The iPhone. A device that revolutionized the mobile phone industry and continues to be a cultural phenomenon. From its humble beginnings in 2007 to the cutting-edge technology of today, the iPhone has undergone an incredible evolution, offering users a diverse range of options to suit their needs and budgets.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you on a journey through iPhone history, comparing every model ever made, from the original iPhone to the latest releases. We'll delve into key features, design changes, specifications, and pricing, providing you with a complete picture of how Apple has shaped the smartphone landscape.
The Early Years: 2007-2010
The first generation iPhone, launched in 2007, was a revolutionary device that redefined the mobile phone experience. Its sleek design, multi-touch interface, and innovative features captivated the world. It was the beginning of an era that would see Apple become a dominant force in the smartphone market.
iPhone (2007)
- Key Features: Multi-touch display, Wi-Fi and EDGE connectivity, 2MP camera, 4GB or 8GB storage.
- Design: Sleek, aluminum and glass construction with a home button.
- Price: $499 (4GB) and $599 (8GB)
The original iPhone was a technological marvel, combining a user-friendly interface with cutting-edge hardware. It offered a seamless browsing experience and paved the way for the app revolution.
iPhone 3G (2008)
- Key Features: 3G connectivity, GPS, 3.15MP camera, 8GB or 16GB storage.
- Design: Similar to the original iPhone, but with a plastic back.
- Price: $199 (8GB) and $299 (16GB)
The iPhone 3G brought faster data speeds and GPS capabilities, enhancing the user experience. It was also the first iPhone to offer an App Store, opening up a world of possibilities for users.
iPhone 3GS (2009)
- Key Features: Faster A5 processor, 3.2MP camera with video recording, 16GB or 32GB storage.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone 3G, but with a curved back and a more compact design.
- Price: $199 (16GB) and $299 (32GB)
The iPhone 3GS was a significant upgrade, featuring improved performance, a better camera, and longer battery life. It was a popular choice for users looking for a reliable and feature-packed smartphone.
iPhone 4 (2010)
- Key Features: Retina display, 5MP camera, FaceTime video calling, 16GB or 32GB storage.
- Design: Aluminum and glass construction with a stainless steel band, front-facing camera, and a glass back.
- Price: $199 (16GB) and $299 (32GB)
The iPhone 4 marked a major design change with its iconic rectangular design and sharp edges. The Retina display revolutionized mobile visuals, providing users with stunning clarity and detail. The introduction of FaceTime video calling further cemented the iPhone as a communication powerhouse.
The Rise of Retina: 2011-2014
The iPhone 4's success propelled Apple to continue refining its design and technology, culminating in the introduction of the iPhone 5, a device that further revolutionized the smartphone experience.
iPhone 4S (2011)
- Key Features: A5 processor, 8MP camera with 1080p video recording, Siri voice assistant, 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB storage.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone 4, but with a slightly thicker design and a rear-facing camera bump.
- Price: $199 (16GB), $299 (32GB), and $399 (64GB)
The iPhone 4S brought several key improvements, including a faster processor, a better camera, and Siri, the groundbreaking voice assistant that transformed the way users interacted with their devices.
iPhone 5 (2012)
- Key Features: Larger 4-inch Retina display, A6 processor, 8MP camera, 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB storage.
- Design: Thinner and lighter design with a taller screen and a redesigned home button.
- Price: $199 (16GB), $299 (32GB), and $399 (64GB)
The iPhone 5 ushered in a new era of design with its taller screen and slimmer profile. The A6 processor delivered impressive performance, while the improved camera captured stunning photos and videos.
iPhone 5c (2013)
- Key Features: A6 processor, 8MP camera, 16GB or 32GB storage, available in multiple colors.
- Design: Plastic construction with a colorful, playful design.
- Price: $99 (16GB) and $199 (32GB)
The iPhone 5c was Apple's foray into the more affordable smartphone market. Its colorful design and relatively low price point made it a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers.
iPhone 5s (2013)
- Key Features: A7 processor, Touch ID fingerprint sensor, 8MP camera with slow-motion video recording, 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB storage.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone 5, but with a gold color option and a redesigned home button.
- Price: $199 (16GB), $299 (32GB), and $399 (64GB)
The iPhone 5s was a significant step forward in terms of performance and security. The A7 processor provided lightning-fast performance, while Touch ID brought fingerprint authentication to the iPhone for the first time.
iPhone 6 (2014)
- Key Features: Larger 4.7-inch Retina HD display, A8 processor, 8MP camera with slow-motion video recording, 16GB, 64GB, or 128GB storage.
- Design: Aluminum and glass construction with a rounded design.
- Price: $199 (16GB), $299 (64GB), and $399 (128GB)
The iPhone 6 introduced a significant design change, featuring a larger screen and a more rounded design. The A8 processor delivered even better performance, and the improved camera captured stunning photos and videos.
iPhone 6 Plus (2014)
- Key Features: Larger 5.5-inch Retina HD display, A8 processor, 8MP camera with optical image stabilization, 16GB, 64GB, or 128GB storage.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone 6, but with a larger display and a more curved back.
- Price: $299 (16GB), $399 (64GB), and $499 (128GB)
The iPhone 6 Plus was the first iPhone to feature a screen larger than 5 inches, offering users an immersive viewing experience. It also included optical image stabilization for sharper photos and videos.
The Era of Innovation: 2015-2018
Apple continued to push the boundaries of smartphone technology, introducing new features like 3D Touch and dual-lens cameras.
iPhone 6s (2015)
- Key Features: 3D Touch, 12MP camera, A9 processor, 16GB, 64GB, or 128GB storage.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone 6, but with a more robust design and a slightly larger camera bump.
- Price: $199 (16GB), $299 (64GB), and $399 (128GB)
The iPhone 6s introduced 3D Touch, a pressure-sensitive display that allowed users to interact with their devices in new ways. The upgraded camera captured even better photos and videos, and the A9 processor delivered lightning-fast performance.
iPhone 6s Plus (2015)
- Key Features: 3D Touch, 12MP camera with optical image stabilization, A9 processor, 16GB, 64GB, or 128GB storage.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone 6 Plus, but with a more robust design and a slightly larger camera bump.
- Price: $299 (16GB), $399 (64GB), and $499 (128GB)
The iPhone 6s Plus offered the same key features as the iPhone 6s but with a larger display and optical image stabilization.
iPhone SE (2016)
- Key Features: A9 processor, 12MP camera, 4-inch Retina display, 16GB, 64GB, or 128GB storage.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone 5s, but with a slightly more modern design.
- Price: $399 (16GB), $499 (64GB), and $599 (128GB)
The iPhone SE was a compact and affordable option, offering the power of the iPhone 6s in a smaller package. It was a popular choice for users who preferred a more traditional iPhone design.
iPhone 7 (2016)
- Key Features: Home button with haptic feedback, dual-lens camera on Plus model, A10 Fusion processor, 32GB, 128GB, or 256GB storage.
- Design: Water and dust resistance, redesigned antenna bands, new black and jet black finishes.
- Price: $649 (32GB), $749 (128GB), and $849 (256GB)
The iPhone 7 marked a significant change with the removal of the headphone jack and the introduction of a new home button with haptic feedback. The A10 Fusion processor delivered unparalleled performance, and the dual-lens camera on the Plus model captured stunning photos and videos.
iPhone 7 Plus (2016)
- Key Features: Dual-lens camera with optical zoom, A10 Fusion processor, 32GB, 128GB, or 256GB storage.
- Design: Water and dust resistance, redesigned antenna bands, new black and jet black finishes.
- Price: $769 (32GB), $869 (128GB), and $969 (256GB)
The iPhone 7 Plus offered the same features as the iPhone 7 but with a larger display, dual-lens camera, and optical zoom.
iPhone 8 (2017)
- Key Features: Glass back, wireless charging, A11 Bionic processor, 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone 7, but with a glass back and a redesigned home button.
- Price: $699 (64GB), $849 (256GB), and $999 (512GB)
The iPhone 8 marked a return to glass design and introduced wireless charging. The A11 Bionic processor delivered even more impressive performance, and the improved camera captured stunning photos and videos.
iPhone 8 Plus (2017)
- Key Features: Glass back, wireless charging, A11 Bionic processor, 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone 7 Plus, but with a glass back and a redesigned home button.
- Price: $799 (64GB), $949 (256GB), and $1099 (512GB)
The iPhone 8 Plus offered the same features as the iPhone 8 but with a larger display and a dual-lens camera.
iPhone X (2017)
- Key Features: Edge-to-edge OLED display, Face ID facial recognition, A11 Bionic processor, 64GB or 256GB storage.
- Design: All-screen design with a notch at the top, no home button.
- Price: $999 (64GB) and $1149 (256GB)
The iPhone X revolutionized iPhone design with its edge-to-edge OLED display and Face ID facial recognition technology. It also featured a powerful A11 Bionic processor and a dual-lens camera.
The Era of Innovation: 2019-2023
Apple continued to innovate with the introduction of new features like ProMotion, LiDAR Scanner, and MagSafe.
iPhone XS (2018)
- Key Features: OLED display, Face ID, A12 Bionic processor, 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone X, but with a more durable stainless steel frame.
- Price: $999 (64GB), $1149 (256GB), and $1349 (512GB)
The iPhone XS offered a refined design, an even faster A12 Bionic processor, and improved cameras. It also came in a new gold finish.
iPhone XS Max (2018)
- Key Features: OLED display, Face ID, A12 Bionic processor, 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone XS, but with a larger 6.5-inch display.
- Price: $1099 (64GB), $1249 (256GB), and $1449 (512GB)
The iPhone XS Max offered the same features as the iPhone XS but with a larger display, making it ideal for media consumption and multitasking.
iPhone XR (2018)
- Key Features: LCD display, Face ID, A12 Bionic processor, 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB storage.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone X, but with a thicker design and a single-lens camera.
- Price: $749 (64GB), $799 (128GB), and $899 (256GB)
The iPhone XR was a more affordable option, offering many of the features of the iPhone XS but with an LCD display and a single-lens camera.
iPhone 11 (2019)
- Key Features: LCD display, dual-lens camera, A13 Bionic processor, 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB storage.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone XR, but with a new design for the camera bump.
- Price: $699 (64GB), $749 (128GB), and $849 (256GB)
The iPhone 11 offered a powerful A13 Bionic processor, a dual-lens camera with a wide-angle lens, and a new design for the camera bump.
iPhone 11 Pro (2019)
- Key Features: OLED display, triple-lens camera, A13 Bionic processor, 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone XS, but with a matte finish and a redesigned camera bump.
- Price: $999 (64GB), $1149 (256GB), and $1349 (512GB)
The iPhone 11 Pro offered a triple-lens camera with a telephoto lens, a matte finish, and a redesigned camera bump.
iPhone 11 Pro Max (2019)
- Key Features: OLED display, triple-lens camera, A13 Bionic processor, 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone 11 Pro, but with a larger 6.5-inch display.
- Price: $1099 (64GB), $1249 (256GB), and $1449 (512GB)
The iPhone 11 Pro Max offered the same features as the iPhone 11 Pro but with a larger display, making it ideal for media consumption and multitasking.
iPhone SE (2020)
- Key Features: A13 Bionic processor, 12MP camera, 4.7-inch Retina HD display, 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB storage.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone 8, but with a more modern design.
- Price: $399 (64GB), $449 (128GB), and $549 (256GB)
The iPhone SE (2020) was an updated version of the original iPhone SE, featuring the powerful A13 Bionic processor and a 12MP camera in a compact design.
iPhone 12 (2020)
- Key Features: OLED display, dual-lens camera, A14 Bionic processor, 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB storage, 5G connectivity.
- Design: Flat-edged design, MagSafe charging, new colors.
- Price: $799 (64GB), $849 (128GB), and $949 (256GB)
The iPhone 12 introduced a flat-edged design, MagSafe charging, and 5G connectivity. It also featured a powerful A14 Bionic processor and a dual-lens camera.
iPhone 12 Pro (2020)
- Key Features: OLED display, triple-lens camera with LiDAR Scanner, A14 Bionic processor, 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage, 5G connectivity.
- Design: Flat-edged design, MagSafe charging, new colors.
- Price: $999 (128GB), $1099 (256GB), and $1299 (512GB)
The iPhone 12 Pro offered the same features as the iPhone 12 but with a triple-lens camera, including a LiDAR Scanner, and a more durable stainless steel frame.
iPhone 12 Pro Max (2020)
- Key Features: OLED display, triple-lens camera with LiDAR Scanner, A14 Bionic processor, 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage, 5G connectivity.
- Design: Flat-edged design, MagSafe charging, new colors.
- Price: $1099 (128GB), $1199 (256GB), and $1399 (512GB)
The iPhone 12 Pro Max offered the same features as the iPhone 12 Pro but with a larger 6.7-inch display, making it ideal for media consumption and multitasking.
iPhone 12 mini (2020)
- Key Features: OLED display, dual-lens camera, A14 Bionic processor, 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB storage, 5G connectivity.
- Design: Flat-edged design, MagSafe charging, new colors.
- Price: $699 (64GB), $749 (128GB), and $849 (256GB)
The iPhone 12 mini was a smaller version of the iPhone 12, offering the same features but with a 5.4-inch display, making it ideal for users who prefer a more compact design.
iPhone SE (2022)
- Key Features: A15 Bionic processor, 12MP camera, 4.7-inch Retina HD display, 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB storage, 5G connectivity.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone 8, but with a more modern design.
- Price: $429 (64GB), $479 (128GB), and $579 (256GB)
The iPhone SE (2022) was an updated version of the 2020 model, featuring the powerful A15 Bionic processor and 5G connectivity in a compact design.
iPhone 13 (2021)
- Key Features: OLED display, dual-lens camera, A15 Bionic processor, 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage, 5G connectivity.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone 12, but with a smaller notch and a new camera bump design.
- Price: $799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), and $1099 (512GB)
The iPhone 13 offered a smaller notch, a new camera bump design, and a more powerful A15 Bionic processor. It also featured Cinematic mode for video recording and Photographic Styles for photo editing.
iPhone 13 Pro (2021)
- Key Features: OLED display with ProMotion, triple-lens camera with LiDAR Scanner, A15 Bionic processor, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage, 5G connectivity.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone 12 Pro, but with a smaller notch and a new camera bump design.
- Price: $999 (128GB), $1099 (256GB), $1299 (512GB), and $1499 (1TB)
The iPhone 13 Pro offered the same features as the iPhone 13 but with a ProMotion display, a triple-lens camera with LiDAR Scanner, and a more durable stainless steel frame.
iPhone 13 Pro Max (2021)
- Key Features: OLED display with ProMotion, triple-lens camera with LiDAR Scanner, A15 Bionic processor, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage, 5G connectivity.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone 12 Pro Max, but with a smaller notch and a new camera bump design.
- Price: $1099 (128GB), $1199 (256GB), $1399 (512GB), and $1599 (1TB)
The iPhone 13 Pro Max offered the same features as the iPhone 13 Pro but with a larger 6.7-inch display, making it ideal for media consumption and multitasking.
iPhone 13 mini (2021)
- Key Features: OLED display, dual-lens camera, A15 Bionic processor, 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage, 5G connectivity.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone 12 mini, but with a smaller notch and a new camera bump design.
- Price: $699 (128GB), $799 (256GB), and $999 (512GB)
The iPhone 13 mini offered the same features as the iPhone 13 but with a smaller 5.4-inch display, making it ideal for users who prefer a more compact design.
iPhone 14 (2022)
- Key Features: OLED display, dual-lens camera, A15 Bionic processor, 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage, 5G connectivity, crash detection, satellite connectivity.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone 13, but with a new camera bump design.
- Price: $799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), and $1099 (512GB)
The iPhone 14 offered the same features as the iPhone 13 but with a more powerful A15 Bionic processor, a new camera bump design, crash detection, and satellite connectivity.
iPhone 14 Plus (2022)
- Key Features: OLED display, dual-lens camera, A15 Bionic processor, 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage, 5G connectivity, crash detection, satellite connectivity.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone 14, but with a larger 6.7-inch display.
- Price: $899 (128GB), $999 (256GB), and $1199 (512GB)
The iPhone 14 Plus offered the same features as the iPhone 14 but with a larger 6.7-inch display.
iPhone 14 Pro (2022)
- Key Features: OLED display with ProMotion, triple-lens camera with LiDAR Scanner, A16 Bionic processor, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage, 5G connectivity, crash detection, satellite connectivity, Dynamic Island.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone 13 Pro, but with a new camera bump design and a Dynamic Island.
- Price: $999 (128GB), $1099 (256GB), $1299 (512GB), and $1499 (1TB)
The iPhone 14 Pro offered the same features as the iPhone 13 Pro but with a more powerful A16 Bionic processor, a new camera bump design, crash detection, satellite connectivity, and Dynamic Island.
iPhone 14 Pro Max (2022)
- Key Features: OLED display with ProMotion, triple-lens camera with LiDAR Scanner, A16 Bionic processor, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage, 5G connectivity, crash detection, satellite connectivity, Dynamic Island.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone 13 Pro Max, but with a new camera bump design and a Dynamic Island.
- Price: $1099 (128GB), $1199 (256GB), $1399 (512GB), and $1599 (1TB)
The iPhone 14 Pro Max offered the same features as the iPhone 14 Pro but with a larger 6.7-inch display, making it ideal for media consumption and multitasking.
iPhone 15 (2023)
- Key Features: OLED display, dual-lens camera, A16 Bionic processor, 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage, 5G connectivity, crash detection, satellite connectivity.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone 14, but with a new camera bump design.
- Price: $799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), and $1099 (512GB)
The iPhone 15 offered the same features as the iPhone 14 but with a more powerful A16 Bionic processor, a new camera bump design, and a USB-C port.
iPhone 15 Plus (2023)
- Key Features: OLED display, dual-lens camera, A16 Bionic processor, 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage, 5G connectivity, crash detection, satellite connectivity.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone 15, but with a larger 6.7-inch display.
- Price: $899 (128GB), $999 (256GB), and $1199 (512GB)
The iPhone 15 Plus offered the same features as the iPhone 15 but with a larger 6.7-inch display.
iPhone 15 Pro (2023)
- Key Features: OLED display with ProMotion, triple-lens camera with LiDAR Scanner, A17 Bionic processor, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage, 5G connectivity, crash detection, satellite connectivity, Dynamic Island.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone 14 Pro, but with a new camera bump design and a USB-C port.
- Price: $999 (128GB), $1099 (256GB), $1299 (512GB), and $1499 (1TB)
The iPhone 15 Pro offered the same features as the iPhone 14 Pro but with a more powerful A17 Bionic processor, a new camera bump design, and a USB-C port.
iPhone 15 Pro Max (2023)
- Key Features: OLED display with ProMotion, triple-lens camera with LiDAR Scanner, A17 Bionic processor, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage, 5G connectivity, crash detection, satellite connectivity, Dynamic Island.
- Design: Similar to the iPhone 14 Pro Max, but with a new camera bump design and a USB-C port.
- Price: $1099 (128GB), $1199 (256GB), $1399 (512GB), and $1599 (1TB)
The iPhone 15 Pro Max offered the same features as the iPhone 15 Pro but with a larger 6.7-inch display, making it ideal for media consumption and multitasking.
Conclusion
From the original iPhone's groundbreaking multi-touch interface to the latest iPhone 15's cutting-edge A17 Bionic processor, Apple has consistently pushed the boundaries of smartphone technology. Each new model has brought significant improvements in design, performance, features, and capabilities, providing users with an increasingly sophisticated and versatile mobile experience.
Whether you're a seasoned iPhone user or considering joining the Apple ecosystem, understanding the evolution of iPhone models can help you make an informed decision. By comparing the key features, design changes, specifications, and pricing, you can find the iPhone that best suits your needs and budget.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between the iPhone and the iPhone Plus/Max models?
The iPhone Plus/Max models are larger versions of the standard iPhone, featuring a larger display and often improved camera capabilities. These models are ideal for users who prioritize media consumption, multitasking, and photography.
2. Which iPhone is best for photography?
The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are currently the best options for photography, featuring a triple-lens camera with LiDAR Scanner for advanced depth perception and improved low-light performance.
3. What is the latest iPhone model?
The latest iPhone model is the iPhone 15 series, launched in September 2023.
4. Which iPhone is the most affordable?
The iPhone SE (2022) is the most affordable iPhone model, offering many of the features of the flagship models in a compact and budget-friendly design.
5. What are the main differences between the iPhone and Android phones?
The iPhone and Android phones offer different user experiences. iPhones are known for their seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem, user-friendly interface, and robust security features. Android phones offer greater customization options, a wider range of devices, and often lower price points.