Every iPhone release in chronological order: 2007-2024 | usagoldmines.com

On January 9, 2007, Steve Jobs took the stage at Macworld and introduced Apple’s subsequent large product: the iPhone. Gross sales of the iPhone started on June 29, 2007, and it fully modified the world of cell phones.

Now, in 2024, we’ve had over 17 years of iPhone releases. In only a few extra years, it will likely be twenty years of the iPhone, which is somewhat loopy to consider.

Let’s have a look again at each iPhone launch so as, what made them particular, and the way we bought to the place we’re right this moment with the iPhone 16.

Each iPhone launch so as

iPhone (June 2007)

The unique iPhone was the one which began all of it and adjusted the cellular trade as we all know it. Jobs mentioned that the iPhone was three merchandise: a widescreen iPod with contact controls, a revolutionary cell phone, and a breakthrough web communications gadget. An iPod, a telephone, and an web communicator. All in a single gadget. Do you get it?

On the time, the iPhone solely had a 3.5-inch show, a 2-megapixel digital camera, and maxed-out storage of 16GB with solely 128MB of RAM. You couldn’t copy and paste textual content, there was no MMS assist, and also you solely had net apps, not native third-party apps. Plus, the iPhone was unique to AT&T (previously Cingular) at the moment, so in case you needed an iPhone, it needed to be with solely that service.

The unique iPhone is missing by right this moment’s requirements, however again then, it was revolutionary. Most different cell telephones nonetheless had bodily keyboards and keypads. Touchscreens had been nowhere close to as standard again within the day. Some tech CEOs, corresponding to Steve Balmer, mocked Apple for creating the iPhone and didn’t suppose it will succeed. Properly, the joke’s on them.

iPhone 3G (July 2008)

Apple

In July 2008, Apple adopted up the unique iPhone with the iPhone 3G. Just like its predecessor, it had a 3.5-inch show, 2MP digital camera, 128MB of RAM, and as much as 16GB of storage.

However because the title suggests, this model of the iPhone added 3G connectivity (the unique iPhone solely supported Edge speeds) and launched the App Retailer, the place customers might obtain native apps from third-party builders.

Although these had been fairly iterative additions by right this moment’s requirements, the launch of the App Retailer was really enormous. This started the entire “there’s an app for that” period and adjusted how all of us use our iPhones.

iPhone 3GS (June 2009)

Apple

When Apple launched the App Retailer in 2008, it modified how folks use their iPhones. The outdated most storage of 16GB simply wasn’t going to chop it anymore, so Apple elevated the specs on the iPhone 3GS, which got here out in June 2009.

The iPhone 3GS elevated the storage to 32GB, and the RAM went as much as 256MB. This doubled the storage and RAM of the unique iPhone and even the iPhone 3G to make room for all the cool apps you could possibly now obtain from the App Retailer.

Not solely did the iPhone 3GS get extra inner storage and RAM, nevertheless it even improved the digital camera. Apple upgraded the digital camera to a 3MP autofocus digital camera, which resulted in better-looking pictures than its predecessors. There was additionally a brand new built-in digital compass and even the introduction of recent accessibility options like VoiceOver.

iPhone 4 (June 2010)

Apple

The iPhone 4 was a monumental step for the way forward for the iPhone. Although it retained the identical 3.5-inch show as earlier than, Apple upgraded the display screen to a Retina show, which had a whopping 326 pixels per inch (ppi) density. At this excessive decision, the human eye is unable to tell apart particular person pixels on the display screen. It was a drastic improve from the earlier iterations of the iPhone and set the stage for Apple so as to add Retina shows to all of its different merchandise finally.

However that wasn’t the one main characteristic of the iPhone 4. Apple additionally added a front-facing digital camera for the primary time, making it potential to have video calls on a cellular gadget. It additionally made selfies a factor. The rear digital camera bought an improved 5MP lens with LED flash and have become a gold normal for cellular pictures.

This was additionally the primary large {hardware} design change for the iPhone. Whereas the primary three variations had been pretty rounded and made with plastic, the iPhone 4 moved to a brand new glass and chrome steel design with flat edges that we nonetheless see right this moment.

Nevertheless, the antenna design with the metallic body appeared to have an effect on the sign when held within the left hand, resulting in the primary main iPhone scandal, dubbed “antennagate.” Jobs claimed customers had been “holding it unsuitable,” however finally relented and provided free bumper instances for everybody to rectify the problem.

The iPhone 4 was additionally the primary iPhone that turned obtainable on Verizon with its CDMA community, because it was now not an AT&T unique.

iPhone 4S (October 2011)

Apple

Whereas Apple had been releasing new iPhones in the summertime season, issues modified with the introduction of the iPhone 4S. This was the primary iPhone that Apple introduced and started promoting within the fall, which is a pattern that Apple continues to today. Although the iPhone 4S launched in October 2011, Apple then moved to September launches for later iPhones, with just a few exceptions.

The iPhone 4S took issues a step additional for cellular iPhone photographers by including an 8MP digital camera that will set the usual for a number of extra years. It additionally added 1080p video recording, which was an enormous milestone. And for the reason that larger megapixel depend and 1080p movies would imply larger file sizes, Apple additionally bumped the utmost storage to 64GB.

The iPhone 4S was vital as a result of this was the primary iPhone with Apple’s digital assistant, Siri (that’s what the “S” stands for in “4S”). Customers might ask Siri to carry out varied duties simply through the use of their voice.

The iPhone 4S additionally coincided with Apple’s launch of iCloud, which is Apple’s in-house cloud storage resolution. It provides everybody 5GB of storage at no cost, which sarcastically, has not modified in over a decade, regardless of bigger file sizes from pictures and video, in addition to cloud backups.

The iPhone 4S additionally launched on Dash, additional increasing the community selections for patrons.

iPhone 5 (September 2012)

Andy Boxall / Digital Developments

Just like the iPhone 4 earlier than it, the iPhone 5 additionally launched some main adjustments. With the iPhone 5, we bought a bigger, 4-inch display screen, LTE connectivity, and an HD front-facing FaceTime digital camera.

This was additionally when Apple switched from the outdated 30-pin charging port to the Lightning connector, which turned normal for iPhones for the subsequent 10 years.

The iPhone 5 additionally launched a brand new aluminum design that was extremely light-weight and cozy to carry. This design would find yourself being a favourite for a lot of followers, together with myself. Nevertheless, the area grey model was liable to micro scratches because of the anodized end on the aluminum.

iPhone 5S and 5C (September 2013)

Digital Developments

With the iPhone 5S and 5C, Apple launched two completely different iPhone fashions without delay for the primary time. The iPhone 5S could be the flagship and fundamental star of the present, whereas the iPhone 5C was marketed as a extra budget-friendly possibility that made some compromises to options.

The iPhone 5S was the primary iPhone with Contact ID within the House button, which added one other layer of biometric safety earlier than one might entry their gadget. It additionally improved the 8MP digital camera and included True Tone flash, together with new digital camera modes for burst pictures and slo-mo.

The iPhone 5C was marketed as a extra reasonably priced, budget-friendly possibility, so it did make some compromises. Fairly than have the aluminum physique like its sibling, the physique for the iPhone 5C was solely fabricated from plastic (it was “fantastically, unapologetically plastic,” as Apple designer Jony Ive put it), and it got here in brilliant and daring colours for the primary time ever.

Apple additionally launched a case particularly for the iPhone 5C that featured gap cutouts that allowed the iPhone 5C coloration to peek by way of the case.

The iPhone 5C didn’t embody the Contact ID sensor within the House button. It solely had the passcode technique to unlock the telephone.

iPhone 6 and 6 Plus (September 2014)

Digital Developments

That is when Apple started to introduce two completely different display screen sizes for the iPhone. The iPhone 6 had a 4.7-inch show, whereas the iPhone 6 Plus had a bigger 5.5-inch show. The general design was thinner, with a unibody aluminum physique.

Nevertheless, the thinner physique sparked one other scandal referred to as “bendgate.” This was as a result of some folks found that their iPhone 6 chassis would bend if sufficient stress was utilized, corresponding to when it was saved in a decent again pocket of a pair of pants.

The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus had been additionally the primary iPhones so as to add Apple Pay, a brand new contactless digital cost technique that may be authenticated with the Contact ID fingerprint sensor. Storage was additionally elevated to a max of 128GB.

iPhone 6s and 6s Plus (September 2015)

Jessica Lee Star / Digital Developments

A couple of yr later, Apple launched the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. These two telephones retained the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch shows from its predecessor, in addition to the general look and design. However this may be the primary time that it launched the Rose Gold coloration, which was a stunning metallic pink. It was a fan favourite for many individuals, myself included.

Apple additionally launched 3D Contact with the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. With 3D Contact, customers might apply stress on the iPhone show to carry up further choices, corresponding to contextual menus on app icons on the house display screen. Plainly 3D Contact was extra of a hidden characteristic, nevertheless, as not everybody knew about it, and Apple finally discontinued the characteristic years later with the iPhone 11.

Apple upgraded the cameras to 12MP for the primary time, a bump up from the earlier 8MP digital camera. The 12MP lens could be the usual till the iPhone 14 Professional launched in 2023.

The iPhone 6s collection can be when Reside Photographs was launched, which is a mixture of a nonetheless picture and a brief video. When an individual takes a Reside Picture, it captures a few seconds earlier than and after the second the shutter button is pressed. A Reside Picture seems to be like a nonetheless picture, however once you activate it with an extended press, it performs just a few seconds of sound and movement.

The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus are additionally the primary iPhones that allowed customers to activate Siri at any time with the “Hey Siri” command as an alternative of simply when it was plugged into energy.

iPhone SE (March 2016)

Digital Developments

The primary iPhone SE was an attention-grabbing product, and confirmed that Apple could make a budget-friendly possibility that doesn’t really feel low-cost, not like the iPhone 5C. With the iPhone SE, it mixed many of the options and capabilities of the present iPhone 6s lineup into the physique of an iPhone 5.

The iPhone SE additionally outlined the thought of the right compact iPhone for many individuals. The 4-inch show made it potential to make use of one-handed, and you bought a 12MP digital camera, 4K video recording, Reside Photographs, and “Hey Siri” with no need to be plugged in. It was an important kind issue that didn’t compromise on options apart from 3D Contact.

iPhone 7 and seven Plus (September 2016)

Digital Developments

The iPhone 7 and seven Plus marked an enormous turning level for the iPhone. The launch of the iPhone 7 line meant the dying of the headphone jack, but additionally noticed the primary era of AirPods debut alongside it.

However that wasn’t all. The iPhone 7 and seven Plus launched a sleeker design than the iPhone 6s, eliminating these ugly antenna strips on the rear. The iPhone 7 and seven Plus additionally turned the primary iPhones with an IP67 water-resistance score for higher sturdiness. Apple additionally launched the attractive and glossy Jet Black coloration possibility, which might by no means be seen once more after the iPhone 7.

Nevertheless, the star of the lineup was the iPhone 7 Plus, because it was the primary iPhone to have a twin digital camera setup with a fundamental digital camera and a telephoto lens. And due to the twin lens, Apple launched Portrait mode. To maintain up with the digital camera enhancements, most storage was additionally elevated to 256GB.

Once more, the iPhone 7 and seven Plus had been a turning level for cellular pictures by including Portrait mode. This lets folks take professional-looking portraits that replicate what you get when utilizing a DSLR digital camera, however now you could possibly do it along with your iPhone. After this, Portrait mode turned extremely standard and normal on each smartphone.

iPhone 8 and eight Plus (September 2017)

Julian Chokkattu / Digital Developments

The iPhone 8 and eight Plus had been attention-grabbing units, as they signaled the top of the House button period for mainline iPhones. Apple introduced a brand new glass and aluminum design, although the shape issue was just like its predecessor. This new physique allowed for wi-fi charging for the very first time on an iPhone.

One of many larger options that the iPhone 8 added was Portrait Lighting. This lets customers change the lighting model for Portrait mode photos, making them look much more skilled. The iPhone 8 was additionally the primary iPhone to assist augmented actuality (AR) in apps and video games, which introduced a complete new expertise to cellular.

The iPhone 8 and eight Plus additionally launched across the identical time because the iPhone X, which ushered in a brand new period for the iPhone. Nevertheless, the iPhone 8 physique has been recycled for future iPhone SE fashions.

iPhone X (November 2017)

Julian Chokkattu / Digital Developments

To indicate a decade of iPhone, the iPhone X was a particular version to rejoice the event.

It additionally launched the subsequent period of the iPhone by eradicating the House button and Contact ID sensor in favor of a brand new biometric type of safety referred to as Face ID. Fairly than use your fingerprint to unlock your telephone, all it must do is scan your face.

Since Apple eliminated the House button, that meant the iPhone X was the primary iPhone to have a 5.8-inch full-screen design, and it launched the notch that individuals both beloved or hated for years to return. That is additionally the primary iPhone with an OLED Tremendous Retina show.

The iPhone X was undoubtedly a milestone within the historical past of the iPhone. For a decade, we’d been used to an iPhone with a House button, however the iPhone X fully modified that and established a brand new iconic look. And we barely have Contact ID anymore besides on just a few choose units as of late.

iPhone XS and XS Max (September 2018)

Julian Chokkattu / Digital Developments

With the iPhone XS and XS Max, Apple lastly eradicated the House button from the flagship units. Apple additionally introduced again a bigger kind issue with the Max moniker, and launched a 6.5-inch show, making the iPhone XS Max the biggest iPhone but on the time. The common iPhone XS nonetheless retained the 5.8-inch show from its predecessor.

Different enhancements with the iPhone XS and XS Max had been sooner Face ID, higher water resistance with an IP68 score, and twin SIM assist for the primary time, because it added assist for eSIM alongside the bodily nano SIM card slot. The iPhone XS and XS Max additionally might deal with Gigabit LTE for even sooner obtain speeds. And the utmost storage tier went as much as 512GB.

The iPhone XS and XS Max are vital as they set the brand new precedent for 2 sizes of full-screen iPhones going ahead. The XS Max can be the primary “Max” iPhone.

iPhone XR (October 2018)

Digital Developments

The iPhone XR was a one-off that launched with the iPhone XS and XS Max. It was designed to be a less expensive model of the XS and XS Max.

Regardless of the iPhone XR having a bigger display screen than the iPhone XS at 6.1 inches, it was solely a Liquid Retina LCD show relatively than OLED just like the flagship fashions. It additionally solely had a single rear digital camera, in addition to a barely decrease IP67 water-resistance score in comparison with the IP68 on the XS and XS Max. The iPhone XR additionally got here in six vibrant colours, and the cheaper value level appealed to individuals who had been on a tighter finances.

The iPhone XR didn’t do something groundbreaking, nevertheless it was the primary iPhone that had the 6.1-inch show dimension that has grow to be the norm for the iPhone previously few years. And whereas it wasn’t a significant flagship telephone, the budget-friendly value level helped increase it to be some of the standard smartphones in 2019.

iPhone 11 collection (September 2019)

Julian Chokkattu / Digital Developments

The iPhone 11 collection included the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max. That is the primary time that Apple has launched three iPhone fashions collectively on the identical time ( the iPhone 8/X and iPhone XS/XR had been a month aside), and it set the brand new normal of  a regular iPhone, a Professional mannequin, and a bigger Professional Max.

That is additionally the primary time that Apple included an ultrawide lens on all fashions, in addition to the brand new U1 chip with ultra-wideband expertise.

Moreover, the iPhone 11 Professional and Professional Max had been the primary to have triple digital camera setups with a fundamental, ultrawide, and telephoto lens. Apple additionally upgraded the shows to Tremendous Retina XDR OLED shows and improved battery life.

The iPhone 11 Professional fashions set the stage for the subsequent a number of years of iPhones to return. Although the cameras have continued to get bigger over time, even present iPhones nonetheless have that very same triple-lens digital camera format that debuted with the iPhone 11 Professional.

iPhone SE 2 (April 2020)

Digital Developments

Apple stunned everybody in the course of an iPhone life cycle by bringing again the iPhone SE, 4 years after the unique, within the type of the iPhone SE 2. Whereas it wasn’t as small and compact as the unique, it nonetheless appealed to those that want small telephones, and the {hardware} wasn’t too shabby both.

The iPhone SE 2 recycled the outdated chassis of the iPhone 8 whereas nonetheless utilizing the A13 chip that was contained in the iPhone 11 collection. With the 4.7-inch display screen, the iPhone SE 2 introduced again the House button and Contact ID for individuals who most well-liked it.

In 2020, the iPhone SE 2 offered a superb worth. It was essentially the most reasonably priced iPhone one might purchase, and regardless of wanting just like the outdated iPhone 8, the iPhone SE 2 had extra capabilities like Portrait mode with a single lens digital camera.

iPhone 12 collection (October 2020)

Andrew Martonik / Digital Developments

The iPhone 12 collection was the primary time Apple launched 4 iPhones on the identical time with three completely different sizes: the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Professional Max. The iPhone 12 mini, particularly, was distinctive as a result of it was the smallest and most compact iPhone that Apple provided — providing a 5.4-inch show that also had the full-screen design of the remainder of the iPhone 12 lineup.

Apple outfitted the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 with twin rear cameras, however as soon as once more provided a triple digital camera system for the iPhone 12 Professional and iPhone 12 Professional Max. Apple additionally debuted Ceramic Protect, which is a coating on the entrance glass to make it extra shatter-resistant. The Professional fashions additionally added lidar for higher augmented actuality experiences.

The complete iPhone 12 lineup was an enormous deal, nevertheless. These had been the primary iPhones to have 5G assist, and launched Apple’s proprietary MagSafe magnetic wi-fi charging and accent ecosystem. With 2G/EDGE networks already put to pasture by most carriers and 3G quickly to followit into obscurity, having 5G assist was essential, because it coexists with 4G/LTE and will probably be round for a very long time. MagSafe additionally opened up a complete new world of artistic equipment and can be a significant affect on the new Qi2 wireless charging standard.

However the iPhone 12 collection additionally eliminated the in-box charger. Apple started solely offering the charging cable, so folks must both use their earlier charger or purchase a brand new one. Different manufacturers largely adopted go well with.

iPhone 13 collection (September 2021)

Dan Baker / Digital Developments

For essentially the most half, the iPhone 13 line was similar to the iPhone 12 earlier than it. We bought 4 fashions: the iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Professional Max. The largest variations had been the brand new colours and a smaller notch.

However the iPhone 13 lineup did carry another notable adjustments, together with the A15 Bionic chip that gave an enormous increase to total battery life. Cinematic video mode additionally launched with the iPhone 13 line, giving movies a depth impact that modified focus mechanically, relying on what was occurring within the scene.

The iPhone 13 Professional and iPhone 13 Professional Max had been additionally the primary iPhones to get the 120Hz ProMotion show, which set the usual for future Professional fashions to return. With the upper adaptive refresh charge, scrolling and animations are smoother than ever. Although it’s not as drastic of a change as when Apple launched the Retina show on the iPhone 4, it’s nonetheless noticeable once you evaluate the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Professional aspect by aspect.

The iPhone 13 Professional was additionally the primary iPhone to go as much as 1TB in storage capability.

iPhone SE 3 (March 2022)

Andy Boxall / Digital Developments

Apple delivered an iPhone SE 3 in 2022, nevertheless it was much less spectacular than when the second era of the gadget launched. It nonetheless had the iPhone 8 physique with a 4.7-inch show and the House button with Contact ID.

Nevertheless, this time round, Apple stuffed it with the A15 Bionic chip, which was the identical because the iPhone 13 line. It additionally added 5G connectivity assist, which suggests it ought to be future-proof for a superb whereas. Battery life was additionally a bit higher than earlier than.

In any other case, not a lot else modified. It’s unclear if there will probably be an iPhone SE 4, however we hope to see an up to date design — the iPhone 8 physique could be very outdated as of late.

iPhone 14 Sequence (September 2022)

Joe Maring / Digital Developments

Although the iPhone 14 collection continued the custom of 4 iPhone fashions, Apple eradicated the mini from the lineup and changed it with the brand new Plus providing, which is similar dimension because the Professional Max. The reasoning for eliminating the mini was because of poor gross sales efficiency, and Apple believed extra folks could be thinking about a Plus mannequin over a mini.

For essentially the most half, the usual iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus introduced over options from the iPhone 13, together with the A15 Bionic. However the greatest upgrades got here within the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max with the Dynamic Island, which changed the notch that debuted with the iPhone X, and a bump to the cameras to 48MP from 12MP. This was additionally the primary iPhone with an always-on show.

The complete iPhone 14 line additionally bought the brand new Crash Detection and Emergency SOS through Satellite tv for pc options geared toward saving lives. The iPhone 14 collection can be the primary iPhone within the U.S. to remove bodily SIM card trays and change completely to eSIM.

Whereas the usual iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus had been iterative upgrades, the iPhone 14 Professional and Professional Max would play a significant half in influencing the longer term course of the iPhone. The Dynamic Island would finally make its approach to all iPhone fashions, eliminating the ugly notch, and the 48MP would grow to be the brand new baseline.

iPhone 15 Sequence (September 2023)

Apple iPhone 15 Plus (left) and Apple iPhone 15 Professional Max Andy Boxall / Digital Developments

The iPhone 15 line has introduced a number of the greatest adjustments within the historical past of the iPhone but. The bottom mannequin iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus each get an enormous digital camera increase to 48MP, just like the iPhone 14 Professional did final yr, they usually dumped the notch for the Dynamic Island.

The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max bought even larger upgrades with the brand new titanium body as an alternative of chrome steel, the A17 Professional chip, and the brand new 5x telephoto lens on the Professional Max. Apple additionally removed the traditional silent/ring toggle and changed it with a brand new Motion button, just like that discovered on the Apple Watch Extremely, which customers can map to completely different capabilities as they see match.

However the greatest change, and the one which the complete iPhone 15 lineup will in all probability be remembered for, is the truth that it changed the proprietary Lightning charging port with USB-C. Lightning had been round for the reason that iPhone 5 in 2012, so the cable that everybody had been utilizing for the previous decade was lastly lifeless.

Apple dropping its personal proprietary charger, which it made some huge cash from licensing out, for a extra common possibility is a really large deal. Plus, it opened up a complete new world of USB-C equipment that had been beforehand incompatible.

And there’s little question that the change to titanium will have an effect on future iPhones and even the competitors. Different manufacturers have already begun to repeat the titanium design, such because the OnePlus Open and even the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

iPhone 16 collection (September 2024)

iPhone 16 Digital Developments

Following up on the iPhone 15, the iPhone 16 line takes it up one other notch.

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus retain the identical show sizes at 6.1 and 6.7 inches and 60Hz refresh charge. Nevertheless, the brightness now goes as much as 2,000 nits for peak brightness outside.

There may be additionally a redesigned digital camera format with a vertical pill-shaped module, which is sort of a hybrid between the one on the iPhone XS and iPhone 12. Apple additionally changed the silent/ring toggle with the Motion button that debuted on the iPhone 15 Professional. On the within, Apple gave the bottom mannequin iPhone 16 a pleasant efficiency increase with the A18 chip. And this time, Apple gave the iPhone 16 line a number of the greatest coloration choices we’ve seen in a very long time.

iPhone 16 Professional Joe Maring / Digital Developments

The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Professional Max bought barely larger this time, going with 6.3 and 6.9 inches for the shows. The smaller iPhone 16 Professional additionally has a greater telephoto digital camera than its predecessor, which suggests it will probably do 5x optical zoom, making it on par with the iPhone 16 Professional Max. The ultrawide lens additionally bought a spec leap to 48MP to associate with the 48MP main digital camera, however the telephoto stays the identical at 12MP.

A brand new characteristic throughout the complete iPhone 16 lineup is the Camera Control. This can be a bodily button that may be pressed to launch the digital camera app and in addition act as a shutter button. It even options contact detection, so it will probably detect sliding gestures on it to regulate digital camera settings. Third-party builders also can make their app work with the Digicam Management. With this new button, the iPhone 16 feels extra like an precise digital camera than ever earlier than — making it an enormous win for cellular photographers.