WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2020
iPhones in Order: The History of the Apple iPhone®
Many facets of the mobile phone have changed since the release of the Motorola DynaTAC in the 1980s and the first text message conversation in 1992. Cell phones have become smart, integral parts of our daily lives, with much more in common with a pocket-sized computer than the boxy devices of decades ago. The Apple iPhone is easily a consumer favorite brand, increasing releases from once a year to multiple models throughout the year, each packed with new features and technology.
Let's take a look at the iPhone through the years, including where it started and where it may go in the future.
What Are the iPhones in Order?
Since the release of the first breakthrough internet communications device in 2007, Apple has introduced a new iPhone model almost every year, often with multiple versions per year. In all, the brand has grown to include dozens of models, and may soon count hundreds. Here’s a brief look at the different mobile phones the brand has released over time (not counting the iPads, widescreen iPod models, and innumerable other Apple devices):
- iPhone (2007) – The original iPhone set the foundation for all future smartphones.
- iPhone 3G (2008) – Introduced 3G connectivity and the App Store.
- iPhone 3GS (2009) – Brought performance improvements and video recording.
- iPhone 4 (2010) – Introduced the Retina display, LED flash, and FaceTime.
- iPhone 4S (2011) – Launched Siri, Apple’s voice assistant.
- iPhone 5 (2012) – Featured a larger screen and Lightning port.
- iPhone 5S (2013) – Brought Touch ID fingerprint sensor.
- iPhone 5C (2013) – A colorful, budget-friendly version of the iPhone.
- iPhone 6 and 6 Plus (2014) – Introduced larger screen sizes and Apple Pay.
- iPhone 6S and 6S Plus (2015) – Added 3D Touch and improved cameras.
- iPhone SE (1st generation) (2016) – A compact and affordable iPhone with the power of the 6S.
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus (2016) – Removed the headphone jack and introduced dual cameras on the Plus model.
- iPhone 8 and 8 Plus (2017) – Wireless charging and improved cameras.
- iPhone X (2017) – A major redesign with an edge-to-edge display and Face ID.
- iPhone XR (2018) – A more affordable option with a Liquid Retina display.
- iPhone XS and XS Max (2018) – Improved performance and OLED display.
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max (2019) – Enhanced cameras and battery life.
- iPhone SE (2nd generation) (2020) – Budget-friendly with modern internals.
- iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max (2020) – 5G connectivity and Ceramic Shield.
- iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max (2021) – Improved battery life and cameras.
- iPhone SE (3rd generation) (2022) – A small but powerful phone with 5G.
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max (2022) – New Dynamic Island feature and crash detection.
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max (2023) – USB-C charging and camera improvements.
- iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max (2024) – Longer battery life and faster charging.
The First iPhone
The first iPhone was released in 2007. Steve Jobs announced the first iPhone ever at the San Francisco MacWorld convention, and it went on sale a few months later. At first, experts met it with doubt on account of its lack of precedent and steep price.
Nonetheless, thousands of eager shoppers lined up outside Apple stores to be among the first to get their hands on the exciting new device. In just a few months, more than a million had been sold.
The original iPhone was a marvel of its time, with a flat 3.5-inch touchscreen, the ability to browse the internet through Safari and a built-in 2MP camera. It was available in 4GB and 8GB models costing $499 and $599. Each operated through 2G connectivity and a Samsung processor since Apple had yet to start producing their own internal chipsets.
One year after the iPhone was invented and released, it saw its first major upgrade — moving from a 2G network to 3G one with the new iPhone 3G.
iPhone 3G
One year after the iPhone was invented and released, it saw its first major upgrade — moving from a 2G network to 3G one with the new iPhone 3G. Although Apple wasn't the first to use 3G in a mobile phone, they were the first to popularize it in the United States and helped set the new standard for cell phones.
When the iPhone 3G came out, it could connect to the web faster and communicate more easily, with GPS and location services. Corning Gorilla Glass® with oleophobic coating protected the iPhone's screen, and models were available in either black or white. It was also more affordable than the former release, with 8GB available for $199 and 16GB available for $299.
In 2008, Apple also launched the App Store®, a hub for downloading third-party applications and games, forever changing the landscape of the mobile phone and what it could be.
iPhone 3GS
Apple released the iPhone 3GS in 2009. The 3GS was similar to the original iPhone 3G but was twice as fast and half the price. The 8GB variation was only $99, and the 16GB was $199. This was the first in Apple's lineup to include a 32GB storage option, which debuted at $299. The 3.5-inch device was available in black and white and was the first to add voice control, now standard across all smartphones.
iPhone 4
The iPhone 4's release date in 2010 marked the beginning of the FaceTime® era and was the first of Apple's smartphones with a front-facing selfie cam.
The high-resolution Retina screen and newly renamed iOS 4 set a new standard for smartphones moving forward — sleeker, faster and more versatile machines. Though still only available in either black or white, the iPhone 4 had an improved metallic design with a scratch-resistant glass back panel for added durability.
Storage options expanded up to the 32GB model, which was priced at $299.
iPhone 4S
The iPhone 4S was just like its predecessor in terms of functionality, but the performance was boosted by the dual-core CPU processor and A5 chipset that allowed for hotspot connections. The glass-front, glass-back aluminum frame was scratch-resistant and available in the same black and white hues. The 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models were priced at $199, $299 and $399.
The most significant thing the iPhone 4 and 4S did was introduce the world to the first iteration of Siri®, Apple's voice-controlled assistant that's still in use today.
iCloud® launched in October 2011 and offered free storage for photos, files, documents and music with automatic wireless syncing between Apple devices. Today, cloud storage is commonplace — but in 2011, the idea of restriction-free storage on a virtual cloud shifted the way smartphones functioned.
iPhone 5
By 2012, Apple was making $156.3 billion in revenue and was a staple in smartphone technology. It was also the year they debuted the iPhone 5, still considered one of Apple's top fan-favorite phones of all time.
The iPhone 5 continues popping up on consumer lists of all-time favorite iPhone models to this day because it offered so many features and advancements without a mega price increase. The slimmer, faster 4-inch phone was the first to support LTE on each of its models.
Storage options went up to 64GB for $399. The iPhone 5 still offered USB 2.0 connectivity and was the first to introduce lightning connectors for ultra-fast charging to pair with its newer, faster network speeds.
Apple started to play with color a little bit with the iPhone 5, though still far from the colors we see today. Instead of plain black or white, devices were black with slate or white with silver accents.
iPhone 5S and 5C
In 2013, the iPhone 5S and 5C updated the iPhone 5 with various fun color options, a faster processor chip with motion data processing and an all-new feature — TouchID®. The built-in fingerprint sensor would change the face of smartphone security and lead to even more advanced biometrics in the future like Apple's current face unlock feature.
The iPhone 5S was aluminum and offered a $199 16GB version in either space gray, white with silver or the all-new gold. The iPhone 5C had a plastic back and frame with a glass front. Its 16GB model cost only $99 and was available in brighter colors, including a lime green, yellow, bright blue or red.
iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
2014 saw the introduction of ApplePay®, which cemented the smartphone's status as a necessary product for day-to-day life.
The 4.7-inch iPhone 6's new ApplePay feature accepted Visa, Mastercard and Amex certified payments, leading the way to today's more comprehensive digital wallets.
The A8 processor was faster, and LTE network coverage supported the new turn-by-turn Apple Maps navigation and FaceTime, which had only been accessible on Wi-Fi. The 6 also featured camera upgrades and ion-strengthened glass.
The 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus cost $100 more than the standard 6 and was available in the same space gray, silver or gold color options. It was fast and modern — one of the most high-tech options at the time. Both devices continued implementing TouchID security.
Both the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus operated on an A9 chipset, with 3D touch display enabled and extensive internal upgrades throughout, including iOS 9.
iPhone 6S and 6S Plus
Apple's 2015 lineup extended its 2014 iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus releases with the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus. One of the landmark features of the iPhone 6 family were Apply Pay, using NFC technology to free users from the need to keep cards on them at all times.
Both the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus operated on an A9 chipset, with 3D touch display enabled and extensive internal upgrades throughout, including iOS 9. The 5 MP FaceTime camera now had Retina Flash, and it was possible to shoot 4K video.
Photos were available as Live Photos, as well as still shots, simplifying smartphone photography. Both models were available in space gray, silver or a new rose gold hue, appropriate for trends at the time.
iPhone SE
The iPhone SE release in 2016 was Apple's first upgrade in frame size since the iPhone 5S, with a compact 4-inch Retina display and smooth, matte edges.
Color options included gray, silver, gold and rose gold, with TouchID, 4K video, a 12MP camera and a battery life that could last up to 13 hours on a single charge. The 16GB sold at $399, and the 64GB sold at $499, marking another move toward slightly pricier devices, despite the smaller design.
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus each had an A10 Fusion quad-core processor and dual-camera setup, with a haptic home button and IP67 dust and water resistance to protect against 1 meter of submersion for up to half an hour. Color options included jet black, matte black, silver, gold, rose gold and red.
Apple made two important changes that would become permanent — eliminating the small 16GB storage size option and the audio jack. Size options now included a 32GB, 128GB and 256GB version, and Apple introduced the Airpods® for wireless listening.
iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
In 2017, the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus introduced a new glass and aluminum design, available in space gray, silver, red or a fresh take on the now-classic gold option. The body was sleeker and more durable than before, weighing in at 5.22 ounces for the 8 and 7.13 ounces for the 8 Plus. TrueTone® technology helped the screen adjust its white balance automatically to its surroundings for a more seamless user experience.
Each operated on the A11 chip, which supported augmented reality (AR) optimization and a six-core CPU. Camera improvements included a new slow-motion feature, while the speakers for video playback were 25% louder with increased bass depth.
Why Isn't There an iPhone 9?
After the iPhone 8, you'd expect the iPhone 9 to be around the corner. However, this wasn't to be, and to this day there's no iPhone 9. With the 10th anniversary of the revolutionary device that started it all, Apple had something different in mind.
iPhone X
Apple skipped the iPhone 9 and went straight for the iPhone X to commemorate the iPhone's tenth birthday in 2017. The X had a 5.8-inch Super Retina display screen with an OLED panel, a TrueDepth® dual-lens camera system, FaceID®, navigational gesturing and a new edge-to-edge display.
The phone also featured Dolby Vision® with HDR10, auto image stabilization and a stainless steel body available in silver or space gray. This was also the first phone with fun Animjoji features.
iPhone XR, XS and XS Max
2018 built on 2017's decade-marking iPhone X with the release of the XR, XS and XS Max.
The iPhone XR was 6.84 ounces with a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina® display and A12 chipset. The aluminum and glass body continued to offer splash and water resistance, while fast charging options expanded to Qi wireless charging.
Color options included black, white, red, yellow, blue and coral, with 64GB, 128GB and 256GB options starting at $749. This was the first of Apple's phones to have a 7-nanometer chip in its internal specs and portrait mode with depth control in the selfie cam. The XR also introduced Memoji support.
A Decade of Incremental Improvements
The 5.8-inch iPhone XS offered improved scratch, dust and water resistance with faster FaceID recognition, dual-SIM support and wider stereo sound. It offered the most powerful battery, promising up to an hour and a half longer battery life than the previous release.
It was also the first to include an A12 chip with a second-generation neural engine and was available in space gray, silver or gold with a Gorilla Glass front and stainless steel frame. The iPhone XS Max built on these features. Its 6.5-inch display featured scratch-resistant glass and the same color options.
iPhone 11, Pro and Pro Max
2019 was a big year for Apple as it released its complete iPhone 11 lineup.
The iPhone 11 had a 6.1-inch display with dual 12 MP ultra wide and wide cameras and a 12 MP selfie camera in the front. It could shoot impressive 4K videos up to 60 frames per second, with new slow motion selfie options and night mode for low light photography. The improved cameras could even take still photos during videos.
The battery lasted up to an hour more than the XS release for the 64GB, 128GB and 256GB options, which started at $699. The matte finish glass enclosure was available in six different pastel, neutral and bold shades — green, yellow, purple, red, black and white. The 11 Pro was smaller and available in gold, space gray, silver or midnight green, while the 11 Pro Max offered the same colors with a larger display.
iPhone 11 Style and Battery Life
The battery lasted up to an hour more than the XS release for the 64GB, 128GB and 256GB options, which started at $699. The matte finish glass enclosure was available in six different pastel, neutral and bold shades — green, yellow, purple, red, black and white. The 11 Pro was smaller and available in gold, space gray, silver or midnight green, while the 11 Pro Max offered the same colors with a larger display.
iPhone 12, 12 Mini, Pro and Pro Max
The 12, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max have ceramic shield protection and increased defense against dust, water and splash damage. The Pro and Pro Max come in silver, graphite, gold and blue options, with textured matte glass and a stainless steel frame. The iPhone 12 Mini is available in black, white, red, green, blue and purple, with an aluminum design and MagSafe charging options.
The iPhone 12 series, released in October 2020, represented a major leap forward in mobile technology with its introduction of 5G, improved design, and enhanced camera systems.
The iPhone 12 featured a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display and the A14 Bionic chip, which improved processing power and efficiency. Another landmark feature when the device launched were its better augmented reality experiences compared to other models.
iPhone 12 Innovations
The iPhone 12 was also the first model to feature Ceramic Shield for increased durability, making it four times more resistant to drops. Its dual 12 MP ultra-wide and wide cameras introduced Night Mode and Deep Fusion, elevating low-light photography to new heights. Additionally, this series brought back MagSafe, allowing for easy wireless charging and magnetic accessory attachment.
The iPhone 12 Mini, a compact iPhone with a 5.4-inch display, offered all the features of the standard iPhone 12 in a more compact form. Meanwhile, the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max further expanded on the photography capabilities with the addition of a telephoto lens, LiDAR Scanner for enhanced AR experiences, and the ability to shoot and edit 10-bit HDR video.
The iPhone 12 lineup came in a range of colors, from the more traditional silver and graphite to bold options like blue and red, catering to a wide variety of tastes.
iPhone SE 2020
The iPhone SE 2020 was an updated version of 2016's popular device, featuring an A13 Bionic chip and the best single-lens camera system in any iPhone. The 4.7-inch Retina display came with an affordable, compact design, Touch ID, six portrait lighting effects and iOS 13. Color options included a black, white or red model, each with a home button covered with sapphire crystal protection.
iPhone 13, 13 Mini, Pro, and Pro Max
Released in September 2021, the iPhone 13 series continued Apple's tradition of improving upon its previous designs while keeping the essential form factor. The iPhone 13 featured a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with enhanced brightness, making outdoor use easier and clearer.
The A15 Bionic chip powered the iPhone 13, enabling faster performance and better power efficiency. Battery life saw a notable improvement, especially in the iPhone 13 Pro Max, which offered the longest-lasting battery in an iPhone at the time. The iPhone 13 also featured camera improvements, with a diagonal lens layout and sensor-shift optical image stabilization, which allowed for clearer images and more stable videos.
Generational Features of the iPhone 13
The iPhone 13 Mini offered a smaller 5.4-inch display with all the same core features as the standard iPhone 13, while the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max added a 120Hz ProMotion display for smoother scrolling and improved responsiveness. The iPhone 13 Pro Max also became the go-to device for photography enthusiasts, with the addition of a new macro photography feature and up to 1TB of storage.
For those curious about the iPhone model release date, the iPhone 13 lineup marked the introduction of the first 1TB iPhone, catering to users with high storage needs.
Third Generation iPhone SE (2022)
The third-generation iPhone SE was released in March 2022, bringing the power of the A15 Bionic chip to a more affordable device. The iPhone SE kept the traditional design of a 4.7-inch display with Touch ID, making it appealing for users who preferred a smaller phone with a physical home button.
Though it retained the familiar shape and single-camera setup, the third-generation iPhone SE benefited from the same chip found in the iPhone 13 series. This gave it excellent performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and even photo processing.
The new generation iPhone SE also offered 5G connectivity. Despite being a budget model, it's surprisingly competitive with network speeds on par with competitors' best offerings.
The iPhone SE (3rd generation) featured a 12 MP camera with improved computational photography, allowing for sharper images and better performance in low light. However, its design still felt a bit dated compared to the bezel-less displays on newer models.
iPhone 14, 14 Plus, Pro, and Pro Max
Apple released the iPhone 14 series in September 2022, building on the success of the iPhone 13 with incremental upgrades in performance, battery life, and camera technology. The iPhone 14 maintained the same 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, while the new iPhone 14 Plus introduced a larger 6.7-inch display for those who wanted more screen real estate without the price tag of a Pro model.
Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus offered similar performance to the previous year’s iPhone 13, but with enhanced battery life and crash detection. The camera system saw improvements, with larger sensors that allowed for better low-light performance, and Photonic Engine, which enhanced image quality across the board.
Generational Features of the iPhone 14
The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max introduced some of the biggest changes in recent years. The Pro models featured a 48 MP main camera, marking the first time Apple increased its megapixel count in years.
Along the way, Apple implmented 2x optical zoom and newfound visual clarity. The Pro models also introduced the Dynamic Island, a pill-shaped cutout for the front camera that doubled as a notification and multitasking center.
With the release of iPhone 14, Apple decided to continue offering new models with various sizes, catering to different types of users. The always-on display feature was introduced in the Pro models, allowing users to glance at important information without waking the device.
iPhone 15, 15 Plus, Pro, and Pro Max
The iPhone 15 series, launched in September 2023, saw significant improvements across all models, especially in terms of performance and camera capabilities.
The iPhone 15 featured a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, while the iPhone 15 Plus offered a larger 6.7-inch display. Both models were powered by the A16 Bionic chip, delivering faster processing and improved efficiency.
The iPhone 15 introduced USB-C charging, making it the first iPhone to move away from the Lightning port, following European Union regulations.
This shift allowed for faster charging and better compatibility with other devices. The camera system saw further upgrades, with a 48 MP sensor in the standard iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, improving clarity and detail in photos and videos.
Generational Features of the iPhone 15
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max offered even more features, including a titanium frame for added durability and reduced weight. These models also introduced a new action button, replacing the mute switch, which could be customized to perform various functions like launching the camera or activating the flashlight.
For those who prioritize battery life, the iPhone 15 Pro Max continued to lead the pack, offering up to 29 hours of video playback. The addition of the Dynamic Island in all models made multitasking and notifications more seamless, further enhancing the user experience.
iPhone 16, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max
Released in 2024, the iPhone 16 series took battery life, performance, and camera technology to new heights. The iPhone 16 featured a 6.1-inch display with the A18 Bionic chip, delivering industry-leading performance and energy efficiency.
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models offered even more advanced features, with the Pro Max leading the way in battery life, thanks to its 4,685 mAh battery. The 16 Pro Max excelled in every category, from gaming to video playback, lasting up to 30 hours on a single charge.
Generational Features of the iPhone 16
Apple’s new wide camera system in the Pro models delivered unmatched photo quality, with even better low-light performance. The iPhone 16 Pro Max was also praised for its gaming capabilities, handling demanding apps with ease, all while maintaining excellent battery efficiency.
While many users were drawn to the iPhone 16’s impressive specifications, the iPhone 16 Pro Max stood out as the best option for premium tech enthusiasts. If you crave the best in mobile technology, it's the only iPhone for you.
Compared to other Apple devices, most competitors, and all but the best alternatives, it offers significant improvements in battery life, processing power, and camera quality.
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FAQs
What is the best iPhone overall?
The best iPhone overall is the iPhone 16 Pro Max, thanks to its excellent battery life, powerful A18 Bionic chip, and advanced camera features. It also offers a Dynamic Island display, making multitasking easier, and a titanium frame for durability.
Which iPhones are in the current lineup?
As of 2024, the current iPhone lineup includes the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and the iPhone SE (3rd generation).
When did the iPhones come out?
The first iPhone was released in 2007. Since then, Apple has released a new model nearly every year, with the latest iPhone 16 series launched in 2024.
What are the 5 latest iPhones?
The five latest iPhones are the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and iPhone 15. These models feature advancements in battery life, processing power, and camera technology.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2020