone 15 announcement.
iPhone launch dates
The iPhone 15 was announced at a special event on September 12. Preorders were available on September 15, with the official launch on September 22.
If you're interested in learning more about those dates, we've got more info:
- Apple Special Event dates
- iPhone preorder dates
- iPhone release dates
If you're looking for info on the iPhone 16 release, we're still a ways away: we don't expect the iPhone 16 to be announced until September 2024.
iPhone release dates
When was the first iPhone released? 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.
See in the table below all iPhone models in order of release with their launch dates:
List of iPhone release dates in order
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
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
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
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.
Related Articles
Find Better Phones and Plans
Hundreds of cell phone plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.