Each iPhone launch in chronological order: 2007-2024

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

Now, in 2024, we’ve had over 16 years of iPhone releases. In only a few extra years, will probably be 20 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 at present with the iPhone 15.

Each iPhone launch so as

iPhone (June 2007)

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

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

The unique iPhone is missing by at present’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 common again within the day. Some tech CEOs, comparable to Steve Balmer, mocked Apple for creating the iPhone and didn’t assume it will succeed. Properly, the joke’s on them.

iPhone 3G (July 2008)

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

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

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

iPhone 3GS (June 2009)

When Apple launched the App Retailer in 2008, it modified how individuals use their iPhones. The previous 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 can now obtain from the App Retailer.

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

iPhone 4 (June 2010)

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 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. 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 digicam for the primary time, making it attainable to have video calls on a cell machine. It additionally made selfies a factor. The rear digicam bought an improved 5MP lens with LED flash and have become a gold customary for cell pictures.

This was additionally the primary massive {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 at present.

Nonetheless, 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 improper,” however finally relented and supplied free bumper circumstances for everybody to rectify the difficulty.

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

iPhone 4S (October 2011)

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 a couple of exceptions.

The iPhone 4S took issues a step additional for cell iPhone photographers by including an 8MP digicam that will set the usual for a number of extra years. It additionally added 1080p video recording, which was an enormous milestone. And because the 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 may ask Siri to carry out numerous duties simply by utilizing their voice.

The iPhone 4S additionally coincided with Apple’s launch of iCloud, which is Apple’s in-house cloud storage resolution. It offers everybody 5GB of storage without spending a dime, which satirically, has not modified in over a decade, regardless of bigger file sizes from photographs 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)

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, LTE connectivity, and an HD front-facing FaceTime digicam.

This was additionally when Apple switched from the previous 30-pin charging port to the Lightning connector, which turned customary 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. Nonetheless, the area grey model was vulnerable to micro scratches because of the anodized end on the aluminum.

iPhone 5S and 5C (September 2013)

With the iPhone 5S and 5C, Apple launched two totally different iPhone fashions without delay for the primary time. The iPhone 5S could be the flagship and important star of the present, whereas the iPhone 5C was marketed as a extra budget-friendly choice 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 may entry their machine. It additionally improved the 8MP digicam and included True Tone flash, together with new digicam modes for burst photographs and slo-mo.

The iPhone 5C was marketed as a extra inexpensive, budget-friendly choice, so it did make some compromises. Slightly than have the aluminum physique like its sibling, the physique for the iPhone 5C was fully manufactured from plastic (it was “fantastically, unapologetically plastic,” as Apple designer Jony Ive put it), and it got here in shiny 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 shade to peek by means of the case.

The iPhone 5C didn’t embrace 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)

That is when Apple started to introduce two totally different display 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.

Nonetheless, the thinner physique sparked one other scandal known as “bendgate.” This was as a result of some individuals found that their iPhone 6 chassis would bend if sufficient stress was utilized, comparable 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 fee 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)

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 shade, 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 may apply stress on the iPhone show to carry up further choices, comparable to contextual menus on app icons on the house display. Evidently 3D Contact was extra of a hidden characteristic, nonetheless, 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 digicam. The 12MP lens could be the usual till the iPhone 14 Professional launched in 2023.

The iPhone 6s sequence can be when Reside Pictures 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 appears to be like like a nonetheless picture, however if you activate it with an extended press, it performs a couple of 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 a substitute of simply when it was plugged into energy.

iPhone SE (March 2016)

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

The iPhone SE additionally outlined the concept of the proper compact iPhone for many individuals. The 4-inch show made it attainable to make use of one-handed, and you bought a 12MP digicam, 4K video recording, Reside Pictures, and “Hey Siri” while not having to be plugged in. It was a terrific type issue that didn’t compromise on options except for 3D Contact.

iPhone 7 and seven Plus (September 2016)

The iPhone 7 and seven Plus marked an enormous turning level for the iPhone. The launch of the iPhone 7 line meant the loss of life of the headphone jack, but in addition noticed the primary technology 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 unpleasant antenna strips on the rear. The iPhone 7 and seven Plus additionally turned the primary iPhones with an IP67 water-resistance ranking for higher sturdiness. Apple additionally launched the attractive and glossy Jet Black shade choice, which might by no means be seen once more after the iPhone 7.

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

Once more, the iPhone 7 and seven Plus had been a turning level for cell pictures by including Portrait mode. This lets individuals take professional-looking portraits that replicate what you get when utilizing a DSLR digicam, however now you can do it together with your iPhone. After this, Portrait mode turned extremely common and customary on each smartphone.

iPhone 8 and eight Plus (September 2017)

The iPhone 8 and eight Plus had been attention-grabbing units, as they signaled the tip of the House button period for mainline iPhones. Apple introduced a brand new glass and aluminum design, although the shape issue was much 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 photographs, making them look much more skilled. The iPhone 8 was additionally the primary iPhone to help augmented actuality (AR) in apps and video games, which introduced an entire new expertise to cell.

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

iPhone X (November 2017)

To suggest a decade of iPhone, the iPhone X was a particular version to have fun 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 known as Face ID. Slightly 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 folks both liked 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 utterly modified that and established a brand new iconic look. And we barely have Contact ID anymore besides on a couple of choose units nowadays.

iPhone XS and XS Max (September 2018)

With the iPhone XS and XS Max, Apple lastly eradicated the House button from the flagship units. Apple additionally introduced again a bigger type 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 quicker Face ID, higher water resistance with an IP68 ranking, and twin SIM help for the primary time, because it added help for eSIM alongside the bodily nano SIM card slot. The iPhone XS and XS Max additionally may deal with Gigabit LTE for even quicker 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)

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 than the iPhone XS at 6.1 inches, it was solely a Liquid Retina LCD show slightly than OLED just like the flagship fashions. It additionally solely had a single rear digicam, in addition to a barely decrease IP67 water-resistance ranking 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 funds.

The iPhone XR didn’t do something groundbreaking, however it was the primary iPhone that had the 6.1-inch show dimension that has grow to be the norm for the iPhone prior to now few years. And whereas it wasn’t a significant flagship telephone, the budget-friendly value level helped enhance it to be probably the most common smartphones in 2019.

iPhone 11 sequence (September 2019)

The iPhone 11 sequence included the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Professional, and iPhone 11 Professional Max. That is the primary time that Apple has launched three iPhone fashions collectively on the similar time ( the iPhone 8/X and iPhone XS/XR had been a month aside), and it set the brand new customary of  a typical 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 know-how.

Moreover, the iPhone 11 Professional and Professional Max had been the primary to have triple digicam setups with a important, 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 through the years, even present iPhones nonetheless have that very same triple-lens digicam format that debuted with the iPhone 11 Professional.

iPhone SE 2 (April 2020)

Apple shocked 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 choose small telephones, and the {hardware} wasn’t too shabby both.

The iPhone SE 2 recycled the previous chassis of the iPhone 8 whereas nonetheless utilizing the A13 chip that was contained in the iPhone 11 sequence. With the 4.7-inch display, the iPhone SE 2 introduced again the House button and Contact ID for many who most popular it.

In 2020, the iPhone SE 2 supplied a superb worth. It was essentially the most inexpensive iPhone one may purchase, and regardless of trying just like the previous iPhone 8, the iPhone SE 2 had extra capabilities like Portrait mode with a single lens digicam.

iPhone 12 sequence (October 2020)

The iPhone 12 sequence was the primary time Apple launched 4 iPhones on the similar time with three totally different sizes: the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Professional, and iPhone 12 Professional Max. The iPhone 12 mini, specifically, was distinctive as a result of it was the smallest and most compact iPhone that Apple supplied — 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 supplied a triple digicam system for the iPhone 12 Professional and iPhone 12 Professional Max. Apple additionally debuted Ceramic Defend, 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, nonetheless. These had been the primary iPhones to have 5G help, 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 help was essential, because it coexists with 4G/LTE and will probably be round for a very long time. MagSafe additionally opened up an entire new world of inventive equipment and can be a significant affect on the brand new Qi2 wi-fi charging customary.

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

iPhone 13 sequence (September 2021)

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 Professional, and iPhone 13 Professional Max. The most important 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 enhance to total battery life. Cinematic video mode additionally launched with the iPhone 13 line, giving movies a depth impact that modified focus routinely, relying on what was happening 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 fee, 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 if you examine 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)

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

Nonetheless, 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 help, which suggests it needs to be future-proof for a great 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 may be very outdated nowadays.

iPhone 14 Sequence (September 2022)

Although the iPhone 14 sequence 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 resulting from poor gross sales efficiency, and Apple believed extra individuals could be concerned with 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 Professional and iPhone 14 Professional 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 by way of Satellite tv for pc options aimed toward saving lives. The iPhone 14 sequence can be the primary iPhone within the U.S. to eradicate bodily SIM card trays and change solely 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 path of the iPhone. The Dynamic Island would finally make its solution to all iPhone fashions, eliminating the ugly notch, and the 48MP would grow to be the brand new baseline.

iPhone 15 Sequence (September 2023)

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 digicam enhance to 48MP, just like the iPhone 14 Professional did final yr, they usually dumped the notch for the Dynamic Island.

The iPhone 15 Professional and iPhone 15 Professional Max bought even larger upgrades with the brand new titanium body as a substitute 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, much like that discovered on the Apple Watch Extremely, which customers can map to totally different capabilities as they see match.

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

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

And there’s little doubt 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 Extremely.

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