The iPhone has come a long way since its initial launch in 2007. What started as a revolutionary new product has evolved into a fully-fledged ecosystem of devices, apps, and accessories. Today, we take a look at the evolution of the iPhone from its first model to its latest, the iPhone 12.
The Original iPhone: 2007
The original iPhone set the stage for a new era of smartphones. It featured a 3.5-inch touchscreen display, a 2-megapixel camera, and Wi-Fi connectivity. While the first iPhone lacked many features we take for granted today, like a front-facing camera or multitasking capabilities, it was nevertheless a game-changer. The device ushered in a new era of touch-based interfaces, and it quickly became a cultural phenomenon.
iPhone 3G: 2008
The iPhone 3G represented a big step forward for the iPhone. It added support for 3G networks, making web browsing and app downloads significantly faster. It also added support for GPS, which opened up a whole range of new location-based features. The iPhone 3G was also the first iPhone to support the App Store, which revolutionized the way we use our phones.
iPhone 3GS: 2009
The iPhone 3GS was a modest upgrade from the iPhone 3G. It featured a faster processor, improved camera, and added support for video recording. While the changes may have been incremental, it nevertheless solidified the iPhone’s place as the most desirable smartphone on the market.
iPhone 4: 2010
The iPhone 4 was a major redesign for the iPhone. It featured a new glass and stainless steel construction, a high-resolution “Retina” display, and a front-facing camera for video calls. The iPhone 4 also introduced a new antenna design that caused controversy due to reception issues when held a certain way. Nevertheless, the iPhone 4 was a huge success and elevated the iPhone to new heights of popularity.
iPhone 4S: 2011
The iPhone 4S was a modest upgrade from the iPhone 4. It featured a faster processor, improved camera, and added support for Siri, Apple’s intelligent assistant. While the changes may have been incremental, the iPhone 4S was a bridge to the next major iPhone redesign.
iPhone 5: 2012
The iPhone 5 represented a major design overhaul for the iPhone. The device featured a taller 4-inch display, a faster processor, and a new connector known as Lightning. The iPhone 5 was also the first iPhone to support LTE, which brought even faster data speeds. The iPhone 5 was a huge success, and it cemented Apple’s place as the leader in the smartphone market.
iPhone 5S/5C: 2013
The iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C were introduced at the same time, with the iPhone 5S being the premium model and the iPhone 5C serving as a more affordable option. The iPhone 5S featured a new Touch ID fingerprint sensor, a faster processor, and an upgraded camera. The iPhone 5C featured a plastic construction and a more affordable price tag. Both devices were popular, with the iPhone 5S selling in record numbers.
iPhone 6/6 Plus: 2014
The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus represented another major design overhaul for the iPhone. The devices featured larger displays, with the iPhone 6 sporting a 4.7-inch display and the iPhone 6 Plus featuring a massive 5.5-inch display. The devices also featured a new A8 processor, improved camera, and support for Apple Pay, which brought mobile payments to the masses. The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus were another huge success for Apple, with the larger displays appealing to a new segment of consumers.
iPhone 6S/6S Plus: 2015
The iPhone 6S and 6S Plus were the follow-up to the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, improving on an already successful formula. The devices featured a new 3D Touch display, which allowed for new interactive experiences. They also introduced a new rose gold color option and an improved camera.
iPhone SE: 2016
The iPhone SE was a departure from Apple’s typical release schedule. It featured the same design as the iPhone 5S, but with upgraded internal components. The device was designed to appeal to consumers who preferred the smaller form factor of the iPhone 5S but still wanted the latest and greatest hardware. The iPhone SE was a surprise hit, with many consumers opting for the more affordable device over the larger and more expensive iPhone 6S and 6S Plus.
iPhone 7/7 Plus: 2016
The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus represented a significant change for the iPhone. They were the first iPhones to feature water resistance, a new home button design, and the removal of the headphone jack. The devices also featured an upgraded camera, faster processor, and improved battery life.
iPhone 8/8 Plus: 2017
The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus continued the design language introduced with the iPhone 6, but with upgraded internal components. They featured a glass back to support wireless charging, a faster processor, and improved camera. While the iPhone 8 may have been overshadowed by the release of the iPhone X, it was a solid device that continued to sell well.
iPhone X: 2017
The iPhone X represented a significant departure from the previous iPhone design. The device featured an edge-to-edge OLED display, a new facial recognition system called Face ID, and the removal of the home button. The iPhone X was a bold move for Apple, and it paid off. The device was a huge success, and it set the stage for a new era of iPhones with no home button and even larger displays.
iPhone XS/XS Max: 2018
The iPhone XS and XS Max were slight updates to the iPhone X, with improved internal components and a new gold color option. The devices continued the trend of larger displays and no home button, and they featured improved camera and battery life.
iPhone XR: 2018
The iPhone XR was positioned as a more affordable option compared to the iPhone XS and XS Max. It featured a larger 6.1-inch display and a single-camera system, but it still packed in many of the same features as its more expensive siblings.
iPhone 11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max: 2019
The iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max were another step forward for the iPhone. They featured improved camera systems, with the Pro models featuring an additional telephoto lens. The devices also featured improved battery life and the new A13 Bionic processor, which offered improved performance and efficiency.
iPhone SE (2020): 2020
The new iPhone SE 2020 model was released to offer a budget option to budget conscious users. While it uses an old design that takes inspiration from the iPhone 8, it still carries over features from the latest iPhone models, like the A13 Bionic processor.
iPhone 12/12 Pro/12 Pro Max: 2020
The iPhone 12, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max are the latest iteration of the iPhone. They feature a new design with flat edges, 5G connectivity, and improved camera systems. The Pro models also feature a LiDAR scanner for improved AR experiences. The iPhone 12 series represents another step forward for the iPhone, with new features and improvements that keep it at the forefront of the smartphone market.
In Conclusion
The iPhone has come a long way since its initial release in 2007. With each iteration, Apple has continued to push the boundaries of what a smartphone can do. From the early days of the original iPhone to the latest iPhone 12 series, the iPhone has remained at the forefront of the smartphone market, setting trends and raising the bar for the competition. As technology continues to evolve, we can only expect more exciting advancements from the iPhone in the years to come.
