The Apple iPhone: A Comprehensive History of Every Generation
The iPhone, a 21st-century marvel, boasts over 2.3 billion units sold globally. Its revolutionary design has redefined the smartphone landscape. With 17 years of innovation, keeping track of every iPhone model can be challenging. This chronological list details each iPhone release, from 2007 to 2024, including variations like Plus, Max, and SE models.
Total iPhone Generations: 24
The first iPhone launched in 2007, with at least one new model released annually since. This count includes variations 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 marked a significant shift in mobile technology.
- iPhone 3G (July 11, 2008): Introduced 3G connectivity and the revolutionary App Store.
- iPhone 3GS (June 19, 2009): Boasted a 3MP camera and double the processing speed of its predecessor.
- iPhone 4 (June 24, 2010): Introduced FaceTime video calling, a 5MP camera with LED flash, and the first Retina display.
- iPhone 4S (October 14, 2011): Debuting Siri, iCloud, and iMessage, along with 1080p video recording.
- iPhone 5 (September 21, 2012): Featured LTE support, improved audio, and the introduction of the Lightning port.
- iPhone 5S (September 20, 2013): Introduced Touch ID fingerprint recognition, the A7 processor, and enhanced camera technology.
- iPhone 5C (September 20, 2013): Apple's first budget-friendly iPhone, offering vibrant colors and the iPhone 5's hardware.
- iPhone 6 (September 19, 2014): A sleeker design, Apple Pay, and the introduction of the larger iPhone 6 Plus.
- iPhone 6S (September 25, 2015): Featured 3D Touch, and 4K video recording capabilities.
- iPhone SE (March 31, 2016): A compact iPhone with iPhone 6S features at a lower price point.
- 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 revolutionary design with an edge-to-edge display and Face ID.
- iPhone XS (September 21, 2018): Minor improvements over the iPhone X, including a dual-SIM tray.
- iPhone XR (October 26, 2018): A more affordable option with an LCD display and single rear camera.
- iPhone 11 (September 20, 2019): A 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display and an ultrawide camera.
- iPhone SE (2nd Gen) (April 24, 2020): A significant upgrade over the first SE, with 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): Returned the home button, added 5G connectivity, and included updated camera features.
- iPhone 14 (September 16, 2022): Emergency SOS via satellite, upgraded camera systems, and the return of the Plus model.
- iPhone 15 (September 22, 2023): USB-C port, titanium frame (Pro models), and a customizable action button (Pro models).
- iPhone 16 (September 20, 2024): Faster CPU, customizable action button, and Apple Intelligence integration.
iPhone 17 Release Expectations:
While the iPhone 16 is recent, anticipation for the iPhone 17 is already building. A September 2025 release is likely.
