You’ve probably heard the recent word about the upcoming iPhone 15. The iPhone has undergone a remarkable transcendence that has taken it beyond its original function as a mobile phone. With its cutting-edge technology, stylish design, and thriving app ecosystem, Apple’s iconic gadget has consistently reinvented the smartphone market. The technological world has been forever changed by its evolution from the first iPhone to the most recent one.
In anticipation of the upcoming release of the iPhone 15, join us on a trip down memory lane in exploring the evolution of the iPhone.
The iPhone
On June 29th, 2007, Apple shook up the mobile industry and released the very first iPhone. With its minimalistic aesthetic, having only one button and a user interface that was simple to pick up on, Apple knew that this was going to be the beginning of the iPhone’s long and successful journey.
iPhone 3 & 3GS
The iPhone 3 was released a year later in 2008, followed by the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. These were created as a means to provide access to faster networks as opposed to the 2G network the initial iPhone ran on. The difference between the iPhone 3G and 3GS was the processor in the devices. The iPhone 3GS had a faster processor, lowering the chances of lags and buffers.
iPhone 4 & 4S
In 2010, the iPhone 4 was released and introduced the infamous front-facing camera. Then came the revolutionary iPhone 4S in 2011, where Siri was first introduced to the world. This changed the future of the mobile industry with a new, hands-free version to use the device.
iPhone 5 & 5S
In 2012, Apple introduced a slicker, more modern look with the iPhone 5. Then followed the iPhone 5S in 2013, introducing the first “touch ID” where users could unlock their phones using their fingers! This was another big step for the iPhone and the future of the cellphone industry as a whole.
iPhone 5C
Although the iPhone 5C holds a similar internal hardware system to the iPhone 5, the 5C was introduced to the market as a more affordable alternative. This was because the shell of the device was made of hard-coated polycarbonate instead of aluminium. The different materials allowed for the iPhone 5C to come in a range of unique colours.
iPhone 6, 6S & 6 Plus
Then came the iPhone 6 in 2014, along with its variants the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. The main differences between the iPhone 5 and 6 are the build of the phone and the size of the screen. The iPhone 6 was the first of many iPhones to come with a “plus” sized option.
iPhone 7 & 7 Plus
Released in 2016, the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus came with a faster processing chip and longer battery life compared to previous generation. Other than the internal changes, there was not much difference between the iPhone 6 and 7 in terms of looks. However, the iPhone 7 was actually the first iPhone to be water-resistant!
iPhone SE
Apple introduced the budget-friendly iPhone the same year as the iPhone 7. For those looking to enjoy Apple’s user-friendly mobile device but don’t have the means to afford the latest iPhone, the SE is a perfect option. It is deemed the cheapest iPhone but still looks and works similarly to the other model worth twice the price!
iPhone 8 & 8 Plus
In 2017, Apple further delved into their minimalistic design and introduced the face ID system to the world, eliminating the one main button the iPhone used to have (excluding the lock and volume buttons). The iPhone 8 was also the first to have a glass back, making it accessible for wireless charging. Overall, the iPhone 8 was yet another game-changer for the mobile industry. The iPhone 8 Plus in the case was not only larger but also came with a dual camera lens.
iPhone X, XS & XR
The iPhone X was released in the same year as the iPhone 8. Overall, the iPhone X had a longer battery life, a larger display screen and better-quality cameras. Other than the minor adjustments, there was not much that was new with this model, it is simply a faster and updated version. The iPhone X came in a few additional variants: iPhone XS, iPhone Max and iPhone XR. The initial iPhone X went on to become discontinued due to the success of its variants.
iPhone 11/Pro/Max
With a processor two generations faster than the iPhone X, the iPhone 11 along with the iPhone 11 Pro were released in 2019. The iPhone 7 Max followed the next year. The look of the iPhone was also different, with a larger screen and different camera lenses.
iPhone 12 & iPhone 12 Mini
The iPhone 12 was released to the market in 2020. Although the overall build of this model was not too different to it’s predecessor, there was something unique about this release. The iPhone 12 was the first to introduce a smaller version of the phone, the iPhone 12 Mini! Unfortunately, the 12 Mini was discontinued in 2022 due to the low number of sales.
iPhone 13, Pro, Mini & Max
The iPhone 13, released in 2021, was simply an upgraded version of the iPhone 12, with a faster processor and higher resolution display. The iPhone 13 is also known for its high-quality camera lenses that come with a variety of capabilities. There were three additional variants: the Pro, Mini and Max.
iPhone 14, Pro & Max
Next, the iPhone 14 was released in 2022. Similar to the iPhone 13, the iPhone 14 is an upgrade of its predecessor where every aspect of the device has been tweaked and revised to provide the highest overall quality and experience for the user. Due to the discontinuation of the iPhone 12 and 13 Mini, the iPhone 14 only came out with a Pro and Max version.
iPhone 15
That leads us to this year, 2023. Apple fans are at the edge of their seats waiting for the release of the iPhone 15 which is said to be just two days from now. We can’t wait to see what the new generation brings! It is predicted that the iPhone 15 will essentially be a new and improved version of its predecessor.
