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.
All iPhone models are relatively similar when it comes to hardware. It's the software that's different. Apple releases a user guide that covers all models that can run the latest operating system every time a major new version of iOS comes out.
Apple produces other instructional materials, such as product and safety information and QuickStart user guides, for each model. Identify which model you have below, and then download the user guide you need.
iPhone User Guide for iOS
This extensive iPhone user guideincludes 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. Available editions of the user guide are here.
- iOS 17: Web
- iOS 16: Web | Apple Books
- iOS 15.5: Web | Apple Books
- iOS 14.7: Web | Apple Books
- iOS 13.6: Web | Apple Books
- iOS 12.3: Web | Apple Books
- iOS 11.4: Web | Apple Books
- iOS 10.3: Web| Apple Books
- iOS 9.3: Web | Apple Books
- iOS 8.4: PDF | Apple Books
- iOS 7.1: PDF | Apple Books
- iOS 6.1: PDF
- iOS 5.1: PDF
- iOS 4.2 and 4.3: PDF
- iOS 3.1: PDF
For complete information, use the iOS guides to get full directions for all of your phone's features and abilities.
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 14 overview
- iPhone 14 Plus overview
- iPhone 14 safety, warranty, and regulatory information
- iPhone 14 Plus safety, warranty, and regulatory information
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 additional information on this series.
- iPhone 13 Mini overview
- iPhone 13 overview
- iPhone 13 Pro overview
- iPhone 13 Pro Max overview
- iPhone 13 Pro safety, warranty, and regulatory information
iPhone 12 Series
The iPhone 12 was similar to previous models, especially theiPhone 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 some more information on this series.
- iPhone 12 Mini overview
- iPhone 12 Pro overview
- iPhone 12 Pro Max overview
- iPhone 126.1-inch screen safety, warranty, and regulatory information
- iPhone 12 Pro Max safety, warranty, and regulatory information
iPhone 11 Series
The 2019 version of the iPhone added more cameras and features to the smartphone. These documents provide guidance on how to use the devices' features, safety information, and more.
- iPhone 11 overview
- iPhone 11 Pro overview
- iPhone 11 Pro Max overview
- iPhone 11 safety, warranty, and regulatory information
- iPhone 11 Pro Max safety, warranty, and regulatory information
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 X safety, warranty, and regulatory information
- iPhone XR safety, warranty, and regulatory information
- iPhone XS safety, warranty, and regulatory information
iPhone 7 and 8 Series
Just as with the iPhone 6 and 6S, the documentation for the iPhone 7 and 8 consists of a single PDF with basic safety information in it. You can also find that information for the wireless AirPod earbuds, as well as a quick start for the headphones.
The documentation for the Plus models of these series is also a single document. You won't find much, just some basic safety and warranty details.
- iPhone 7 and 8 safety, warranty, and regulatory information
- iPhone 7 Plus and 8 Plus safety, warranty, and regulatory information
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.
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. And, like those models, the information is almost strictly legal and won't help you learn how to use the iPhone.
- iPhone 6 safety, warranty, and regulatory information
- iPhone 6s safety, warranty, and regulatory information
- iPhone 6 Plus safety, warranty, and regulatory information
- iPhone 6s Plus safety, warranty, and regulatory information
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 available documentation for it is the same kind of basic legal information as for the 6 and 6S series models.
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. Like the 5S and 6 series, its download is legal content.
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. The downloads here include quick tips for using the phone as well as basic legal information.
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