The Apple iPhone stands as a pinnacle of 21st-century innovation, with over 2.3 billion units sold worldwide. Since its groundbreaking debut in 2007, the iPhone has redefined what a smartphone can be. With 17 years of evolution, it's fascinating to explore the extensive lineage of iPhone models, especially with the latest addition, the iPhone 16, marking a rich history from 2007 to 2024.
iPhone Release History
Upcoming iPhones!
0See it at Best Buy
Looking to save money on a new Apple phone? Check out our guide to the best iPhone deals happening now.
How Many iPhone Generations Have There Been?
In total, there have been 24 different iPhone generations. The journey began with the iconic first iPhone in 2007, followed by annual releases that have included various models such as the Plus and Max series, as well as distinct entries like the iPhone SE 2 and iPhone XR.
AnswerSee ResultsEvery iPhone Generation in Order of Release
The revolutionary first iPhone, released on June 29, 2007, combined the functionalities of an iPod, phone, and internet device. It marked a significant shift from traditional cell phones by introducing a touchscreen instead of a physical keyboard. With its 3.5-inch display and 2-megapixel camera, it transformed the tech landscape.
Image Credit: Cult of Mac
The iPhone 3G introduced faster 3G connectivity and the Apple App Store, revolutionizing mobile app development and usage.
The iPhone 3GS upgraded to a 3-megapixel camera and doubled the performance speed of the iPhone 3G, enhancing the user experience.
The iPhone 4 introduced FaceTime for video calls and a 5-megapixel camera with HD video recording and an LED flash. It also featured the first Retina display, improving screen clarity.
The iPhone 4S debuted Siri, the virtual assistant that became an integral part of the Apple ecosystem. It also introduced 1080p video recording and new software features like iCloud and iMessage.
The iPhone 5 brought LTE connectivity and the new Lightning port, enhancing data speeds and device connectivity.
The iPhone 5S introduced Touch ID, a fingerprint recognition system that became a staple until the iPhone X. It also featured the A7 processor and new camera technologies.
The iPhone 5C, a budget-friendly model, was released in vibrant colors and used the hardware from the iPhone 5, offering a more affordable option.
The iPhone 6 introduced a sleeker design and Apple Pay with NFC technology. It also marked the debut of the larger-screened iPhone 6 Plus.
The iPhone 6S featured 3D Touch for pressure-sensitive interactions and 4K video capabilities, enhancing user interaction and media quality.
The iPhone SE combined the design of the iPhone 5S with the performance of the iPhone 6S, offering a compact yet powerful option.
The iPhone 7 controversially removed the headphone jack, introduced water resistance, and featured a dual-camera system on the iPhone 7 Plus.
The iPhone 8 added wireless charging and a True Tone display, adjusting screen brightness and color based on ambient lighting.
The iPhone X eliminated the home button, introducing Face ID and setting a new standard for future iPhone designs.
The iPhone XS improved upon the iPhone X with features like a dual-SIM tray, enhancing flexibility for users.
The iPhone XR offered a budget-friendly alternative with an LCD display and a single back camera, yet retained many premium features.
The iPhone 11 expanded the standard screen size to 6.1 inches and introduced an Ultra Wide camera. It also marked the debut of Pro models with advanced features.
The iPhone SE 2 upgraded to the A13 Bionic chip, a larger screen with True Tone, and introduced Haptic Touch.
The iPhone 12 introduced MagSafe for magnetic accessories and the Super Retina XDR display, along with a durable Ceramic Shield.
The iPhone 13 enhanced battery life and introduced Cinematic Mode for video, with ProRes video on Pro models.
The iPhone SE 3 brought back the home button, added 5G connectivity, and included advanced photography features like Night Mode.
The iPhone 14 introduced Emergency SOS via satellite and upgraded camera systems, along with the return of the Plus model.
The iPhone 15 switched to USB-C due to EU regulations and featured significant updates in the Pro models, including a titanium frame and action button.
The iPhone 16, revealed in September 2024, boasts faster CPU performance, a customizable action button, and the integration of Apple Intelligence.
In our review of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Max, we detailed all the differences these latest models have over the previous generation.
When Is the iPhone 17 Coming Out?
Although the iPhone 16 was recently announced, anticipation for the iPhone 17 is already building. While details are scarce, we can expect Apple to release the iPhone 17 around September 2025.
You can see our guide to all of the biggest iPhone 16 announcements from the event today.
Looking to dive into more Apple history? Check out our guide to every iPad generation and every Apple Watch generation.
LATEST ARTICLES 14
2025-05
It's always thrilling to see developers venture into new genres, and Azra Games is no exception. Founded by Mark Otero, a pivotal figure in the creation of Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes, the studio's debut project, UnGodly, marks a significant departure from their previous work in a galaxy far, far aw
Author: HunterReading:0
14
2025-05
In *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*, what starts as a simple mission to deliver a letter quickly spirals into a complex journey that leads you to attend a wedding. Here's a detailed guide on how to navigate through the initial quests and make it to the wedding in Semine.Table of contentsGetting Into th
Author: HunterReading:0
14
2025-05
Daniel Vavra, the visionary behind the Kingdom Come trilogy and a co-founder of Warhorse Studios, has openly criticized Unreal Engine for its limitations in creating complex, open-world environments. He attributes the challenging development process of The Witcher 4 to these limitations, claiming th
Author: HunterReading:0
14
2025-05
In recent years, LEGO has expanded its appeal beyond just children to include adults, creating a vibrant community of Adult Fans of LEGO (AFOLs). While LEGO sets for kids used to be easily distinguishable by the age range on the box, indicating the complexity of the build, the introduction of 18+ se
Author: HunterReading:0
