The history of the iPhone: from 2007 to now

iPhone timeline: all models and key innovations

The early years (2007–2010): rapid steps forward

What made the first iPhone so revolutionary? The combination of multi-touch control without a physical keyboard, plus phone, internet, and media in one device. The touchscreen without a keyboard was a radical step and soon became the new standard.

iPhone 2G (2007): the revolutionary start

When Steve Jobs presented the first iPhone, no one could have known how much impact it would have. For the first time, a phone, music player, and internet were effectively combined in one device. The touchscreen was unique, too. A phone without a physical keyboard seemed unthinkable then, especially with the popularity of BlackBerry.

Main innovations:

• First commercial multi-touch interface
• Virtual keyboard

iPhone 3G (2008): available in the Netherlands

A year later, Apple released the iPhone 3G, which became available in the Netherlands for the first time. Besides practical updates such as mobile internet through the 3G network and GPS, Apple launched something even more important: the App Store, giving access to third-party applications.

New features:

• 3G internet connection for faster browsing
• GPS for navigation and location services
• App Store with downloadable apps

iPhone 3GS (2009): a leap in speed

The iPhone 3GS brought a faster processor and better camera functionality. The ‘S’ stood for ‘Speed’, and users immediately noticed the difference in performance. Video recording became possible for the first time, and voice control laid the foundation for later voice technology.

Improvements:

• Voice Control (the forerunner of Siri)
• Digital compass
• Up to 32GB of storage

iPhone 4 (2010): design revolution

With the iPhone 4 came the Retina display, a screen so sharp that individual pixels could no longer be seen. The redesigned look with a glass back and stainless-steel frame also set a new trend.

Breakthroughs:

• Retina display (960 x 640 pixels)
• HD video camera (720p)
• A4 processor (Apple’s first in-house chip)

Smart software and bigger screens (2011–2014)

In 2011, Siri was introduced as the first major voice assistant on smartphones. A year later, the iPhone 5 brought a bigger screen and introduced the Lightning connector. With the iPhone 5S came Touch ID, letting you unlock your phone with your fingerprint. Apple also started offering more variety in its models. In 2014, screens grew even larger with the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, starting a trend that continues today.

iPhone 4S (2011): the Siri revolution

The iPhone 4S mainly introduced Siri, the voice assistant that fundamentally changed how we interact with smartphones.

Main features:

• Siri voice assistant
• 8MP camera with better image quality
• 1080p HD video recording

iPhone 5 (2012): a longer screen

After five years of 3.5-inch screens, Apple finally introduced a larger display. The iPhone 5 featured a 4-inch screen, letting apps show more content. The Lightning connector made thinner phones possible.

Innovations:

• 4-inch screen (1136 x 640 pixels)
• Lightning connector
• Improved front camera for selfies

iPhone 5S/5C (2013): security and colors

For the first time, Apple split the iPhone line into two different models. The iPhone 5S also introduced Touch ID, a fingerprint scanner for security and Apple Pay.

iPhone 5S features:

• Touch ID fingerprint scanner
• M7 motion coprocessor
• Improved camera with True Tone flash

iPhone 6/6 Plus (2014): a screen revolution

The iPhone 6 series marked a big step forward. Apple introduced two sizes: 4.7 inches and 5.5 inches. These new models showed there was a real market for multiple versions within one generation.

iPhone 6 specifications:

• 4.7-inch screen (1334 x 750 pixels)
• 8MP camera with optical image stabilization on the iPhone 6 Plus
• Apple Pay support

Modern developments (2015–2020): cameras and water resistance

With the iPhone 7 series, water resistance came to the iPhone.

This period focused on photography, water resistance, and wireless features. Apple positioned the iPhone as a serious replacement for a standalone camera.

iPhone 6S/SE (2015–2016): 3D Touch

The iPhone 6S introduced 3D Touch, allowing the screen to detect different pressure levels. Apple also launched the iPhone SE, which offered better specs for a lower price.

iPhone 6S innovations:

• 3D Touch pressure-sensitive interface
• 4K video camera
• Live Photos feature

iPhone SE advantages:

• iPhone 6S performance in a compact size
• Affordable price for premium specs
• Touch ID and Apple Pay support

iPhone 7/7 Plus (2016): water resistance and dual camera

Apple removed the 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing for IP67 water and dust resistance. The iPhone 7 Plus was also the first iPhone with a dual camera.

iPhone 7 innovations:

• IP67 water and dust resistance
• Removal of 3.5mm headphone jack
• Solid-state home button with haptic feedback

iPhone 8/X (2017): wireless charging and Face ID

In 2017, Apple released both the iPhone 8 series and the iPhone X. The iPhone X dropped the iconic home button but introduced Face ID facial recognition.

iPhone 8 specifications:

• A11 Bionic chip with Neural Engine
• Wireless charging via the Qi standard
• True Tone display technology

iPhone X innovations:

• TrueDepth camera and Face ID facial recognition
• No more home button
• Swipe-based navigation

iiPhone XR/XS/11 series (2018–2019): premium cameras and budget options

Apple perfected the strategy of offering several models per generation. The iPhone XR delivered premium features at a lower price, while the XS series and later the iPhone 11 series brought new camera innovations.

iPhone XR advantages:

• 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display
• A12 Bionic chip performance
• Single camera with portrait mode

Main innovations iPhone 11 series:

• Ultrawide camera for landscape photography
• Night mode for low-light photos
• A13 Bionic chip

iPhone SE 2020 and 12 series: 5G and MagSafe

The iPhone SE (2020) offered modern performance despite its lower price. The iPhone 12 series introduced 5G connectivity and MagSafe magnetic accessories, marking a big step forward for the coming years.

iPhone SE 2020:

• A13 Bionic processor (same as iPhone 11)
• Affordable access to modern iOS features

Main innovations iPhone 12 series:

• 5G support for faster mobile internet
• MagSafe magnetic charging and accessory system
• Ceramic Shield for a stronger display

Recent developments (2021–2025): pro cameras and USB-C

USB-C was introduced in 2023 with the iPhone 15 series, replacing the Lightning connector. For you, that means fewer separate cables for each device, making things more sustainable. Recent years have been defined by pro-level camera systems, universal USB-C connectivity, and the introduction of Apple Intelligence AI features.

iPhone 13 series (2021): ProMotion and Cinematic Mode

The iPhone 13 family brought much better battery life and ProMotion display technology for the Pro models.

iPhone 13 Pro innovations:

• ProMotion 120Hz screens for smoother scrolling
• Macro photography with the ultrawide camera
• Cinematic Mode for videos with shallow depth of field

iPhone 13 mini/13 Pro Max:

• iPhone 13 Mini: compact option with full functionality
• iPhone 13 Pro Max: largest screen and longest battery life

iPhone 14 series (2022): the Dynamic Island

Apple replaced the notch with the Dynamic Island on the Pro models, showing notifications and live activities.

Main innovations iPhone 14:

• Dynamic Island (iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max)
• A16 Bionic processor (Pro models)
• 48MP main camera with ProRAW support

iPhone 15 series (2023): the move to USB-C

Besides an improved main camera and an Action Button on the Pro models, the move to USB-C after 11 years of Lightning was a major change. The Pro models became even more pro with titanium frames and improved camera systems.

Universal advantages:

• USB-C for universal connectivity
• Improved cameras with 48MP main sensor
• Action Button replaces traditional mute switch (Pro models)

iPhone 16 series (2024): AI integration

With the iPhone 16 , Apple could no longer stay behind in AI development. That’s why Apple Intelligence was introduced. These AI features are unique to the iPhone 16 and later generations. Hardware-wise, Apple also added the Camera Control button. In spring 2025, Apple introduced the more affordable iPhone 16e , as a successor to the popular, cheaper iPhone SE series.

AI and interaction:

• Camera Control button for direct camera use
• Apple Intelligence features
• A18/A18 Pro chips optimized for AI

iPhone 17 series (2025): the first iPhone Air

With the iPhone 17, Apple continues where they left off with iPhone 16. The focus remains on AI features, but the iPhone 17 also brings a 120 Hz refresh rate, a better selfie camera, and faster charging. Completely new is the iPhone Air: a thinner but powerful model.

Main innovations iPhone 17:

• Introduction of the iPhone Air
• New AI features
• 18-megapixel selfie camera

iPhone history: pros and cons by generation

The future of the iPhone

How will the iPhone continue to develop? That’s something time will tell. Current trends include further AI integration and improved sustainability.

AI integration and personalization

Apple Intelligence will likely become even more integrated into iOS over the coming years. Expect more personalized features, smarter photography, and proactive assistance that learns your daily routine.

Expected AI developments:

• Advanced computational photography
• Real-time translation and speech recognition
• Predictive text and app suggestions
• Health monitoring using sensors and AI
• Privacy-first AI processing on-device

Sustainability and circular economy

Apple’s promises about climate neutrality mean innovation in sustainable materials and repairability is becoming more important.

Sustainability initiatives:

• More recycled materials in production
• Modular repair options
• More energy-efficient chips and displays
• Trade-in and refurbishment programs

Shop your iPhone at Simyo

Check out our iPhone range for the most up-to-date overview. Whether you choose a refurbished iPhone , the reliable iPhone 15 , or the balance of budget and innovation with the iPhone 16e , with an iPhone you always have a top-quality phone that you can enjoy for years.

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Want an overview of the most important iPhone developments over the years? Read part 2 of the history of the iPhone .