Where to Download iPhone Manuals for Every Model

Get the iPhone guide you need

by
Sam Costello
Sam Costello
Writer
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.
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Sam Costello
Updated on July 03, 2021

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


iPhone User Guide for iOS

This extensive iPhone user guide includes full instructions for 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.

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

iPhone 12 Series

The iPhone 12 is the latest edition of Apple's flagship smartphone. While it's similar to previous models, especially the iPhone 11 series, in many ways, it also introduces some significant changes, including 5G integration, a LIDAR sensor, improved photos and videos, Super Retina XDR, design enhancements, new processors, and more. Here's some more information on this series.

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 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

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 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 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.

iPhone 3G and 3GS

The iPhone 3G's core improvement was support for 3G wireless networks, something the original model lacked. The PDFs here provide legal information and basic operating tips.

The 3GS model introduced the iPhone's naming pattern to the world. That is, the first model of a new generation is a number, and the second model adds an "S." In this case, the "S" stood for speed. The 3GS offered a faster processor and faster cellular data, among other things.

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