The year is 2007. Steve Jobs takes the stage at Macworld, and the world holds its breath. He unveils the iPhone, a sleek device that would forever change the landscape of mobile communication. It was an iPod, a phone, and an internet communicator all rolled into one. Fast forward to 2024, and we’re celebrating over 17 years of iPhone releases. Two decades of iPhones are just around the corner, a testament to the enduring legacy of this revolutionary device. Let’s take a trip down memory lane, exploring every iPhone release, from the original to the iPhone 16, discovering the features that made each model special and tracing the path that led us to the cutting-edge technology we enjoy today.
The Original iPhone (June 2007): A Revolution Begins
The original iPhone was more than just a phone; it was a paradigm shift. It ditched the clunky physical keyboards and keypads of the time in favor of a revolutionary touchscreen interface. Its 3.5-inch display, 2-megapixel camera, and 16GB of storage may seem modest by today’s standards, but they were groundbreaking back then. While it lacked features like copy-and-paste, MMS support, and native third-party apps, it offered web apps and a glimpse into the future of mobile communication. Exclusively available on AT&T at the time, the iPhone quickly became a cultural phenomenon, sparking a revolution in the mobile industry.
iPhone 3G (July 2008): App Store Opens Doors
The iPhone 3G, released in July 2008, marked a significant upgrade with the introduction of 3G connectivity and, most importantly, the App Store. This revolutionary platform allowed developers to create and distribute native apps, forever changing how we use our iPhones. The “there’s an app for that” era was born, and users could now customize their devices with an endless array of apps, games, and utilities. The App Store became a game-changer, transforming the iPhone into a true mobile platform.
iPhone 3GS (June 2009): More Storage, More Power
The App Store’s success led to an increased demand for storage space. The iPhone 3GS, released in June 2009, answered that call with a bump in storage to 32GB and an increase in RAM to 256MB, providing more room for all those new apps. The camera also got an upgrade to a 3MP autofocus camera, capturing better-looking photos than its predecessors. Additionally, the introduction of a built-in digital compass and accessibility features like VoiceOver showcased Apple’s dedication to enhancing user experience.
iPhone 4 (June 2010): Retina Display and a New Design
The iPhone 4 was a monumental release, introducing the world to the Retina display. Its 3.5-inch screen boasted a staggering 326 pixels per inch (ppi), making it impossible for the human eye to distinguish individual pixels. It was a drastic improvement in visual fidelity that set the stage for Retina displays in all of Apple’s future products. Another groundbreaking feature was the addition of a front-facing camera, enabling video calls and, of course, the rise of selfies. The rear camera also got an upgrade, sporting a 5MP lens with LED flash, setting a new standard for mobile photography. This was also the first major hardware design change for the iPhone. Gone were the rounded edges and plastic construction; the iPhone 4 embraced a new glass and stainless steel design with flat edges, a design aesthetic that continues to influence iPhones today. However, the antenna design, integrated into the metal frame, created signal issues when held in the left hand, resulting in the “antennagate” scandal. While Jobs initially dismissed the problem, Apple eventually offered free bumper cases to rectify the issue.
iPhone 4S (October 2011): Siri Takes the Stage
The iPhone 4S, released in October 2011, marked a departure from Apple’s usual summer release schedule, a trend that continues to this day. This model introduced Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, allowing users to control their phones with voice commands. The “S” in “4S” stands for Siri, and the voice-activated digital assistant revolutionized how users interacted with their devices. The iPhone 4S also brought an improved 8MP camera with 1080p video recording, pushing mobile photography further. Apple also launched iCloud with the iPhone 4S, providing 5GB of free cloud storage for users, a service that, despite larger file sizes, has remained largely unchanged for over a decade.
iPhone 5 (September 2012): A Larger Screen and a New Design
The iPhone 5, released in September 2012, introduced a larger 4-inch screen, LTE connectivity, and an HD front-facing FaceTime camera. It also marked the transition from the old 30-pin charging port to the Lightning connector, a standard that would remain for the next 10 years. The iPhone 5’s aluminum design, known for its lightweight and comfortable grip, became a fan favorite. However, the space gray version, with its anodized aluminum finish, proved prone to micro-scratches.
iPhone 5S and 5C (September 2013): Two iPhones, Two Approaches
In 2013, Apple unveiled two iPhone models simultaneously, the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 5C. The iPhone 5S, the flagship model, introduced Touch ID, a biometric security feature embedded in the Home button. It also improved the camera to 8MP with True Tone flash, adding burst photos and slo-mo capabilities. The iPhone 5C, marketed as a budget-friendly alternative, opted for a plastic body, available in vibrant colors, unlike its aluminum sibling. It lacked the Touch ID sensor, relying solely on passcode unlock.
iPhone 6 and 6 Plus (September 2014): Bigger Screens, Bigger Issues
The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, released in September 2014, introduced two distinct screen sizes for the iPhone: a 4.7-inch display for the iPhone 6 and a larger 5.5-inch display for the iPhone 6 Plus. The overall design was thinner, featuring a unibody aluminum body. However, this thinner chassis led to the “bendgate” scandal, where some users discovered that their iPhone 6 could bend under pressure, especially when kept in a tight back pocket. Despite the controversy, these models introduced Apple Pay, a contactless payment system authenticated with Touch ID, and boosted storage to 128GB.
iPhone 6s and 6s Plus (September 2015): 3D Touch and More
The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, launched in September 2015, retained the design and screen sizes of their predecessors, but introduced the Rose Gold color, a popular choice among fans. Apple also introduced 3D Touch, a technology that enabled users to press different levels of pressure on the display to access additional options, such as contextual menus. The camera received another upgrade, now boasting 12MP lenses, which became the standard until the iPhone 14 Pro. This series also introduced Live Photos, a combination of still images and short videos, capturing a few seconds before and after the shutter button was pressed. The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus also allowed users to activate Siri with the “Hey Siri” command, without the need to be plugged in.
iPhone SE (March 2016): Compact and Powerful
The first iPhone SE, released in March 2016, defied expectations by offering a budget-friendly option that didn’t feel cheap, unlike the iPhone 5C. It combined features from the iPhone 6s series with the body of an iPhone 5, creating the perfect compact iPhone. Its 4-inch display offered comfortable one-handed use, while its 12MP camera, 4K video recording, Live Photos, and “Hey Siri” activation without plugging in, ensured it didn’t compromise on features (except for 3D Touch). This compact form factor resonated with many users.
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus (September 2016): The Death of the Headphone Jack
The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, released in September 2016, marked a turning point for the iPhone. This was the era of the headphone jack’s demise, as Apple introduced the first generation of AirPods alongside the new iPhone models. The design became sleeker, eliminating the unsightly antenna strips on the rear, and the new iPhones boasted an IP67 water-resistance rating for improved durability. The iPhone 7 Plus, the star of the lineup, introduced a dual camera setup with a main camera and a telephoto lens, paving the way for Portrait mode, a feature that replicated the professional-looking portraits of a DSLR camera, making it a major hit among smartphone users. To accommodate the improved camera and larger file sizes, maximum storage was increased to 256GB.
iPhone 8 and 8 Plus (September 2017): Wireless Charging and Portrait Lighting
The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, released in September 2017, marked the end of the Home button era for mainline iPhones. They brought a new glass and aluminum design, with a form factor similar to its predecessor, enabling wireless charging for the first time. Portrait Lighting, a feature that allowed users to adjust the lighting style for Portrait mode images, was also introduced. The iPhone 8 also supported augmented reality (AR) in apps and games, providing an immersive mobile experience. These models were released alongside the iPhone X, which ushered in a new era for the iPhone. The iPhone 8’s body was later repurposed for future iPhone SE models.
iPhone X (November 2017): A Decade of iPhone
The iPhone X, released in November 2017, commemorated a decade of iPhone, introducing the next era of the iPhone. The Home button and Touch ID were eliminated in favor of Face ID, a facial recognition security system. The removal of the Home button led to a 5.8-inch full-screen design, complete with the controversial notch, and introduced the OLED Super Retina display. The iPhone X redefined the iconic look of the iPhone, setting the stage for the future of iPhone design.
iPhone XS and XS Max (September 2018): The Max Era Begins
The iPhone XS and XS Max, released in September 2018, continued the Home button-less design, introducing the Max moniker with a 6.5-inch display, making it the largest iPhone at the time. The iPhone XS retained the 5.8-inch display from its predecessor. These models boasted faster Face ID, improved water resistance with an IP68 rating, and dual SIM support with eSIM and a physical nano SIM card slot. The iPhone XS and XS Max could handle Gigabit LTE for faster download speeds, and maximum storage reached 512GB. They set the precedent for two full-screen iPhone sizes moving forward, establishing the “Max” model as the largest offering.
iPhone XR (October 2018): A Budget-Friendly Option
The iPhone XR, released in October 2018 alongside the iPhone XS and XS Max, offered a more budget-friendly alternative. It had a larger 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display compared to the OLED displays on the flagship models, a single rear camera, and a lower IP67 water-resistance rating. Available in six vibrant colors, the iPhone XR appealed to budget-conscious users. While not groundbreaking, it popularized the 6.1-inch display size, a standard for many iPhones in the years to come. The iPhone XR’s affordability contributed to its popularity and made it one of the most successful smartphones in 2019.
iPhone 11 Series (September 2019): A Triple Camera System
The iPhone 11 series, launched in September 2019, consisted of the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max. It was the first time Apple introduced three iPhone models simultaneously, establishing a new standard with a standard iPhone, a Pro model, and a larger Pro Max. It also introduced an ultrawide lens on all models, along with the new U1 chip with ultra-wideband technology. The iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max were the first to feature a triple camera system with a main, ultrawide, and telephoto lens. Apple also upgraded the displays to Super Retina XDR OLED displays and improved battery life. The iPhone 11 Pro models shaped the future direction of iPhone cameras for years to come. The triple-lens camera layout, though modified with larger lenses over time, remains a key feature on current iPhones.
iPhone SE 2 (April 2020): A Small Phone with Big Power
Apple surprised the world with the iPhone SE 2, released in April 2020, four years after the original. While not as compact as its predecessor, it retained its appeal to users who prefer smaller phones, offering a 4.7-inch display and the familiar Home button with Touch ID. It recycled the iPhone 8 chassis, but included the powerful A13 chip found in the iPhone 11 series. The iPhone SE 2 offered excellent value, being the most affordable iPhone available at the time. Despite its vintage appearance, it provided advanced features like Portrait mode using its single-lens camera.
iPhone 12 Series (October 2020): 5G Arrives and MagSafe Takes Center Stage
The iPhone 12 series, released in October 2020, consisted of four models: the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. The iPhone 12 mini stood out as the smallest and most compact iPhone offered by Apple, boasting a 5.4-inch display while maintaining the full-screen design of the rest of the iPhone 12 lineup. The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 featured dual rear cameras, while the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max offered a triple camera system. Apple introduced Ceramic Shield, a coating on the front glass to enhance shatter resistance. The Pro models also added lidar for improved augmented reality experiences. This series marked a major turning point, introducing 5G support, a crucial step with the phasing out of older network technologies. Apple also introduced MagSafe, a magnetic wireless charging and accessory ecosystem, which opened up a world of new possibilities for iPhone accessories and influenced the development of the Qi2 wireless charging standard. However, the iPhone 12 series made a controversial decision to remove the in-box charger, including only a charging cable, forcing users to rely on their previous chargers or purchase a new one. This trend was followed by other smartphone brands.
iPhone 13 Series (September 2021): Cinematic Mode and ProMotion
The iPhone 13 series, launched in September 2021, featured four models: the iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max. While similar to the iPhone 12 series, it introduced new colors, a smaller notch, and the A15 Bionic chip, leading to improved battery life. Cinematic video mode was also introduced, providing a depth-of-field effect with automatic focus adjustments. The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max were the first to feature the 120Hz ProMotion display, a feature that became standard for future Pro models. This adaptive refresh rate resulted in smoother scrolling and animations, making a noticeable difference compared to the iPhone 13 and 13 Plus. The iPhone 13 Pro also became the first iPhone to offer 1TB of storage capacity.
iPhone SE 3 (March 2022): A Solid Update but Lacking Innovation
The iPhone SE 3, released in March 2022, lacked the excitement of the second generation. It retained the iPhone 8 body, featuring a 4.7-inch display and the Home button with Touch ID. However, it included the A15 Bionic chip from the iPhone 13 series and added 5G connectivity. Battery life was also improved. Overall, it was a solid update but lacked innovation, leading to uncertainty about the future of the iPhone SE line. Many hope to see a redesigned iPhone SE 4, as the iPhone 8 body is starting to feel outdated.
iPhone 14 Series (September 2022): Dynamic Island and Always-on Display
The iPhone 14 series, released in September 2022, marked a significant change with the elimination of the mini model in favor of the Plus model, sharing the same size as the Pro Max. Apple attributed this decision to the mini’s lackluster sales performance, believing the Plus model would resonate better with consumers. While the standard iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus inherited features from the iPhone 13, including the A15 Bionic chip, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max received major upgrades. The Dynamic Island, replacing the notch that debuted with the iPhone X, and the 48MP camera upgrade from 12MP were some of the highlights. This was also the first iPhone to feature an always-on display. The entire iPhone 14 series also introduced Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via Satellite, life-saving features. The iPhone 14 series became the first in the U.S. to abandon physical SIM card trays, relying exclusively on eSIM. While the standard models offered iterative upgrades, the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models laid the foundation for the future direction of the iPhone. The Dynamic Island would eventually be adopted across the iPhone lineup, while the 48MP camera became the new baseline.
iPhone 15 Series (September 2023): The Biggest Changes Yet
The iPhone 15 series, released in September 2023, brought some of the most substantial changes in iPhone history. The base model iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus received a significant camera upgrade to 48MP, similar to the iPhone 14 Pro, and ditched the notch for the Dynamic Island. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max received even more substantial upgrades, including a new titanium frame instead of stainless steel, the A17 Pro chip, and a 5x telephoto lens on the Pro Max. Apple also eliminated the silent/ring toggle and introduced an Action button, similar to the Apple Watch Ultra, allowing users to customize its function. The biggest change, and the one that will define the iPhone 15 series, was the replacement of the proprietary Lightning charging port with USB-C. Lightning, introduced with the iPhone 5 in 2012, was finally retired, making way for the more universal USB-C standard. Apple’s decision to abandon its proprietary charger, a lucrative source of licensing revenue, for a more universal option marked a major turning point. The move opened up a world of USB-C accessories previously incompatible with iPhones. The switch to titanium is also expected to influence future iPhones and even the competition, with brands like OnePlus and Samsung already adopting similar designs in their latest devices.
iPhone 16 Series (September 2024): More Power, More Features
Following the major changes of the iPhone 15 series, the iPhone 16 series builds upon its predecessor’s foundation. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus maintain the same display sizes of 6.1 and 6.7 inches with a 60Hz refresh rate. However, they feature a significant boost in brightness, reaching a peak of 2,000 nits for outdoor visibility. The camera layout has been redesigned with a vertical pill-shaped module, a blend of the iPhone XS and iPhone 12 designs. Apple also replaced the silent/ring toggle with the Action button that debuted on the iPhone 15 Pro. Internally, the iPhone 16 receives a performance upgrade with the A18 chip. The color options for the iPhone 16 lineup have been refreshed with some of the most vibrant and striking colors yet. The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are slightly larger than their predecessors, featuring 6.3 and 6.9-inch displays. The iPhone 16 Pro also boasts an improved telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom, matching the capabilities of the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The ultrawide lens has also been upgraded to 48MP, joining the 48MP primary camera, while the telephoto remains at 12MP. A new feature across the entire iPhone 16 lineup is the Camera Control. This physical button can be used to launch the camera app and act as a shutter button. It also includes touch detection, allowing users to adjust camera settings with sliding gestures. Third-party developers can also integrate their apps with Camera Control. With this new button, the iPhone 16 feels more like a dedicated camera than ever before, making it a significant improvement for mobile photographers.
The iPhone’s journey has been marked by innovation, bold design choices, and a constant drive to push the boundaries of what’s possible with a mobile device. As we look back on the past 17 years, we can’t help but be awestruck by the evolution of the iPhone. From the groundbreaking original to the feature-packed iPhone 16, each iteration has added its own unique contribution to the legacy of this iconic device. As the iPhone continues to evolve, we can only imagine the incredible possibilities that lie ahead in the next chapter of its story.
