Figuring out when the new iPhone comes out isn't an exact science--at least not until Apple makes an announcement of a release date. But, based on history, you can make an educated guess.
Most likely, new iPhone models will come out in June or July, every year.
We can say this based on the release dates of previous iPhones:
- iPhone 4: June 24, 2010
- iPhone 3GS: June 19, 2009
- iPhone 3G: July 2008
- iPhone: June 2007
Oct. 2011: iPhone 4S UPDATE: The release schedule of the iPhone 4S is a bit different than past models. The iPhone 4S will go on sale in the U.S. and other major countries on Oct. 14, with much of the rest of the world following later in October and the rest of the year. It's unclear whether this will be the new release timeframe for future models.
Should You Upgrade?
The other important question is whether you should wait for the release of a new iPhone model before you upgrade.
If you're considering upgrading any time in the first half of a year, I'd recommend waiting.
Since we can guess with some confidence that the new iPhone will come out in June or July of each year, it makes sense to wait for the summer if you're planning to upgrade in the first six months of a year. After all, why buy a phone that won't be the latest and greatest in just a couple months if you could get the newest thing by waiting?
Your decision will be driven by whether your current phone can last that long--is it broken or malfunctioning, for instance--but if you can wait until summer, do so. And then you can enjoy the new iPhone.
Last Updated: Sept. 22, 2011
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