iPhone over the years: A timeline of Apple’s 42 game-changing smartphones

The iPhone 15 models will be made available for sale from 22nd September in India

From its inception to the present day, the iPhone has continually pushed the boundaries of technology, setting new standards for smartphones worldwide. According to reports, the highly anticipated iPhone 15 models are set to hit the Indian market on September 22, creating a wave of excitement among consumers.

2007 – iPhone (1st Generation): The original iPhone was introduced by Steve Jobs, which became the ‘it’ factor as soon as it entered the landscape of smartphones. It garnered attention soon after its launch because of its touchscreen interface and iconic design.

2008 – iPhone 3G: This was the first model with GPS. It introduced 3G connectivity, making internet access faster. It also brought the App Store, allowing users to download third-party apps. This model was available only in 8 GB and 16 GB versions.

2009 – iPhone 3GS: The ‘S’ stood for speed, and this model delivered faster performance and improved camera capabilities – as it was the first iPhone that could record videos. The model came with a 3 MP camera and was able to record videos at VGA 480p.

2010 – iPhone 4: Notably known for its high-resolution Retina display, Apple claimed that this model could compare to the natural limits of a human retina. It also had a front-facing camera for FaceTime calls. Plus, it featured a glass and stainless-steel design.

2011 – iPhone 4s: Siri, the voice-activated virtual assistant, made its debut with the iPhone 4s.

2012 – iPhone 5: This model introduced a taller 4-inch screen. Being the first iPhone with 4G LTE support, it was thinner and lighter.

2013 – iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s: The 5c featured colorful plastic casings, while the 5s introduced the Touch ID fingerprint sensor and improvements in its low-light camera sensors.

2014 – iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus: These models featured larger screens: 4.7-inch for iPhone 6 and 5.5-inch for iPhone 6 Plus, with thinner designs. They also introduced better cameras, enabling a faster auto-focus for pictures and videos.

2015 – iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus: ‘3D Touch’ technology and improved camera capabilities were the highlights. iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus were the first iPhone models to be able to record a video in 4K.

2016 – iPhone SE (1st Generation): This was a compact phone with powerful internals, becoming the first truly ‘affordable’ iPhone. It catered to those who preferred smaller screens.

2016 – iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: One notable change was the introduction of water resistance, providing users with added durability. Additionally, Apple made a bold move by removing the traditional headphone jack.

2017 – iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X: The iPhone X introduced a major redesign with Face ID, which replaced the traditional fingerprint sensor for enhanced security. The device featured an edge-to-edge OLED display and bid farewell to its iconic home button.

2018 – iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max: These models introduced the A12 Bionic chip. A key update was in the camera department, as all three iPhones received a new ultra-wide camera, enabling users to capture stunning landscape photos.

2019 – iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max: Improved cameras, including the ultra-wide lens, were the key features. The latest A13 chip was introduced, which was far more powerful than any Android device at the time in that price range.

2020 – iPhone SE (2nd Generation): This was a budget-friendly option with the A13 Bionic chip and a classic design. The model was, however, criticised for its 1800 mAh battery.

2020 – iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max: This release included the introduction of 5G capability, which brought faster data speeds and enhanced connectivity to the iPhones. Additionally, the design took a departure from the previous rounded edges, adopting a more squared-off look, giving the devices a modern and distinctive appearance.

2021 – iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max: Improved cameras and performance enhancements continued the iPhone’s legacy.

2022 – iPhone SE (3rd Generation): The iPhone SE 3rd generation features a compact design with a 4.7-inch display. It is powered by Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, providing impressive performance. The iPhone SE 3rd generation is known for its affordability while offering the power of modern iPhone technology.

2022 – iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max: The iPhone 14 series boasts impressive technical specifications, including powerful processors, high-quality displays, and advanced camera systems. Users can choose from different models based on their preferences and needs.

2023 – iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max: Apple’s latest launch of the iPhone 15 series includes a significant upgrade by inculcating a USB-C cable. Another significant feature was the introduction of Dynamic Island to all of its models, which was earlier limited to the Pro models only.

The iPhone 15 models are currently available for pre-booking and will be made available for sale from 22nd September in India.

Read more about the iPhone 15 series here: iPhone 15 launched: Check upgrades, price, and availability here

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET Edge Insights, its management, or its members

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