What year did the iPhone come out...: an overview of all iPhones by year. iPhone lineup iPhone history from 1 to 10

Every year Apple presents a new iPhone model, which is sure to have a couple of interesting features. Next year marks the 10th anniversary of the start of sales of the first iPhone. So we decided to remember how it was until today.

And at the same time we want find out from you: Which of these iPhones was your first?

Go, Let's get nostalgic.

1. iPhone (2007)

The first iPhone was innovative in its own right. Restrained design, a minimum of elements on the body, a strict front panel.

Remember what smartphones looked like before the advent of the iPhone: protruding antennas, joysticks, a bunch of buttons under the screen (sometimes even above it), styluses, a sliding qwerty keyboard and indecent thickness. Now look at the windows of any electronics store. Most of the devices are very similar to what Steve Jobs showed off on January 9, 2007.

The company showed what Apple smartphones would look like in the next few years, and subsequently followed the laid down principle.

What was upsetting: Unfortunately, there are no drawbacks, the first generation iPhone did not receive a number of functions that competitors had (3G support, video recording, multitasking, etc.), the operating system was closed to the user, there were many Apple restrictions (you cannot transfer pictures and music to other users, limited support for data formats, downloading files only through iTunes).

The big problem was that the headphone jack was too deep, which did not allow the use of many 3.5 mm headsets.

2. iPhone 3G (2008)

The smartphone began to acquire functions, primarily due to the update of the mobile operating system. In iOS 2.0 we saw the App Store. Since then, third-party developers have been able to earn money from us by releasing applications for the iPhone. Tim Cook reported on more than 2 million applications in the store.

And with the release of the iPhone 3G, we saw support for UMTS, HSDPA, A-GPS and different body colors (black and white).

What was upsetting: plastic case and its low wear resistance. After just a few months, the back panel was covered with scratches, cracks appeared near the cable connector, and pieces even broke off during active use.

3. iPhone 3GS (2009)

In 2009, we first learned that Apple wasn't going to update the design every year. After that, in odd-numbered years, “eski” began to be released with last year’s design, but new hardware.

The model was remembered for the appearance of a camera with autofocus and the ability to shoot video. For the first time, the iPhone received a digital compass. Of the software innovations, multitasking and voice control (Voice Control) should be noted.

What was upsetting: old design.

4. iPhone 4 (2010)

With this model we learned about a high pixel density screen - Retina Display. After holding such a device in my hands for 5 minutes, I didn’t want to use previous generation screens. Until now, a pixel density of over 300 per inch is considered the standard. The technology began to be used not only in the iPhone, it appeared on Apple tablets and computers.

The device is also memorable for its front camera, LED flash and gyroscope.

What was upsetting: antennagate was a big failure for Apple. With a certain grip, the iPhone 4 lost the network and this was widespread. Jobs and company had to apologize and hastily “invent” bumpers.

5. iPhone 4s (2011)

The main innovation of the last smartphone released under Jobs (the event was hosted by Tim Cook, and Steve died the day after the presentation) was the Siri voice assistant.

Then the feature seemed unsuitable for use. Later, Siri learned a number of commands, learned several poems and jokes, and even mastered the Russian language.

The iPhone itself was able to distribute the Internet via Wi-Fi, shoot Full-HD video, and broadcast images via AirPlay. The developers also combined GSM and CDMA models in one device.

What was upsetting: Lack of Russian language support in Siri.

6. iPhone 5 (2012)

In 2012, we learned that Apple could produce a device with a screen diagonal larger than 3.5 inches. The 30-pin connector is retired, replaced by Lightning, which is with us to this day.

With this model, many first learned about the nano-Sim format (remember how you cut your cards with scissors?) and the EarPods headset.

What was upsetting: strange paint on the back panel that quickly peeled off.

7. iPhone 5s (2013)

This device has a Touch ID fingerprint scanner. It's hard to imagine how much time these sensors save us every day. Instead of entering a long password, simply use your finger.

iPhone 5s was the first Apple smartphone to be released in gold.

We will not consider the iPhone 5c model. Apple went for an experiment that was never repeated; the device had no innovations, but was only a cheaper copy of the iPhone 5 in a colored plastic case.

What was upsetting: 64-bit processor and 32-bit applications, the App Store was not ready for the release of a model with a new processor. Until developers adapted programs and games, many 32-bit applications performed worse on the iPhone 5s than on the iPhone 5.

8. iPhone 6/6 Plus (2014)

In 2014, we saw the first “shovels” from Apple. Two years later we got used to this size of the smartphone, but then it was too much.

Thin body, powerful hardware, camera with Full HD shooting at 60 frames per second and optical stabilization (in the Plus model).

What was upsetting: We haven't forgotten Apple's advertising with the ideal screen size for a smartphone. And for the first time we saw iPhones being bent en masse.

9. iPhone 6s/6s Plus (2015)

Last year's new products include a pressure-sensitive screen with 3D Touch and software innovations associated with the use of this technology. There was also a new color “rose gold”.

What was upsetting: too little innovation and software features of dubious benefit (“live” photos, pop-up menus).

There was also a “tuned” iPhone 5S with a clever name "SE"(who forgot), but the model can hardly be called innovative. The device did not bring anything new to the line, although it became the most powerful 4-inch smartphone on the market.

10. iPhone 7/7 Plus (2016)

This year, the iPhone stopped being afraid of water, began to use battery power more wisely, and began to produce stereo sound. A rather controversial decision was the rejection of the 3.5 mm jack. Now headphones are only Bluetooth or Lightning.

And in the line there are as many as 5 body colors, this has not happened since the iPhone 5c.

What was upsetting: practically unchanged design and scratchy “black onyx”, which is impossible to buy.

Now try to remember how you reacted to the innovations of each model when it appeared. No one ran headlong for the iPhone just because it had 3G or LTE support, a front camera or flash, Siri or a big screen. At the time these features appeared, many people thought they were unnecessary, but now we use them several times a day.

The display is a rectangle with rounded corners. The diagonal of this rectangle, excluding the curves, is 5.85 inches (for iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone XS and iPhone X), 6.46 inches (for iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone XS Max) or 6.06 inches (for iPhone 11 and iPhone XR). The actual viewing area is smaller.
All declared battery characteristics depend on network settings and other factors; Actual operating times may differ from those stated. The battery allows a limited number of charging cycles. After some time has passed, it may need to be replaced by an Apple Authorized Service Center. Battery life and number of charge cycles vary depending on device settings and usage. More details on pages and.
iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone 11 are splash, water and dust resistant and are specifically tested supported laboratory conditions. iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max are rated IP68 according to IEC 60529 (submersible in water up to 4 meters for up to 30 minutes). iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone 11 are rated IP68 according to IEC 60529 (submersible in water up to 2 meters for up to 30 minutes). Phone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X and iPhone XR are rated IP67 according to IEC 60529 (submersible in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes). Resistance to splashes, water and dust may decrease due to normal wear and tear. Don't try to charge a wet iPhone: Wipe and dry it according to the instructions in the user manual. Damage resulting from contact with liquid is not covered by the warranty.
The amount of available space is less than stated and depends on various factors. The standard configuration (including iOS and pre-installed apps) takes approximately 11 to 14 GB depending on the device model and settings. Pre-installed applications take up about 4 GB; they can be deleted and downloaded again. The amount of available space may vary depending on the device and software version.
Dimensions and weight depend on configuration and manufacturing process.
Data plan required. Gigabit Class LTE, 4G LTE Advanced, 4G LTE, VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling are not available in all regions or with all carriers. Speeds are based on theoretical throughput and may vary depending on local conditions. For more information about LTE support, contact your carrier or visit.
To communicate using FaceTime, both users must have FaceTime-enabled devices and be connected to a Wi-Fi network. Availability of FaceTime over cellular networks varies by carrier; Data charges may apply.
Siri may not be available in all languages or regions. Siri capabilities may also vary. Internet access required. Cellular data charges may apply.
Hey Siri is supported on iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus when the device is connected to a power source.
Qi wireless chargers sold separately.
Testing conducted by Apple in August 2017 using pre-production iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus units and software, and in August 2018 using pre-production iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR units with pre-release software; Apple USB-C adapters were used (model A1720 - 18 W, model A1540 - 29 W, model A1882 - 30 W, model A1718 - 61 W, model A1719 - 87 W). Testing conducted by Apple in August 2019 using preproduction iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max units and software; Apple USB-C adapters were used (model A1720 - 18 W, model A1540 - 29 W, model A1882 - 30 W, model A1947 - 61 W, model A1719 - 87 W). Fast charging testing was carried out on a discharged iPhone. Charging time depends on environmental factors; Actual charging time may not be the same as stated.
A wireless data plan is required to use eSIM (may have carrier and roaming restrictions even after your contract has expired). Not all carriers support eSIM. When you purchase an iPhone from some carriers, the eSIM feature may be disabled. Contact your carrier for more information. More details on the page

In the seemingly distant year of 2007, Apple promised to release a smartphone that would change the world. The news about this then interested many, and publications and Internet resources specializing in mobile topics immediately began to analyze what was so unusual to expect from the new product. For six months, the device was studied in absentia all over the world, without having a prototype in hand, until the new product finally arrived on display in June.

iPhone (aka iPhone 2G)

The first generation iPhone essentially had one key innovation around which the entire use of the device was built - Multi-Touch. Steve Jobs, who was then the head of Apple, made a lot of personal efforts both during the development of the device and at its presentation. It was his charisma that had a huge impact on the sales success of the new product. In terms of technical characteristics, the first generation iPhone, although it was not a revolution, was in keeping with the times. Of course, among communicators (at that time the concepts of “smartphones” and “communicators” were separated) there were already devices equipped with 3.5” touchscreens, and the resolution of 480x320 pixels was far from record-breaking. 128 MB of RAM, as well as internal storage of 4 or 8 GB, were found before. But it was the relationship between technical characteristics and software capabilities that truly took the iPhone to a new level.

The first thing that caught your eye was the interface, which was entirely focused on finger control. No styluses! "Stylus? Who needs a stylus? You take it out, hide it, lose it...” Jobs said about this. Typing text, browsing the web, reading email and working with documents - all this could be done without the need for additional accessories. This is what made the iPhone a revolutionary phone. Another key feature was the music player. On iPhone it is not just an additional feature. Synchronization with iTunes, intuitive controls with convenient elements, work with albums, podcasts - all this is implemented at the same level as iPod players, for which music is the main purpose. And viewing Cover Flow covers impressed those who saw the iPhone for the first time for a long time.

Of course, it was not possible to avoid criticism of the iPhone. First of all, they criticized it for the lack of support for 3G networks and GPS navigation, the lack of support for Adobe Flash, the inability to record video and transfer files via Bluetooth. The last “problem,” by the way, was not caused by a flaw in the system, but by a conscious decision designed to provide protection against unauthorized distribution of pirated content. Well, the rejection of Flash was initially correct - Android also came to this over time, causing considerable trouble on both sides of the barricades. In total, more than 7 million first-generation iPhones were sold.

iPhone 3G

Apple listened to some comments from users and a year later, in 2008, the iPhone 3G was released, which received support for third-generation networks. A GPS module was also added to its design. But the most important innovation was the emergence of the App Store - a single application center from which you can download any program.

Despite the fact that the resolution and screen diagonal remained the same (480x320 pixels at 3.5"), the camera retained a 2 megapixel sensor, and the hardware did not undergo major improvements - the popularity of the smartphone became simply gigantic. In total, Apple sold about 35 million iPhone 3G worldwide.

iPhone 3GS

The iPhone 3GS model was an update to the 3G line and went on sale in 2009. The appearance has not undergone any important changes, but internally the smartphone has been significantly upgraded. The amount of RAM was doubled to 256 MB, the processor was switched to a new architecture, the camera resolution was raised to 3 megapixels, and the smartphone finally received a video recording function.

iPhone 4

In 2010, Apple delighted fans by releasing a new model. Compared to its predecessors, the progress here was especially noticeable. By 2009, the iPhone was often criticized for its low display resolution, which had become obsolete in two years. Therefore, the company decided to correct this shortcoming by equipping the device with an ultra-high resolution screen: 960x640 pixels. At the same time, a fashionable designation for panels with high ppi appeared - Retina. The camera in the iPhone 4 has also undergone improvements: from 3 megapixels, the resolution has increased to 5 megapixels, a flash, fast autofocus and HD video recording have appeared. A front camera has also been added.

A wave of criticism hit the device due to the fact that the cellular antennas, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi were placed on the side panel (due to the new design and metal frame) and the communication quality deteriorated sharply if the device was taken in a special way. Steve Jobs recommended taking a smartphone “the right way,” but the public didn’t understand it. Later, Apple was forced to distribute plastic bumpers so that the component parts of the sidewalls would not be closed by hand.

iPhone 4S

If in the case of the 3GS model the letter S stood for Speed, then in the iPhone 4S it indicated the presence of the Siri voice assistant, which takes voice control to a new level. The processor in the new product has become dual-core, the camera has increased to 8 megapixels. The problem with poor communication quality, typical of its predecessor, has been eliminated.

For Apple and fans of Steve Jobs, the presentation of the 4S became a tragic page in history. For the first time, a new general director, Tim Cook, took charge of presenting the products. Steve Jobs, after years of battling a serious illness, died the next day: October 5, 2011. Apple fans immediately dubbed the iPhone 4S - 4 (For) Steve, and purchased it, among other things, as a sign of respect for the memory of the company's founder.

iPhone 5

The trend towards larger screen sizes has not spared Apple either. If back in 2007 a 3.5" diagonal seemed large, then by 2012, with the advent of phablets, this size became small. Therefore, the iPhone 5 received a 4" display with a resolution of 1136x640 pixels (Retina again).

Changes also affected the hardware: the processor became faster, and the amount of RAM reached 1 GB. The smartphone received support for LTE networks, a new, smaller-sized Lightning interface connector (the old one seemed bulky compared to microUSB, which has become a standard among competitors), and a SIM card in nano-SIM format. The design has changed slightly, but remains recognizable.

iPhone 5S and 5C

iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C

In 2013, for the first time in Apple history, two iPhones were released at once: the expensive 5S, which became the successor to the “five,” and 5C, a cheaper version of its predecessor. The older device was not just a slight improvement on the iPhone 5, but an innovative device, thanks to the presence of a new level of protection - a new generation fingerprint sensor built into the Home button. The iPhone 5C model received the hardware of the fifth model, but was dressed in a plastic case in bright colors. Despite the more youthful positioning and lower price, the main sales came from the iPhone 5S.

iPhone 6 and 6 Plus

In 2014, Apple released a couple of models again. The iPhone 6 became the successor to the classic line, and the iPhone 6 Plus was designed to carve out a niche for the company in the tablet phone market. And the company managed to do this: in the first three days of sales, more than 10 million devices were purchased, which is 1.5 times more than the total sales of the first iPhone. The iPhone 6 screen has a 4.7" diagonal with a resolution of 1334x750 pixels, and the 6 Plus has a 5.5" diagonal with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. Again and still Retina.

iPhone 6S and 6S Plus

Following tradition, the new generation of iPhone, presented in September, did not bring fundamental changes, but was only an improvement on the previous one. The design and quality of the screens of the new products have not undergone significant changes. The hardware has undergone improvements (the processor has become faster, the amount of RAM has doubled to 2 GB), the camera (12 megapixels instead of 8 megapixels), the touch screen (it now recognizes pressure levels using 3D Touch technology) and the body, which has become a little stronger and heavier, thanks to the use of aircraft grade aluminum.

And at the same time we want find out from you: Which of these iPhones was your first?

Go, Let's get nostalgic.

1. iPhone (2007)

The first iPhone was innovative in its own right. Restrained design, a minimum of elements on the body, a strict front panel.

The company showed what Apple smartphones would look like in the next few years, and subsequently followed the laid down principle.

The big problem was that the headphone jack was too deep, which did not allow the use of many 3.5 mm headsets.

2. iPhone 3G (2008)

And with the release of the iPhone 3G, we saw support for UMTS, HSDPA, A-GPS and different body colors (black and white).

3. iPhone 3GS (2009)

In 2009, we first learned that Apple wasn't going to update the design every year. After that, in odd-numbered years, “eski” began to be released with last year’s design, but new hardware.

What was upsetting: old design.

4. iPhone 4 (2010)

The device is also memorable for its front camera, LED flash and gyroscope.

5. iPhone 4s (2011)

The main innovation of the last smartphone released under Jobs (the event was hosted by Tim Cook, and Steve died the day after the presentation) was the Siri voice assistant.

Then the feature seemed unsuitable for use. Later, Siri learned a number of commands, learned several poems and jokes, and even mastered the Russian language.

The iPhone itself was able to distribute the Internet via Wi-Fi, shoot Full-HD video, and broadcast images via AirPlay. The developers also combined GSM and CDMA models in one device.

What was upsetting: Lack of Russian language support in Siri.

6. iPhone 5 (2012)

In 2012, we learned that Apple could produce a device with a screen diagonal larger than 3.5 inches. The 30-pin connector is retired, replaced by Lightning, which is with us to this day.

With this model, many first learned about the nano-Sim format (remember how you cut your cards with scissors?) and the EarPods headset.

What was upsetting: strange paint on the back panel that quickly peeled off.

7. iPhone 5s (2013)

This device has a Touch ID fingerprint scanner. It's hard to imagine how much time these sensors save us every day. Instead of entering a long password, simply use your finger.

iPhone 5s was the first Apple smartphone to be released in gold.

We will not consider the iPhone 5c model. Apple went for an experiment that was never repeated; the device had no innovations, but was only a cheaper copy of the iPhone 5 in a colored plastic case.

8. iPhone 6/6 Plus (2014)

In 2014, we saw the first “shovels” from Apple. Two years later we got used to this size of the smartphone, but then it was too much.

Thin body, powerful hardware, camera with Full HD shooting at 60 frames per second and optical stabilization (in the Plus model).

What was upsetting: We haven't forgotten Apple's advertising with the ideal screen size for a smartphone. And for the first time we saw iPhones being bent en masse.

9. iPhone 6s/6s Plus (2015)

Last year's new products include a pressure-sensitive screen with 3D Touch and software innovations associated with the use of this technology. There was also a new color “rose gold”.

What was upsetting: too little innovation and software features of dubious benefit (“live” photos, pop-up menus).

10. iPhone 7/7 Plus (2016)

And in the line there are as many as 5 body colors, this has not happened since the iPhone 5c.

More than 5 years have passed since the release of the first generation iPhone. Over the years, various Apple smartphone models have appeared, differing from each other not only in characteristics, but also in appearance. In this collection you can see photographs and improvements of various generations of Apple phones, tracing the stages of development.

List of all generations of Apple iPhone phone

iPhone 2G (aluminum)
iPhone 3G
iPhone 3GS in two varieties - with old and new boot
iPhone 4 in three varieties - regular model, CDMA model and 2012 model
iPhone 4S
iPhone 5 in two versions - a model for America and a "global model"

iPhone 2G

The very first iPhone smartphone was made of aluminum and was not similar to subsequent models. In addition to aluminum, the case had a large black insert for better signal reception by the antenna. The name 2G itself did not denote the generation of the telephone, but the generation of cellular communications. The first iPhone only supported second-generation networks.

iPhone 3G

The iPhone 3G case was made entirely of white or black plastic. And the inscriptions themselves were made with gray paint. This generation of iPhone was named so because of its support for the new generation of 3G cellular communications.

iPhone 3GS

With the release of the iPhone 3GS, it completely replicates the appearance of the iPhone 3G, with only one difference - the inscriptions on the back wall are painted in exactly the same silver mirror paint as the Apple logo.

iPhone 4

The fourth generation brought the most improvements and innovations. The appearance has been completely redesigned, and the display itself has been significantly improved. The front and back panels are made of glass, and the side part is surrounded by a metal antenna rim.

iPhone 4S

iPhone 4S looks almost the same as the previous model and few could see the differences. The main external difference was visible in the model code on the back wall. If you see the inscription “Model A1387” on the back panel, then this is an iPhone 4S.

iPhone 5

iPhone 5 has changed in appearance, increasing in length, due to which the screen has grown to 4 inches. At the same time, the width of the smartphone remains the same. The back panel of the iPhone 5 is made of aluminum, and there are glass inserts at the top and bottom that cover the antennas. Initially, the iPhone 5 went on sale in two versions - the “American model” and the “global model” (the difference between them is the list of supported LTE bands).

iPhone 5S

And if you want to know about the new iPhone 5S, what rumors, speculative characteristics and news are circulating, then you will find more detailed information on the website iphone5news.ru.