The Apple iPhone: A Comprehensive History of Every Generation
The iPhone, a 21st-century marvel, has sold over 2.3 billion units globally. With 17 years and numerous models under its belt, tracing the iPhone's evolution can be challenging. This chronological list details every iPhone release, from 2007 to 2024, including variations like the Plus and Max models, as well as distinct iterations such as the iPhone SE and iPhone XR. The iPhone 16 marks the latest addition to this impressive lineage.
Total iPhone Generations: 24
A new iPhone model has been released annually since the original 2007 debut. This count includes distinct models within each generation.
How Often Do You Upgrade?
Every iPhone Generation:
-
iPhone (June 29, 2007): The groundbreaking original, combining iPod, phone, and internet capabilities. Its 3.5-inch display and 2MP camera revolutionized the smartphone landscape.
-
iPhone 3G (July 11, 2008): Introduced 3G connectivity and the App Store.
Image Credit: Cult of Mac -
iPhone 3GS (June 19, 2009): Boasted a 3MP camera and double the processing speed of its predecessor.
-
iPhone 4 (June 24, 2010): Featured FaceTime video calling, a 5MP camera with LED flash, and the first Retina display.
-
iPhone 4S (October 14, 2011): Introduced Siri, 1080p video recording (via its 8MP camera), iCloud, and iMessage.
-
iPhone 5 (September 21, 2012): Supported LTE, featured improved audio, and introduced the Lightning port.
-
iPhone 5S (September 20, 2013): Introduced Touch ID fingerprint scanning, the A7 processor, and enhanced camera technology.
-
iPhone 5C (September 20, 2013): Apple's first budget-friendly iPhone, available in multiple colors.
-
iPhone 6 (September 19, 2014): Featured a sleeker design and introduced Apple Pay. The iPhone 6 Plus offered a larger 5.5-inch screen.
-
iPhone 6S (September 25, 2015): Introduced 3D Touch and 4K video recording capabilities.
-
iPhone SE (March 31, 2016): A compact iPhone with iPhone 6S features in an iPhone 5S design.
-
iPhone 7 (September 16, 2016): Removed the headphone jack, added water resistance, and introduced a dual-camera system on the iPhone 7 Plus.
-
iPhone 8 (September 22, 2017): Added wireless charging and a True Tone display.
-
iPhone X (November 3, 2017): A major redesign featuring an edge-to-edge display and Face ID.
-
iPhone XS (September 21, 2018): A refined iPhone X with minor improvements, including dual-SIM support.
-
iPhone XR (October 26, 2018): A more affordable iPhone with an LCD display and single rear camera.
-
iPhone 11 (September 20, 2019): Introduced a larger 6.1-inch screen and an ultrawide camera. Also introduced Pro models with triple-camera systems.
-
iPhone SE (2nd Gen) (April 24, 2020): A significant upgrade over the first SE, featuring the A13 Bionic chip and a larger display.
-
iPhone 12 (October 23, 2020): Introduced MagSafe, a Super Retina XDR display, and Ceramic Shield.
-
iPhone 13 (September 24, 2021): Improved battery life, Cinematic Mode, and ProRes video (on Pro models).
-
iPhone SE (3rd Gen) (March 18, 2022): Brought back the home button and added 5G connectivity.
-
iPhone 14 (September 16, 2022): Introduced Emergency SOS via satellite and upgraded camera systems. The Plus model returned.
-
iPhone 15 (September 22, 2023): Pro models featured a new telephoto lens, titanium frame, and action button. Switched from Lightning to USB-C.
-
iPhone 16 (September 20, 2024): Features faster CPU, customizable action button, and Apple Intelligence integration.
iPhone 17 Release Expectations: While details are scarce, the iPhone 17 is anticipated around September 2025.
This comprehensive overview provides a detailed look at the evolution of the iconic Apple iPhone.
