Every iPhone release in chronological order

The iPhone has transformed the smartphone industry and continues to innovate with each release. Below is a detailed list of all iPhone models in order, along with descriptions highlighting key features and historical significance.

Every iPhone release in order

iPhone model	Release date
iPhone	June 29, 2007
iPhone 3G	July 11, 2008
iPhone 3GS	June 19, 2009
iPhone 4	June 24, 2010
iPhone 4S	October 14, 2011
iPhone 5	September 21, 2012
iPhone 5S	September 20, 2013
iPhone 5C	September 20, 2013
iPhone 6	September 19, 2014
iPhone 6 Plus	September 19, 2014
iPhone 6S	September 25, 2015
iPhone 6S Plus	September 25, 2015
iPhone SE (1st Gen)	March 31, 2016
iPhone 7	September 16, 2016
iPhone 7 Plus	September 16, 2016
iPhone 8	September 22, 2017
iPhone 8 Plus	September 22, 2017
iPhone X	November 3, 2017
iPhone XS	September 21, 2018
iPhone XS Max	September 21, 2018
iPhone XR	October 26, 2018
iPhone 11	September 20, 2019
iPhone 11 Pro	September 20, 2019
iPhone 11 Pro Max	September 20, 2019
iPhone SE (2nd Gen)	April 24, 2020
iPhone 12 Mini	November 13, 2020
iPhone 12	October 23, 2020
iPhone 12 Pro	October 23, 2020
iPhone 12 Pro Max	November 13, 2020
iPhone 13 Mini	September 24, 2021
iPhone 13	September 24, 2021
iPhone 13 Pro	September 24, 2021
iPhone 13 Pro Max	September 24, 2021
iPhone SE (3rd Gen)	March 18, 2022
iPhone 14	September 16, 2022
iPhone 14 Plus	September 16, 2022
iPhone 14 Pro	September 16, 2022
iPhone 14 Pro Max	September 16, 2022
iPhone 15	September 22, 2023
iPhone 15 Plus	September 22, 2023
iPhone 15 Pro	September 22, 2023
iPhone 15 Pro Max	September 22, 2023
iPhone 16	September 20, 2024
iPhone 16 Plus	September 20, 2024
iPhone 16 Pro	September 20, 2024
iPhone 16 Pro Max	September 20, 2024

That was an iPhone release dates history. Now, let's see what each release was memorable for.

iPhone

June 29, 2007: The first iPhone is 17 years old. When it was first released in 2007, it was so revolutionary. We remembered it for bringing in multi-touch tech. The new iPhone combined an iPod, a cell phone, and a web-enabled device into one product. It was amazing and truly transformed the way people used mobile technology. They didn't need a stylus anymore. 

Best features:

• Multi-touch technology

• Minimalist design with a 3.5-inch touchscreen and a single Home button
  

Reddit is buzzing about the first iPhone. It seems like some folks can't wait to get their hands on the iPhone, while others are jokingly considering some wild sacrifices just to afford it.

iPhone 3G

July 11, 2008: The iPhone 3G came with 3G connectivity. This means users could access the internet much faster. The new App Store allowed other companies to make apps. This enabled the phone to do a lot more things. Can you imagine the world without the App Store now? Me either! What's more, the 3G model also had GPS navigation. That allowed users to take advantage of maps and services right on their phones.

Best features:

• 3G connectivity
• GPS navigation
• App Store 

iPhone 3GS

June 19, 2009: Apple released smartphone versions that included the letter S, indicating "speed." The 3GS was a more powerful iteration of a popular device, equipped with a new processor, additional built-in memory, and RAM. Voice control, a magnetometer, a compass, and a new camera with autofocus were among the new things users liked. 

Best features:

• 3 megapixel autofocus camera 
• Cut, copy, and paste
• Voice Memo app

iPhone 4

June 24, 2010: To be honest, all three previous smartphones were essentially the same model. Apple just fine-tuned them, including mastering and improving its own operating system. The time for innovation came in 2010 when the iPhone 4 was introduced to the world.

The main innovation was the Apple A4 processor. The design of the device has also changed dramatically — it has become thinner and the back and front panels were now covered in scratch-resistant aluminosilicate glass. The appearance of the front camera positioned the device as a video calling device — FaceTime also arrived at the same time. The iPhone 4 also switched to the micro-SIM standard — the card was inserted into a special slot on the side.

This design change had a positive effect on sales — 50.7 million items sold and tons of positive reviews received.

Best features:

• Retina display
• FaceTime video calls
• 5-megapixel autofocus camera with a 5x digital zoom

iPhone 4S

October 14, 2011: The iPhone 4S received updated memory, a version with up to 64GB of storage, and a new camera module. The 8MP camera supports video recording up to 1080p. Users were finally able to use geolocation. And can you imagine the world without Siri? It was born with the 4S release. 

Best features:

• Siri
• Notification Center
• iCloud
• 8MP camera

Reddit is full of discussions about Siri, the voice assistant Apple introduced with the iPhone 4S. Users share their hilarious experiences, from accents that lead to unexpected responses to moments when Siri just doesn't quite get it. "Siri, help me avoid adulting until noon!"

iPhone 5

September 21, 2012: iPhone 5 was the first iPhone to get 4G LTE. This gave users faster mobile data and a much better web browsing experience. The new model had the new Lightning connector. It replaced the older 30-pin Dock connector. Many reviewers noted this change. Also, for a time after its launch, the iPhone 5 held the title of the world's thinnest smartphone. Because of this, I like its design so much. Do you? Also, one interesting fact about this model: In just the first 5 days, Apple sold 6 million units of this product.

Best features:

• 4G LTE support 
• Maps
• Passbook

iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C

September 20, 2013: Many Apple fans believe the iPhone 5S was the most innovative product in the company's history. The 5S was so popular that it has been in production for an impressive three years! The updates were huge! Apple introduced a 64-bit A7 processor and a proprietary M7 motion-tracking co-processor. The latter could collect information from sensors even when the phone was in sleep mode.

Another innovation was the fingerprint scanner. There have been attempts to integrate a scanner before — in phones and communicators from Pantech, Toshiba, and so on. But it was Apple that set the trend and made it almost a universal standard. 

The same year, Apple tried to enter the budget market with the iPhone 5C. A case with a plastic cover, a previous-generation A6 processor, and no TouchID. Few liked this simplified version. 

Best features:

• TouchID

• True Tone flash

iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus

September 19, 2014: In 2014, smartphones with larger screen sizes were extremely popular. So Apple followed the trends and presented two iPhone models with 4.7" and 5.5" screens. In addition to the screen size, the Plus version has optical stabilization, which the iPhone 6 did not have. The iPhone 6 did not differ from the 5S in terms of basic parameters. The only things that were different were design and screen size. Users liked the large screen size because it was convenient for watching videos. However, the body of the device was not durable, and people often bent it when they accidentally sat on the phone. Yikes! 

Best features:

• Apple Pay
• Health app

Can you imagine only 10 years ago, we were still fumbling for cash and cards at the register?

iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus 

September 25, 2015: Fortunately, we now can notice that the new 6S and 6S Plus models have a more durable case. No more broken phones, hopefully. The most significant changes in the design we can see were more rounded corners compared to the iPhone 5S. We can also see rounded glass on the side edges. The power button, which used to be on top, has now been moved to the side. Although the new design was not much different from previous versions, the world still saw some innovations.

3D Touch and Live Photos technology appeared. The camera improved to 12MP, enabling 4K video recording.

Best features:

• 3D Touch
• Live Photos

iPhone SE (1st Gen)

March 31, 2016: The iPhone SE (1st Gen) took the powerful internals of the iPhone 6S and put them in the compact body of the iPhone 5S. This model was aimed at users who preferred smaller devices without compromising on performance and featured the A9 chip for speed and efficiency. The 12MP camera and Live Photos features were also included, making this a great option for those looking for budget-friendly performance.

Best features:

• 12MP camera with Live Photos
• Compact 4-inch design with powerful A9 chip performance

iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus

September 16, 2016: Apple presented versions 7 and 7 Plus. This model is still relevant and many people prefer it even though we actively use iPhone 16. I bet you have a friend who uses an iPhone 7! In this device, the humidity protection was improved and the Home button became touch-sensitive. Stereo sound was introduced in this smartphone. The 7 Plus received a larger screen and a second main camera.

The main thing users hated was the lack of a 3.5mm jack. It made it impossible to use third-party headphones. How dare they? 

Best features:

• Water and dust resistance 
• Dual-camera system with optical zoom

iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus 

September 22, 2017: Compared to the iPhone 7, the design of the version 8 gadgets was not particularly different. The devices received True Tone technology and wireless charging support. With its Portrait mode and improved low-light photography, the iPhone 8 Plus became an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts. Some of my friends still have the 8th iPhones. 

Best features:

• Wireless charging capability
• Dual cameras with support for portrait lighting

iPhone X 

November 3, 2017: Nearly five years in the making, the new model was the culmination of all the company's advanced technologies. It had the latest Apple A11 Bionic, wireless charging, and 3GB of RAM. What set it apart from the iPhone 8 was its huge 5.85-inch AMOLED display, which took up almost the entire front panel. The colors were bright and saturated.

TouchID had to go. Apple was now promoting the new FaceID system, which recognized faces using the front camera. I remember how impressed I was with facial recognition. I spent weeks playing around with it like crazy!

Best features:

• Face ID
• Animoji

Face ID is great, but it comes with a side of "twin trouble." Who knew having a lookalike would mean sharing your secrets? Other than that, it really does beat Touch ID!

iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, iPhone XR

September - October 2018: Each new Apple smartphone always presents us with a choice. And this time, the company gave us a choice between three models at once. The Xs and Xs Max got an updated Apple A12 Bionic, more RAM, and OLED displays. The differences, as always, were noticed in screen size and battery capacity. After much anticipation, the iPhone now supported dual SIM cards, a feature that many users have been waiting for. Plus, it was the first of its kind to have an IP68 rating, which meant it could handle being underwater at a depth of up to two meters without any worries.

Best features:

• Dual SIM
• Improved water resistance 

iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max

September 20, 2019: Apple introduced iPhones with an even bigger processor. They worked faster and took much better quality photos, as they processed the images as they were taken. Smartphones had an updated camera system consisting of three modules: ultra-wide-angle, wide-angle and telephoto. And this was also the first iPhone with a night shooting mode.

The most noticeable external change was the camera block, and for the first time, we also saw a three-module iPhone. They stuck out quite a bit and became the subject of both ridicule and debate.

Best features:

• Dual-camera system with all-new Ultra Wide and Wide cameras 
• Night mode

iPhone SE (2nd Gen)

April 24, 2020: Apple introduced the second-gen iPhone SE, and, like it or not, it looked like the classic iPhone 8. However, underneath the phone, there is a really powerful A13 Bionic chip. Speaking of the screen, the 4.7" display is just right – not too big, not too tiny – perfect for keeping it comfortable.

My favorite part comes when we talk about cameras. This phone has a 12-megapixel wide-angle camera that has an ƒ/1.8 aperture. With this power, you can take some really nice shots. On top of that, you get Portrait mode and portrait lighting, which makes things even better! Your pictures can look super professional — almost like the ones you'd get from the pricier phones like the iPhone X, XS, and 11. And if you love making videos, note that the phone can shoot 4K at various frame rates, like 24, 30, or 60 fps. So awesome! 

Overall, a lot of users are saying that the SE is a fantastic choice if you're looking for something budget-friendly without giving up on quality compared to the iPhone 8 and older models. Definitely a solid option!

Best features:

• Compact design with A13 Bionic chip

iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max

October - November 2020: That time, we saw a comeback of Jonathan Ive's classic design style: those familiar sharp edges that remind me of older iPhone models. I have to say, I loved this nostalgic touch!

Powered by the impressive A14 Bionic chip, these models are all set for 5G connectivity.

The camera on the iPhone 12 has some noticeable upgrades. The wide-angle lens now has a bright ƒ/1.6 aperture, while the ultra-wide lens comes in at ƒ/2.4. You get a two-times optical zoom and a five-times digital zoom, plus optical image stabilization to make sure your shots stay steady. And the front camera? It's a 12-megapixel wonder that makes for some sharp selfies. I use it pretty often to shoot Instagram stories and love the quality I get.

Speaking of the Mini, if you're into smaller phones, then the iPhone 12 mini is a great pick! It has all the key features that the regular model has but in this cute little 5.4-inch display. It's super lightweight at just 133 grams, perfect if you prefer something that's easy to handle!

Also, I have to share my own experience here. Back in winter 2021, I got the iPhone 12 Pro Max, and honestly, I still think it's one of my all-time favorites. I mean, I've been considering upgrading to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, but the 12 Pro Max is just so good that I really can't decide if I'm ready to let it go just yet!

Check out our iPhone 12 review.

Best features:

• 5G connectivity
• Super Retina XDR display
• The first camera to shoot HDR video with Dolby Vision
• MagSafe

Apple decided not to include a charger with the iPhone 12, sparking quite a bit of debate. While the move was aimed at promoting environmental sustainability by reducing e-waste, many customers felt caught off guard. It's a bold choice, but it also leaves users wondering if they'll need to invest in additional accessories just to power up their new devices.

iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max

September 24, 2021: The iPhone 13 comes with Apple's A15 chip, which is super powerful with 15 billion transistors. This means better graphics, better performance, and better energy efficiency. For the Pro and Pro Max versions, you get a really smooth 120Hz display. Once you get used to that, a regular 60Hz screen will feel kinda slow! The best part? The refresh rate adjusts to what you're doing, which helps save battery life.

Now, if you buy the mini or the regular model, you start with 128 GB of storage instead of just 64 GB like before. And thank goodness they improved the battery! You can get about an hour and a half to two hours more use, mostly thanks to that new efficient A15 chip.

Best features:

• Cinematic mode
• Photographic Styles
• Super Retina XDR OLED
• Focus features 

iPhone SE (3nd Gen)

March 8, 2022: So, the iPhone SE 3 totally keeps that classic vibe of the iPhone 8, rocking a 4.7-inch display along with the good old Home button that has Touch ID, which is super nostalgic. I mean, while the design might come off as a bit dated, Apple really stepped up with some impressive upgrades under the hood. The SE 3 packs the awesome A15 Bionic chip from the iPhone 13, plus it supports 5G, which, let's be real, makes it a solid contender in the current tech scene.

On top of that, the improved battery life means you're getting a device that performs really well without being too bulky. But, you know, some users were kind of wishing for a fresh design, which has sparked a lot of buzz and speculation about what the iPhone SE 4 might bring to the table.

Best features:

• Photographic Styles
• Deep Fusion

iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max

September 16, 2022: This lineup of iPhones included the iPhone 14 series comprising the iPhone 14. IPhone 14 Pro models, alongside the flagship iPhone 14 Pro Max model.With the absence of the iPhone Mini in this release due to its lack of popularity among consumers the iPhone 14 Plus emerged as a worthy replacement.It featured an impressive display akin to that of the Pro Max variant. 

When considering performance capabilities of the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus models, in terms of power efficiency and speed enhancements are notable, with the A15 Bionic chip carried over from the year. 

Apple introduced some updates to the Pro models; the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max now boast a revolutionary feature called Dynamic Island instead of the traditional notch design seen in previous models. Dynamic Island is an area at the top of the iPhone screen that acts as a hub and adjusts its shape based on different usage scenarios. This feature includes sections for the camera and sensors within Dynamic Island while offering a space for displaying various content types elsewhere in the area. 

In this version update, the camera system has been significantly enhanced to 48MP, ensuring that your photos and videos will stand out like never before. 

Guess what! Apple didn't just stop at that point and introduced a range of safety features such as Crash Detection and Emergency SOS through satellite – isn't that great for ensuring peace of mind? Also worth noting is their adoption of technology, across the U.S.  

We compared iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 14. Check it out.

Best features:

• Photonic Engine improves mid- to low-light performance for photos across all cameras
• Action mode 
• Crash detection and Emergency SOS
• Apple Fitness+

iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max

September 22, 2023: Starting in 2023, Apple is switching from the Lightning connector to USB-C. You will no longer have to carry several different wires with you. Now, you can charge an iPhone, iPad, and MacBook with one charger. Dynamic Island can now be seen not only in Pro versions, as last year, but in the entire line.

The basic models received an updated design with rounded edges and matte "backs," as well as an improved wide-angle 48 MP camera. Apple has also released new artificial intelligence algorithms and portrait mode. The camera will now recognize when you're taking a portrait (even of animals!) and automatically switch to portrait mode. And thanks to Smart-HDR, pictures at night will be much better. The iPhone 15 Pro Max (but not the iPhone 15 Pro) has a photo sensor for 5x optical zoom without loss of detail. This can be compared with a 120 mm lens! Can you imagine?

iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are equipped with A17 Pro, the most powerful processor for mobile devices. Apple assures that the new chip is faster and more energy efficient than last year's A16 Bionic. And it will especially appeal to gamers, as it increases performance in games by about 20%.

Best features:

• Dynamic Island 
• 48MP main camera with 2x telephoto
• Precision Finding for Find My Friends
• Roadside Assistance via satellite

iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max

September 20, 2024: Many anticipate that 2024 will be the year of AI. Therefore, it's no surprise that Apple has centered the iPhone 16 lineup around Apple Intelligence while also rolling out some notable upgrades in other areas.

The standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus feature a new vertical dual camera setup designed to capture spatial video for Apple Vision Pro. The introduction of the 3nm A18 chip represents a significant leap in both processing power and energy efficiency compared to previous models. Additionally, the increased RAM of 8GB allows the iPhone 16 to handle AI tasks effortlessly. The Camera Control button provides various shortcuts and gestures to enhance photography and videography.

For the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple has made a 5x telephoto camera standard, along with a new 48-megapixel ultra-wide lens. Beyond AAA gaming and Apple Intelligence capabilities, the A18 chip also allows for the smooth recording of 4K video at 120 frames per second.

Best features:

• Apple Intelligence
• Writing Tools
• Camera Control
• Next-generation Photographic Styles

Let's have a look at key features and technical specifications for the iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 series.

Feature / Specification	iPhone 13	iPhone 14	iPhone 15	iPhone 16
Release date	September 24, 2021	September 16, 2022	September 22, 2023	September 20, 2024
Processor	A15 Bionic	A15 Bionic	A17 Pro	A18
Camera system	Dual 12MP (Wide, Ultra-Wide)	Dual 12MP (Wide, Ultra-Wide)	Dual 48MP (Wide, Ultra-Wide)	Vertical dual-camera setup
Front camera	12MP with Night mode	12MP with Night mode	12MP with improved AI features	12MP with spatial video recording
Video recording	4K at 60 fps	4K at 60 fps	4K at 60 fps	4K at 120 fps
Connectivity	5G	5G	USB-C, 5G	USB-C, Enhanced 5G
Design	Aluminum and glass, 5 colors	Aluminum and glass, 5 colors	Aluminum and glass, new colors	Aluminum and glass, new finishing
Notable features	Cinematic mode	Dynamic Island	Improved AI algorithms	Enhanced camera control features

What's next for iPhones?

That was our list of iPhones in order of release. But what to expect next? Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, we can expect some exciting developments for the iPhone. Apple is likely to continue to improve its camera technology, possibly introducing more sophisticated features such as improved low-light performance and enhanced computational photography capabilities. In terms of size, future iPhones may lean towards larger displays as users increasingly favor immersive experiences while still offering options for those who prefer more compact models. Apple may also focus on sustainability by incorporating more recycled materials into its devices. 

The iPhone's software experience is expected to evolve with further refinements to iOS, potentially offering more personalized features through AI. In terms of augmented reality (AR), Apple is likely to step up its efforts, potentially integrating advanced sensors and displays tailored for AR experiences to open up new possibilities for apps and games. In addition, advances in processor technology could lead to even greater performance and efficiency, making multitasking and gaming smoother than ever. With the growing emphasis on connectivity, future iPhones could include faster wireless technologies, enabling seamless integration with other smart devices. All in all, the future looks bright and innovative for the iPhone range, setting the stage for a new era of user experience.

iPhones in order: To sum it up

To wrap up this detailed history of iPhone generations in order, it's clear that the evolution of the iPhone has been nothing short of remarkable, with each model bringing exciting innovations. As we look ahead, there's so much to anticipate, especially with features enhancing both performance and user experience.

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