The iPhone Encyclopedia, Since its debut in 2007, the iPhone has redefined smartphones, blending cutting-edge technology with sleek design. For tech enthusiasts, understanding the evolution of each iPhone model is like tracing the history of modern innovation. This encyclopedia dives into every iPhone ever made, highlighting key features, milestones, and what makes each model unique.
The Original iPhone (2007)
The first iPhone, announced by Steve Jobs on January 9, 2007, combined a phone, an iPod, and an internet communicator into one touchscreen device. It featured a 3.5-inch display, a 2-megapixel camera, and 4GB or 8GB of storage. Running iPhone OS 1.0, it introduced the App Store concept, though third-party apps weren’t available until 2008. Its aluminum and plastic design set the stage for Apple’s aesthetic.
Key Innovation: Multi-touch interface and the modern smartphone blueprint.
iPhone 3G and 3GS (2008–2009)
The iPhone 3G brought 3G connectivity and GPS, making mobile internet and navigation practical. It launched with iPhone OS 2.0 and the App Store, which exploded with third-party apps. The 3GS (2009) added a faster processor, a 3-megapixel camera with video recording, and voice control, laying the groundwork for Siri.
Key Innovation: App Store and 3G connectivity.
iPhone 4 and 4S (2010–2011)
The iPhone 4 introduced a stainless steel and glass design, a 3.5-inch Retina display (960x640), and a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash. It also debuted FaceTime. The iPhone 4S (2011) brought Siri, an 8-megapixel camera, and 1080p video recording. It was the first iPhone to support iCloud and launched with iOS 5.
Key Innovation: Retina display and Siri.
iPhone 5 and 5S/5C (2012–2013)
The iPhone 5 featured a taller 4-inch display, a lighter aluminum body, and Lightning connector. It supported LTE and launched with iOS 6. The iPhone 5S (2013) introduced Touch ID, a 64-bit A7 chip, and a slo-mo camera. The 5C, a colorful plastic variant, offered similar specs at a lower price.
Key Innovation: Touch ID and 64-bit architecture.
iPhone 6 and 6 Plus (2014)
The iPhone 6 (4.7-inch) and 6 Plus (5.5-inch) marked Apple’s entry into larger displays. With rounded edges, NFC for Apple Pay, and improved cameras, they ran iOS 8. The 6 Plus introduced optical image stabilization (OIS) for its camera.
Key Innovation: Larger displays and Apple Pay.
iPhone 6S and 6S Plus (2015)
The 6S series introduced 3D Touch, allowing pressure-sensitive interactions. It featured a 12-megapixel camera, 4K video recording, and Live Photos. The A9 chip and iOS 9 improved performance and battery life.
Key Innovation: 3D Touch and 4K video.
iPhone SE (2016)
The first iPhone SE reused the iPhone 5S’s 4-inch design but packed iPhone 6S internals, including the A9 chip and 12-megapixel camera. It appealed to fans of compact phones.
Key Innovation: Powerful performance in a small form factor.
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus (2016)
The iPhone 7 removed the headphone jack, introduced water resistance (IP67), and added stereo speakers. The 7 Plus featured a dual-camera system with Portrait mode. Both ran iOS 10 with the A10 Fusion chip.
Key Innovation: Dual cameras and water resistance.
iPhone 8 and 8 Plus (2017)
The iPhone 8 series brought glass backs for wireless charging and the A11 Bionic chip. The 8 Plus retained the dual-camera system with improved Portrait Lighting. They launched with iOS 11.
Key Innovation: Wireless charging.
iPhone X (2017)
The iPhone X was a game-changer, introducing a 5.8-inch edge-to-edge OLED Super Retina display, Face ID, and no home button. It featured a vertical dual-camera system and the A11 Bionic chip, running iOS 11.
Key Innovation: Face ID and edge-to-edge OLED display.
iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR (2018)
The XS (5.8-inch) and XS Max (6.5-inch) refined the X with the A12 Bionic chip and improved cameras. The XR, a budget-friendly option, used a 6.1-inch LCD Liquid Retina display and a single camera but matched the XS’s performance.
Key Innovation: A12 Bionic and Smart HDR.
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max (2019)
The iPhone 11 featured a dual-camera system with ultra-wide and Night mode. The 11 Pro and Pro Max added a telephoto lens, Super Retina XDR displays, and the A13 Bionic chip. All ran iOS 13.
Key Innovation: Night mode and triple-camera system.
iPhone 12 and 12 Mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max (2020)
The iPhone 12 series introduced 5G, flat edges, and Ceramic Shield glass. The 12 and 12 Mini offered dual cameras, while the Pro models added LiDAR and ProRAW. All used the A14 Bionic chip and ran iOS 14.
Key Innovation: 5G and LiDAR.
iPhone 13 and 13 Mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max (2021)
The iPhone 13 series improved battery life, added Cinematic mode, and reduced the notch size. The Pro models featured 120Hz ProMotion displays and macro photography. All ran iOS 15 with the A15 Bionic chip.
Key Innovation: Cinematic mode and ProMotion.
iPhone 14 and 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max (2022)
The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus (replacing the Mini) offered crash detection and satellite connectivity. The Pro models introduced the Dynamic Island, a 48-megapixel camera, and an always-on display, powered by the A16 Bionic chip and iOS 16.
Key Innovation: Dynamic Island and 48MP camera.
iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max (2023)
The iPhone 15 series adopted USB-C and Dynamic Island across all models. The 15 Pro and Pro Max used titanium frames, the A17 Pro chip, and a periscope telephoto lens (Pro Max only). All ran iOS 17.
Key Innovation: USB-C and titanium design.
iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max (2024)
The iPhone 16 series, powered by the A18 chip (Pro models used A18 Pro), introduced Camera Control, a touch-sensitive button for photography. The Pro models offered larger displays (6.3-inch and 6.9-inch) and enhanced computational photography. All ran iOS 18.
Key Innovation: Camera Control and A18 chip.
The Future of iPhone
As of May 2025, rumors swirl about the iPhone 17 series, expected to feature under-display Face ID and a thinner design. Apple’s focus on AI, sustainability, and foldable technology could shape the next chapter.
FAQs
Q: Which iPhone introduced the App Store?
A: The iPhone 3G (2008) launched with the App Store via iPhone OS 2.0.
Q: When did iPhones get water resistance?
A: The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus (2016) introduced water resistance with an IP67 rating.
Q: Which iPhone was the first with Face ID?
A: The iPhone X (2017) introduced Face ID, removing the home button.
Q: What’s the difference between Pro and non-Pro iPhone models?
A: Pro models typically offer advanced cameras (e.g., telephoto, LiDAR), higher refresh rate displays, and more powerful chips, targeting professionals and enthusiasts.
Q: Which iPhone models support 5G?
A: All iPhone 12 models and later (2020 onward) support 5G connectivity.
This encyclopedia captures the iPhone’s journey, a testament to Apple’s relentless innovation. Whether you’re a collector, a tech nerd, or just curious, each model tells a story of progress.