You're probably here because you typed "what year did the iPhone 13 come out" into Google. Simple question, right? But if you're like most people, you're not just looking for a year. You might be thinking about buying one secondhand, comparing it to newer models, or wondering if it's still supported. I totally get it – I bought mine on launch day and still use it daily.
The Straight Answer to "What Year Did the iPhone 13 Come Out?"
Let's cut to the chase: Apple released the iPhone 13 in September 2021. Pre-orders opened September 17th, and devices hit stores on September 24th. Remember those long lines outside Apple Stores? Yeah, that was for this model.
But honestly, just knowing it dropped in 2021 doesn't help much if you're shopping today. Is it obsolete? Should you even consider it? I'll break down everything.
Why Everyone Keeps Asking About the iPhone 13 Release Year
So why does "what year did the iPhone 13 come out" get searched thousands of times monthly? Here's the real tea:
- Used market boom: People find refurbished deals and want to know if it's outdated
- Software support anxiety: "Will Apple ditch updates?" (Spoiler: Not yet!)
- Comparison frustration: Between iPhone 12 vs 13 vs 14 specs
The Exact Launch Timeline
| Event | Date | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Event Announcement | September 14, 2021 | Virtual event due to COVID |
| Pre-orders Start | September 17, 2021 | Midnight PT / 3 AM ET |
| Official Release Date | September 24, 2021 | In-store pickups & deliveries |
| iOS Version at Launch | iOS 15.0 | Focus modes, Live Text feature |
I camped online for pre-orders and still got a 3-week shipping delay – that demand was insane.
Model Breakdown: What You Actually Got in 2021
When asking "what year did the iPhone 13 come out," remember there were four models. Prices below are original launch pricing:
| Model | Starting Price | Key Upgrades from iPhone 12 | Colors (2021) |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 mini | $699 | Smaller notch, longer battery | Pink, Blue, Midnight, Starlight, Product Red |
| iPhone 13 | $799 | Brighter display, sensor-shift stabilization | Same as mini + Green (March 2022) |
| iPhone 13 Pro | $999 | 120Hz ProMotion display, macro photography | Graphite, Gold, Silver, Sierra Blue |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | $1,099 | Largest battery in iPhone history | Same as Pro |
That battery jump? My Pro Max lasted 12+ hours on 5G – a game-changer after my iPhone 11 died by lunch.
Storage Reality Check: Base storage increased to 128GB across all models (finally killing 64GB!). Max was 1TB for Pros.
2024 Survival Guide: Is iPhone 13 Still Worth It?
Three years later, let's answer what you really wanna know:
Pros in 2024
- ✅ iOS updates guaranteed until ~2027 (Apple typically supports for 6 years)
- ✅ Performance: A15 chip still beats mid-range Android phones
- ✅ Camera quality: Daytime photos rival iPhone 15 (night mode lags though)
- ✅ Price collapse: Refurbs from $400 (more below)
Cons in 2024
- ❌ No USB-C: Annoying if you own newer accessories
- ❌ Battery degradation: My launch unit lasts 8hrs now vs 12hrs new
- ❌ Missing features: No Dynamic Island, emergency satellite SOS
Personal rant: That Lightning port feels ancient after using USB-C iPads. But it charges fine.
Where to Buy iPhone 13 Today & What's Fair
Since release year 2021, prices nosedived. Here's the 2024 reality:
| Source | iPhone 13 Price Range | Condition Notes | Trust Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Refurbished | $599 - $759 | Like new, fresh battery | ★★★★★ |
| Amazon Renewed | $430 - $620 | 90-day warranty | ★★★★☆ |
| Swappa | $350 - $500 | User-graded, check photos | ★★★☆☆ |
| Facebook Marketplace | $300 - $450 | Meet in police station parking lots! | ★★☆☆☆ |
Last month I helped my cousin grab a mint 128GB model for $380 locally – bargains exist if you hustle.
iPhone 13 vs Newer Models: Brutal Honesty
Wondering if springing for iPhone 14/15 makes sense? Let's compare post-2021 releases:
| Feature | iPhone 13 (2021) | iPhone 14 (2022) | iPhone 15 (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chip | A15 Bionic | A15 Bionic | A16 Bionic |
| Camera | 12MP main | 12MP main (larger sensor) | 48MP main |
| Battery Life | 19h video (new) | 20h video | 20h video |
| Connectivity | Lightning | Lightning | USB-C |
| Base Price | $599 (refurb) | $699 (new) | $799 (new) |
Hot take: iPhone 14 is barely an upgrade over 13. Save $200+ and grab the 2021 model unless you must have crash detection.
Your Burning Questions Answered
Since "what year did the iPhone 13 come out" leads to more questions, here's rapid-fire FAQ:
Will iPhone 13 get iOS 18?
Absolutely. Apple hasn't dropped A15 devices yet. Expect support through iOS 19 (likely 2025).
Does iPhone 13 have 5G?
Yes – all models launched with 5G in 2021. Speeds vary by carrier though.
Is the battery replaceable?
Officially, Apple charges $89. Third-party shops do it for $50. Worth it if yours dies fast.
Why do some say iPhone 13 released in 2022?
Confusion alert! The iPhone SE (3rd gen) launched March 2022 with iPhone 13's chip. Different phone!
My Real-World Experience After 2.5 Years
As someone who pre-ordered the blue iPhone 13 Pro Max on day one, here's the unfiltered review:
- What still rocks: Photos in daylight, app speed, build quality (survived 3 drops!)
- What annoys me: Battery health at 86% (expected), no always-on display
- Surprise win: That matte back – never used a case and zero scratches
- Would I buy today? At sub-$450 absolutely. Over $550? Get iPhone 14.
Final thought: For the "what year did the iPhone 13 come out" searchers – you're likely bargain hunting. In 2024, it remains the king of price-to-performance iPhones if you avoid scams and replace the battery.
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