Where to Download iPhone Manuals for Every Model

Get the iPhone guide you need, whether it's for the OG iPhone, the latest model, or something in between

By
Sam Costello
Sam Costello
Sam Costello
Writer
  • Ithaca College
Sam Costello has been writing about tech since 2000. His writing has appeared in publications such as CNN.com, PC World, InfoWord, and many others.
lifewire's editorial guidelines
Updated on December 3, 2024
Three Apple iPhones

Apple

The iPhone doesn't come with a printed user guide, but that doesn't mean one doesn't exist. You just need to know where to look for it. Identify which iPhone you have and then use the links below to access the user guides.

We have several step-by-step guides here at Lifewire that might address the specific problem you're trying to fix. Use the search bar at the top of this page to see if we've already covered the topic before you jump into these user guides.

iPhone User Guide for iOS

This extensive iPhone user guide includes full instructions on how to use your iPhone. If you're looking for a traditional manual, this is it. Apple produces a new version for every major iOS release.

For complete information, use the iOS guides to get full directions for all of your phone's features and abilities.

iPhone 16 Series

The iPhone 16 series, released in September 2024, includes four models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. These phones range in size from 6.1 inches like previous models, up to 6.9 inches for the Pro Max.

The customizable Action button introduced in the Pro-level 2023 iPhones arrived in all four iPhone 16 models; it can be set to trigger Silent Mode, the camera, a voice memo, and more. These phones are powered by the A18 chip; the Pro models use the A18 Pro chip with a 15 percent faster CPU compared to the Pro chip in the iPhone 15 models.

The Camera Control button is another big hardware change introduced with this series. It makes it easier to use the camera in a snap. It's located on the side; press it to open the Camera app and then press it again to quickly take a photo, or press and hold to make a video.

Here's more information on this series:

iPhone 15 Series

The iPhone 15 series, unveiled in September 2023, includes the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Like the iPhone 14, the 15 series comes in 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch display sizes.

The iPhone 15 series features a wireless charging-friendly glass back, rounder edges, and titanium builds for the Pro and Pro Max. (The 15 and 15 Plus retain the aluminum construction.)

The new models have an upgraded A16 or A17 Bionic chip and 5G connectivity. Upgrades include USB-C support, memory up to 1TB for the Pro models, and a portrait mode you can use on existing images, not just new ones.

Here's more information on this series:

iPhone 14 Series

The iPhone 14 series, unveiled in September 2022, includes the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Unlike the iPhone 13 series, there's no "mini" model, but the iPhone 14 comes in 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch display sizes.

The iPhone 14 designs are identical to their iPhone 13 cousins, featuring the wireless charging-friendly glass back, flat edges, and aluminum enclosure. The new models also share the iPhone 13's display size, A15 Bionic Processor, and 5G connectivity. Upgrades include a 5-core GPU, more memory, Emergency SOS via satellite, Action Mode to stabilize camera footage, and a Photonic Engine that uses machine learning to revamp the iPhone's image-processing stack.

Here's more information on this series:

iPhone 13 Series

The iPhone 13 series was unveiled in September 2021. It included the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max. The collection mirrored the 12 series with its four variants and brought camera upgrades, generous additional storage, an A15 Bionic Processor, new design elements (a bit thicker and heavier but with a smaller notch), and more.

Here's more information on this series:

Two iPhone 13 devices

Zeesha / Unsplash

iPhone 12 Series

The iPhone 12 was similar to previous models, especially the iPhone 11 series, in many ways. It also introduced some significant changes, including 5G integration, a LIDAR sensor, improved photos and videos, Super Retina XDR, design enhancements, new processors, etc.

Here's more information on this series:

iPhone 11 Series

The 2019 version of the iPhone added more cameras and features to the smartphone.

Here's more information on this series:

iPhone X Series

The iPhone X and the iPhone XR and XS marked a full decade of Apple smartphones.

Here's more information on this series:

iPhone 7 and 8 Series

The iPhone 7 was Apple's first officially water-resistant phone, and the iPhone 8 series introduced a glass back to the devices.

Here's more information on this series:

iPhone SE

The iPhone SE looks a lot like the iPhone 5S, but it's stamped with the letters "SE" on the back beneath the iPhone name. That's probably the easiest way to tell which version you have. There have been three versions.

Here's more information on this series:

iPhone 6 Series (6 and 6S)

The iPhone 6 line included "S" upgrades and the first "Plus" versions of the phone.

The iPhone 6 Plus and 6S Plus are similar. You won't find much in their documents. It's basic legal information. The user guides above are more instructional and better for regular users.

Like their larger siblings, the iPhone 6 and 6S are essentially the same device with some minor changes.

Here's more information on this series:

iPhone 5 Series (5, 5S, and 5C)

The iPhone 5 was the first iPhone with a screen larger than the 3.5 inches the original models sported. This one has a 4-inch screen. At the same time the phone debuted, Apple introduced its new EarPods, replacing the old earbuds that came with earlier iPhones. Documents here include some quick tips for using the iPhone 5 and instructions for using the EarPods.

You'll know the iPhone 5S as the first iPhone with the Touch ID fingerprint scanner. The iPhone 5C can be identified by the brightly colored plastic housing used on its back. It's the same size as the iPhone 5; except for the housing, it's almost the exact same phone.

Here's more information on this series:

iPhone 4 Series (4 and 4S)

The iPhone 4 became famous—or, more rightly, infamous—for the "death grip" problem with its antenna. You probably won't find mention of that in either of these downloads.

The iPhone 4S introduced Siri to the world. When this model debuted, it was the only way to get Apple's personal assistant.

Here's more information on this series:

iPhone 3G and 3GS

The iPhone 3G introduced several important features like the App Store, 3G data, and GPS. A year later, the 3MP iPhone 3GS was introduced and it featured a higher-res camera and voice control.

Here's more information on these phones:

iPhone (Original)

Released in 2007, this was the phone that started it all. It had 2G radios and only worked on AT&T's network.

Here's more information on the original iPhone:

Was this page helpful?