Apple unveiled the iPhone 13 series on September 14, 2021, introducing four distinct models that reached customers ten days later. The lineup marked the fifteenth generation of iPhones, bringing incremental design refinements and significant camera upgrades to both the standard and Pro variants.
Release dates for the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max were synchronized globally, with the United Kingdom receiving devices simultaneously with the United States, Australia, Canada, and over 30 additional territories. This coordinated launch represented a return to pre-pandemic release cadence following the delayed iPhone 12 cycle.
Pre-orders commenced on September 17, 2021, with general availability beginning Friday, September 24, 2021, through Apple’s retail channels, authorized resellers, and carrier partners.Source
When Did the iPhone 13 Come Out?
Announcement
September 14, 2021
Pre-orders
September 17, 2021
Release
September 24, 2021
Variants
Four models (13, mini, Pro, Pro Max)
Key Launch Facts
- A15 Bionic chip debuted across all models
- Ceramic Shield front material protected displays
- Cinematic Mode introduced rack-focus video capabilities
- 5G connectivity became standard across the lineup
- ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate featured exclusively on Pro models
- Face ID notch size reduced by approximately 20 percent
- Advanced camera systems included sensor-shift stabilization
| Model | Release Date | Starting Price (US) | Storage Tiers |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 mini | Sept 24, 2021 | $699 | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| iPhone 13 | Sept 24, 2021 | $799 | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| iPhone 13 Pro | Sept 24, 2021 | $999 | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | Sept 24, 2021 | $1,099 | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| iPhone 12 (comparison) | Oct 23, 2020 | $799 | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
iPhone 13 Mini Release Date
The iPhone 13 mini shipped concurrently with its larger siblings on September 24, 2021, following pre-order availability that opened on September 17. Apple positioned the device as a compact flagship option, pricing it approximately $100 below the standard iPhone 13 model.
Availability and Design
At launch, the mini variant started at $699 for the 128GB configuration, undercutting the base iPhone 13 by $100. The device featured sleek flat edges and launched in five colors: pink, blue, midnight, starlight, and (PRODUCT)RED. It offered identical processor capabilities to the standard model, differentiated primarily by form factor.
Apple provided multiple payment methods including monthly installment plans, full upfront payment, trade-in credits, and the iPhone Upgrade Program for eligible customers.
iPhone 13 Pro Max Release Date
Apple’s largest flagship, the iPhone 13 Pro Max, debuted alongside the entire series on September 24, 2021. The device represented the premium tier of the lineup, commanding a $1,099 starting price for the 128GB model and scaling to $1,599 for the 1TB configuration.
Premium Specifications
The Pro Max shipped with exclusive technologies including the Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. The chassis featured Ceramic Shield front protection and was available in four finishes: graphite, gold, silver, and sierra blue.Source
The Pro models were the first iPhones to introduce ProMotion technology with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, creating smoother scrolling and gaming experiences compared to standard 60Hz displays.
iPhone 13 Price at Launch
Pricing for the iPhone 13 series maintained the structure established with the iPhone 12 generation, with the base model starting at $799 in the United States. The introduction of a 1TB storage option for Pro models marked the first time Apple offered such capacity in an iPhone.
Regional Pricing Context
While research specifies US dollar amounts, UK pricing typically followed similar numerical values in pound sterling. The Pound to Dollar Exchange Rate at the time influenced final local pricing, though Apple generally maintains relative parity between the two currencies for hardware releases.
Storage Configurations
The standard and mini models offered three storage configurations: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. Pro models expanded this to four tiers, adding the 1TB option for users requiring maximum local storage.
While major markets including the UK saw release on September 24, 2021, availability extended to Türkiye on October 1 and additional regions on October 8, 2021.
iPhone 13 Launch Timeline
- : Apple unveils iPhone 13 series during digital event alongside Apple Watch Series 7 and new iPads.Source
- : Pre-orders open at 5 a.m. PDT through Apple’s website, Apple Store app, and carrier partners.Source
- : General availability begins in UK, US, Australia, Canada, China, Germany, India, Japan, and 30+ countries.Source
- : Release in Türkiye.
- : Additional regional availability.
What Do We Know About the iPhone 13 Release?
Established Facts
- Announcement date: September 14, 2021
- Global release: September 24, 2021
- Four distinct model variants
- Exact USD pricing confirmed
- Specific color options documented
- Pre-order mechanism detailed
Unclear Details
- Exact dimensions in centimeters
- Specific UK pound pricing at launch
- Unit sales figures for opening weekend
- Precise iPhone 14 or 15 launch dates
How iPhone 13 Fits in Apple’s History
The iPhone 13 generation arrived eleven months after the iPhone 12 series, which had launched in October and November 2020. This marked a return to September release timing that Apple had traditionally favored prior to pandemic-related delays affecting the previous cycle.Source
Unlike the staggered rollout of the iPhone 12—where Pro Max and mini variants arrived weeks after the standard models—the iPhone 13 series launched simultaneously. This logistical coordination required significant supply chain management, particularly given global semiconductor constraints prevalent during 2021.
Physical design changes rendered accessories incompatible across generations. Cases designed for earlier models, such as the iPhone 11 Phone Case, would not fit the iPhone 13 due to adjustments in camera module dimensions and button placement.
Official Apple Statements
Our customers rely on iPhone every day, and iPhone 13 delivers breakthrough technologies that push the boundaries of what’s possible with a smartphone.
— Apple Newsroom, September 14, 2021
Key Takeaways on iPhone 13 Release
Apple released the iPhone 13 series on September 24, 2021, following a September 14 announcement and September 17 pre-order window. Four models ranging from $699 to $1,599 launched simultaneously across major markets including the UK, featuring the A15 Bionic chip, improved camera systems, and ProMotion displays in Pro variants. The release restored Apple’s traditional September launch timeline after previous delays.Source
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors were available for the standard iPhone 13 models?
The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini launched in five finishes: pink, blue, midnight, starlight, and (PRODUCT)RED.
What colors were exclusive to the iPhone 13 Pro series?
The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max were available in graphite, gold, silver, and sierra blue.
When did pre-orders start for iPhone 13?
Pre-orders began on Friday, September 17, 2021, at 5 a.m. PDT through Apple’s website and retail partners.
Which countries received iPhone 13 on the first release date?
The UK, US, Australia, Canada, China, Germany, India, Japan, and over 30 other regions received devices on September 24, 2021.
What was the maximum storage available for iPhone 13 Pro Max?
The iPhone 13 Pro Max offered a 1TB storage option, priced at $1,599, alongside 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB variants.
Arthur Oliver Howard Fletcher is a staff writer for NationalReport.uk, covering UK national news, politics, the economy and public services. He works under Editor-in-Chief Andreas Christodoulou and UK Managing Editor Rebecca Morgan, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.