Each iPhone launch in chronological order: 2007-2024

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 utterly modified the world of cellphones.

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

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

Each iPhone launch so as

iPhone (June 2007)

The unique iPhone was the one which began all of it and altered the cellular business 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 for those who wished an iPhone, it needed to be with solely that service.

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

iPhone 3G (July 2008)

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 digicam, 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 have been fairly iterative additions by immediately’s requirements, the launch of the App Retailer was truly large. This started the entire “there’s an app for that” period and altered how all of us use our iPhones.

iPhone 3GS (June 2009)

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 can now obtain from the App Retailer.

Not solely did the iPhone 3GS get extra inside storage and RAM, but it surely 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 differentiate 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 function of the iPhone 4. Apple additionally added a front-facing digicam for the primary time, making it potential to have video calls on a cellular machine. It additionally made selfies a factor. The rear digicam obtained 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 have been pretty rounded and made with plastic, the iPhone 4 moved to a brand new glass and stainless-steel design with flat edges that we nonetheless see immediately.

Nevertheless, the antenna design with the steel 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 have been “holding it incorrect,” however finally relented and supplied free bumper instances for everybody to rectify the problem.

The iPhone 4 was additionally the primary iPhone that grew to become 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 commenced 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 number of exceptions.

The iPhone 4S took issues a step additional for cellular 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 a giant milestone. And because the larger megapixel rely and 1080p movies would imply larger file sizes, Apple additionally bumped the utmost storage to 64GB.

The iPhone 4S was important 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 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 answer. It provides everybody 5GB of storage without cost, which paradoxically, 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 modifications. With the iPhone 5, we obtained a bigger, 4-inch display, LTE connectivity, and an HD front-facing FaceTime digicam.

This was additionally when Apple switched from the outdated 30-pin charging port to the Lightning connector, which grew to become 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 vulnerable to micro scratches as a result of anodized end on the aluminum.

iPhone 5S and 5C (September 2013)

With the iPhone 5S and 5C, Apple launched two totally different iPhone fashions directly for the primary time. The iPhone 5S could be the flagship and principal 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 Residence button, which added one other layer of biometric safety earlier than one might 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. Moderately than have the aluminum physique like its sibling, the physique for the iPhone 5C was solely product of plastic (it was “fantastically, unapologetically plastic,” as Apple designer Jony Ive put it), and it got here in vivid 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 Residence 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.

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 stored in a good again pocket of a pair of pants.

The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus have 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 12 months 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 could be the primary time that it launched the Rose Gold coloration, which was a beautiful 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 convey up further choices, corresponding to contextual menus on app icons on the house display. Evidently 3D Contact was extra of a hidden function, nevertheless, as not everybody knew about it, and Apple finally discontinued the function 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 Stay Photographs was launched, which is a mix of a nonetheless picture and a brief video. When an individual takes a Stay Picture, it captures a few seconds earlier than and after the second the shutter button is pressed. A Stay Picture seems to be like a nonetheless picture, however while you activate it with an extended press, it performs a number 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 an alternative 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 right compact iPhone for many individuals. The 4-inch show made it potential to make use of one-handed, and you bought a 12MP digicam, 4K video recording, Stay Photographs, and “Hey Siri” without having to be plugged in. It was an awesome 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 a giant 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 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 grew to become the primary iPhones with an IP67 water-resistance ranking for higher sturdiness. Apple additionally launched the gorgeous and glossy Jet Black coloration choice, 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 digicam setup with a principal digicam and a telephoto lens. And due to 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 have 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 digicam, however now you can do it along with your iPhone. After this, Portrait mode grew to become extremely well-liked and normal on each smartphone.

iPhone 8 and eight Plus (September 2017)

The iPhone 8 and eight Plus have been attention-grabbing gadgets, as they signaled the top of the Residence 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 pictures, 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 cellular.

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. Nevertheless, 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 Residence button and Contact ID sensor in favor of a brand new biometric type of safety referred to as Face ID. Moderately than use your fingerprint to unlock your telephone, all it must do is scan your face.

Since Apple eliminated the Residence 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 cherished or hated for years to come back. 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 Residence 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 number of choose gadgets as of late.

iPhone XS and XS Max (September 2018)

With the iPhone XS and XS Max, Apple lastly eradicated the Residence button from the flagship gadgets. 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 most important 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 have been sooner 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 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 important 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 relatively 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 have been on a tighter finances.

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

iPhone 11 sequence (September 2019)

The iPhone 11 sequence 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 similar time ( the iPhone 8/X and iPhone XS/XR have been a month aside), and it set the brand new normal 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 expertise.

Moreover, the iPhone 11 Professional and Professional Max have been the primary to have triple digicam setups with a principal, 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 come back. Although the cameras have continued to get bigger over time, even present iPhones nonetheless have that very same triple-lens digicam structure that debuted with the iPhone 11 Professional.

iPhone SE 2 (April 2020)

Apple shocked everybody in the midst 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 outdated 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 Residence button and Contact ID for individuals who most popular it.

In 2020, the iPhone SE 2 supplied a superb worth. It was probably the most inexpensive iPhone one might purchase, and regardless of trying just like the outdated 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 Pro, 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 geared up 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 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 whole iPhone 12 lineup was a giant deal, nevertheless. These have 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 artistic equipment and can be a significant affect on the new Qi2 wireless charging standard.

However the iPhone 12 sequence 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 sequence (September 2021)

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

However the iPhone 13 lineup did convey another notable modifications, together with the A15 Bionic chip that gave a giant enhance to general 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 occurring within the scene.

The iPhone 13 Professional and iPhone 13 Professional Max have been additionally the primary iPhones to get the 120Hz ProMotion show, which set the usual for future Professional fashions to come back. With the upper adaptive refresh price, 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 while you examine the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Professional facet by facet.

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, but it surely was much less spectacular than when the second era of the machine launched. It nonetheless had the iPhone 8 physique with a 4.7-inch show and the Residence 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 help, which implies it needs to be future-proof for an excellent 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 as of late.

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 identical dimension because the Professional Max. The reasoning for eliminating the mini was resulting from poor gross sales efficiency, and Apple believed extra folks could be involved in a Plus mannequin over a mini.

For probably 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 whole iPhone 14 line additionally obtained the brand new Crash Detection and Emergency SOS through Satellite tv for pc options aimed toward saving lives. The iPhone 14 sequence can be the primary iPhone within the U.S. to get rid of bodily SIM card trays and swap completely to eSIM.

Whereas the usual iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus have been iterative upgrades, the iPhone 14 Professional and Professional Max would play a significant half in influencing the long run route of the iPhone. The Dynamic Island would finally make its option to all iPhone fashions, eliminating the ugly notch, and the 48MP would change into the brand new baseline.

iPhone 15 Sequence (September 2023)

The iPhone 15 line has introduced a few of the greatest modifications within the historical past of the iPhone but. The bottom mannequin iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus each get a giant digicam enhance to 48MP, just like the iPhone 14 Professional did final 12 months, they usually dumped the notch for the Dynamic Island.

The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max obtained even larger upgrades with the brand new titanium body as an alternative of stainless-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 totally different capabilities as they see match.

However the greatest change, and the one which the whole 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 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 large deal. Plus, it opened up an entire new world of USB-C equipment that have been beforehand incompatible.

And there’s little doubt that the swap 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.

iPhone 16 sequence (September 2024)

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 price. Nevertheless, the brightness now goes as much as 2,000 nits for peak brightness open air.

There’s additionally a redesigned digicam structure 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 enhance with the A18 chip. And this time, Apple gave the iPhone 16 line a few of the greatest coloration choices we’ve seen in a very long time.

The iPhone 16 Professional and iPhone 16 Professional Max obtained 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 digicam than its predecessor, which implies it will possibly do 5x optical zoom, making it on par with the iPhone 16 Professional Max. The ultrawide lens additionally obtained a spec leap to 48MP to associate with the 48MP major digicam, however the telephoto stays the identical at 12MP.

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