The Ultimate Guide to Every iPhone Model Ever Released, Hey, tech enthusiasts! If you’re an Apple fan or just curious about the evolution of one of the most iconic devices in history, you’re in for a treat. Since the first iPhone hit the scene in 2007, Apple has released over 40 iPhone models, each pushing the boundaries of technology, design, and user experience. In this guide, we’ll take you through every iPhone model ever released, highlighting their standout features, game-changing innovations, and what makes each one special. Let’s dive into the journey of the iPhone!
The iPhone Revolution Begins (2007–2010)
iPhone (2007)
The OG iPhone changed the game forever. Announced by Steve Jobs at Macworld 2007, it combined a phone, an iPod, and an internet communicator into one sleek device. With a 3.5-inch touchscreen, a 2MP camera, and no App Store (yet!), it was a bold leap into the future.
Key Features: Multi-touch display, iOS (initially called iPhone OS), aluminum back.
Why It Mattered: It redefined smartphones, making buttons and physical keyboards feel like relics.
iPhone 3G (2008)
The iPhone 3G brought speed and accessibility. With 3G connectivity and the launch of the App Store, this model opened up a world of apps and faster internet.
Key Features: 3G support, App Store, plastic back.
Why It Mattered: The App Store was a game-changer, turning the iPhone into a platform for endless possibilities.
iPhone 3GS (2009)
The “S” stood for speed. The iPhone 3GS was all about performance upgrades, with a faster processor, a 3MP camera with video recording, and voice control.
Key Features: 3MP camera, video recording, voice control.
Why It Mattered: It showed Apple’s commitment to iterative improvements, setting the stage for future “S” models.
iPhone 4 and 4S (2010–2011)
The iPhone 4 introduced a stunning glass-and-stainless-steel design and the Retina display, making everything look ridiculously sharp. The 4S added Siri, the virtual assistant that’s still evolving today.
Key Features (iPhone 4): Retina display, 5MP camera, front-facing camera, LED flash.
Key Features (iPhone 4S): Siri, 8MP camera, 1080p video recording.
Why It Mattered: The iPhone 4’s design was iconic, and Siri brought AI to the mainstream.
The Era of Bigger and Bolder (2012–2016)
iPhone 5 and 5S/5C (2012–2013)
The iPhone 5 stretched the screen to 4 inches and introduced a taller, slimmer design. The 5S added Touch ID and a 64-bit processor, while the 5C brought colorful plastic backs for a budget-friendly option.
Key Features (iPhone 5): 4-inch display, Lightning connector, taller design.
Key Features (iPhone 5S): Touch ID, A7 chip (64-bit), slo-mo video.
Key Features (iPhone 5C): Polycarbonate body, vibrant colors.
Why It Mattered: Touch ID revolutionized security, and the 5C made iPhones more accessible.
iPhone 6 and 6 Plus (2014)
Apple went big with the iPhone 6 (4.7 inches) and 6 Plus (5.5 inches), catering to fans of larger screens. These models also introduced Apple Pay and better cameras.
Key Features: Larger displays, Apple Pay, improved 8MP camera.
Why It Mattered: The jump to bigger screens kept Apple competitive with Android’s phablets.
iPhone 6S and 6S Plus (2015)
The 6S series brought 3D Touch, letting you press harder for new interactions, and Live Photos for animated memories. The A9 chip made everything faster.
Key Features: 3D Touch, Live Photos, 12MP camera, 4K video.
Why It Mattered: 3D Touch was a bold experiment in UI, even if it didn’t stick around forever.
iPhone SE (2016)
The iPhone SE was a love letter to fans of compact phones. It packed iPhone 6S internals into a 4-inch iPhone 5S body.
Key Features: 4-inch display, A9 chip, 12MP camera.
Why It Mattered: It proved small phones could still be powerful.
The Modern iPhone Era (2017–2022)
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus (2016)
The iPhone 7 removed the headphone jack (controversial!) and added water resistance. The 7 Plus introduced a dual-camera system for portrait mode.
Key Features: Water resistance, no headphone jack, dual cameras (7 Plus).
Why It Mattered: Portrait mode set a new standard for smartphone photography.
iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X (2017)
The iPhone X was the star of 2017, ditching the home button for a notch, Face ID, and an edge-to-edge OLED display. The 8 and 8 Plus were more traditional updates.
Key Features (iPhone X): Face ID, OLED display, no home button.
Key Features (iPhone 8/8 Plus): Wireless charging, A11 Bionic chip.
Why It Mattered: The iPhone X set the template for modern iPhones.
iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR (2018)
The XS and XS Max refined the X’s formula with better performance and cameras. The XR brought a budget-friendly option with a 6.1-inch LCD and fun colors.
Key Features: A12 Bionic chip, Smart HDR, Liquid Retina display (XR).
Why It Mattered: The XR made premium features more affordable.
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max (2019)
The iPhone 11 series introduced ultra-wide cameras and Night mode. The Pro models added a third telephoto lens and pro-level features.
Key Features: Night mode, ultra-wide camera, A13 Bionic chip.
Why It Mattered: Night mode transformed low-light photography.
iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max (2020)
The iPhone 12 series brought 5G, a flat-edge design, and MagSafe. The Mini was a compact gem, while the Pro models pushed camera tech further.
Key Features: 5G, MagSafe, Ceramic Shield, LiDAR (Pro models).
Why It Mattered: 5G and MagSafe opened new possibilities for connectivity and accessories.
iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max (2021)
The iPhone 13 series focused on refinement: smaller notches, better battery life, and cinematic mode for video. The Pro models added ProMotion displays.
Key Features: Cinematic mode, ProMotion (Pro models), A15 Bionic chip.
Why It Mattered: ProMotion made scrolling buttery smooth.
iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max (2022)
The iPhone 14 series introduced the Dynamic Island (Pro models) and satellite connectivity for emergencies. The Plus replaced the Mini for bigger-screen fans.
Key Features: Dynamic Island (Pro), satellite connectivity, 48MP camera (Pro).
Why It Mattered: The Dynamic Island was a clever way to rethink the notch.
The Cutting Edge (2023–2025)
iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max (2023)
The iPhone 15 series went all-in on USB-C and brought the Dynamic Island to all models. The Pro models featured a titanium frame and a customizable Action Button.
Key Features: USB-C, Dynamic Island (all models), titanium (Pro), A17 Pro chip.
Why It Mattered: USB-C was a big shift, driven by EU regulations.
iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max (2024)
The iPhone 16 series doubled down on AI with Apple Intelligence, improved cameras, and a new Camera Control button for quick photo tweaks.
Key Features: Apple Intelligence, Camera Control button, A18 chip (all models).
Why It Mattered: AI integration took iOS to the next level.
iPhone SE (2025)
The latest iPhone SE, released in early 2025, brought modern features like Apple Intelligence and a 48MP camera to a compact, budget-friendly package.
Key Features: A18 chip, Apple Intelligence, 48MP camera.
Why It Mattered: It made cutting-edge tech accessible to more users.
What’s Next for iPhone?
As of May 2025, rumors are swirling about the iPhone 17 series, expected to launch later this year. Expect even more AI advancements, slimmer designs, and maybe even a foldable iPhone. Apple’s track record shows they’re not afraid to push boundaries, so the future looks exciting!
FAQs
Q: How many iPhone models have been released?
A: As of May 2025, Apple has released over 40 iPhone models, including the original iPhone, SE models, and various Plus, Pro, and Max variants.
Q: Which iPhone introduced the App Store?
A: The iPhone 3G (2008) introduced the App Store, revolutionizing how we use smartphones.
Q: What’s the difference between Pro and non-Pro iPhone models?
A: Pro models typically have better cameras (e.g., telephoto lenses, LiDAR), higher-end materials (like titanium), and features like ProMotion displays. Non-Pro models are still powerful but prioritize affordability.
Q: Is the iPhone SE worth buying in 2025?
A: Absolutely! The 2025 iPhone SE offers flagship features like Apple Intelligence and a 48MP camera at a lower price, perfect for budget-conscious buyers or fans of compact phones.
Q: When will the iPhone 17 be released?
A: Based on Apple’s typical schedule, the iPhone 17 series is expected to launch in September 2025, though no official date has been confirmed.
That’s the full rundown of every iPhone model ever released! Whether you’re rocking a vintage iPhone 4 or the latest iPhone 16 Pro, each model has a story to tell. Got a favorite iPhone? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned for what Apple has in store next!