From the Original iPhone to iPhone 17: The Epic Evolution of Apple’s Iconic Smartphone (2007–2025)

Apple’s iPhone has come a long way since Steve Jobs unveiled the first model in 2007 with the bold promise that “today, Apple is going to reinvent the phone” en.wikipedia.org. In the nearly two decades since, Apple has released dozens of iPhones – 47 different models as of 2024 – transforming not only the smartphone industry but also our culture and daily lives. This comprehensive report will compare every iPhone from the original iPhone (2007) up through the latest iPhone 16 series and the upcoming iPhone 17. We’ll explore when each model came out, what innovations it introduced (in design, hardware, and software), and how each generation impacted the market and popular culture.

To help you navigate this evolution, we begin with a quick timeline of iPhone releases highlighting key features of each generation. After that, we dive into each era of iPhones – including major variants like the Plus, S upgrades, SE, mini, Pro, Pro Max, and others – to compare their technical specifications (processors, cameras, displays, storage, battery life) and breakthroughs. Along the way, you’ll find expert commentary, notable quotes, and the latest news on iPhone 17 leaks. Let’s trace the epic journey of the iPhone from a 2007 revolution to the cutting-edge devices of 2025.

Timeline of iPhone Releases and Innovations (2007–2025)

Below is a brief timeline summarizing each year’s iPhone releases and their major innovations:

(The iPhone 17 details above are based on rumors/leaks as of mid-2025 and could change with Apple’s official announcement.)

Now, let’s examine each generation in more detail, including their technical specs, design evolution, software features, and the impact they had on the tech landscape and culture.

Original iPhone (2007): A Revolution Begins

Release: June 29, 2007.
Key Specs: 3.5″ multitouch LCD (320×480); 412 MHz ARM11 chip; 128 MB RAM; 4 GB/8 GB storage; 2 MP rear camera; 2G EDGE networking (no 3G); ran “iPhone OS 1.0”.

When Steve Jobs introduced the original iPhone at Macworld 2007, he declared, “Every once in a while, a revolutionary product comes along that changes everything… today, Apple is going to reinvent the phone” en.wikipedia.org. It was no idle boast. The first iPhone combined three devices in one – “a widescreen iPod with touch controls, a revolutionary mobile phone, and a breakthrough internet communicator” en.wikipedia.org – all accessed through a then-unheard-of finger-driven multi-touch interface with a large screen. This design did away with nearly all physical buttons (just a volume rocker, mute switch, sleep button, and one iconic Home button), at a time when BlackBerrys and Nokias were covered in keys. The iPhone’s software was equally groundbreaking: a mobile-optimized version of OS X (dubbed iPhone OS), which for the first time brought desktop-class web browsing (via Mobile Safari) and rich email to a phone en.wikipedia.org. Features we take for granted now – pinch-to-zoom, visual voicemail, Google Maps on a phone – were pioneered or popularized by the original iPhone.

That’s not to say it had every modern feature. Notably, the first iPhone was limited to 2G (EDGE) data speeds, which made loading web pages slow (painfully so, in hindsight). There was no App Store – third-party apps were not supported at launch, aside from web apps. And its hardware specs seem quaint today: just 128 MB of RAM and a 2 megapixel camera with no flash. But the hardware and software were remarkably polished for a 1.0 product. Reviewers at the time praised the iPhone’s build quality, the fluidity of the touch interface, and the fact that it could easily sync music, videos, and contacts from a computer (leveraging Apple’s iPod experience). The public was enthralled – hundreds lined up for days to get one, and Apple sold roughly 300,000 iPhones in the first weekend iphonelife.com. While that number may seem small next to later launches, it proved that a market existed for $500+ smartphones.

Impact: The original iPhone is widely credited with redefining the smartphone paradigm. By eliminating the physical keyboard and focusing on a software-rich touchscreen, it set the template that almost all phones now follow. As one retrospective noted, the iPhone’s introduction “turned the smartphone industry on its head” – incumbents like Nokia, Motorola, and BlackBerry were caught off-guard, and within a few years, the iPhone (and Google’s Android, which followed its lead) had eclipsed them. Culturally, the iPhone became a status symbol and pop-culture icon almost immediately – appearing in TV shows, being parodied in comedy skits, and generally inaugurating the era of the constant smartphone. The App Store hadn’t yet arrived, but the stage was set for mobile apps, touchscreen gaming, and the notion of “there’s an app for that” which would soon transform entire industries (ride-hailing, social media, photography, etc.). In short, the original iPhone was a revolution – arguably the most impactful gadget of the 21st century so far.

Quote (Steve Jobs, 2007 launch): “Today Apple is going to reinvent the phone.” en.wikipedia.org Little did we know how true that was – the iPhone would go on to reinvent entire industries.

iPhone 3G (2008): Going Global with Apps

Release: July 11, 2008 (USA and select countries).
Key Specs: Same 3.5″ screen and 2 MP camera; added 3G UMTS/HSPA cellular radio and GPS; storage 8 GB or 16 GB; iPhone OS 2.0 with App Store.

Just one year after the original, Apple launched the iPhone 3G, named for its support of 3G networks that were much faster for data. Externally, it got a new plastic back (black or white) which improved signal strength, but otherwise looked similar to the first model. The big changes were under the hood and in software. First, 3G data meant that using email, web, and maps on the go was far more practical – no more waiting ages for a simple page to load. “You could actually use the internet without wanting to throw the phone,” one writer quipped. Secondly, the iPhone 3G added an integrated GPS receiver, enabling turn-by-turn navigation and location-aware apps.

Most importantly, alongside the 3G Apple launched the App Store (in the new iPhone OS 2.0 software). At launch there were only about 500 apps, but it was enough to spark what would become the mobile app revolution. For the first time, iPhone users (and iPod Touch users) could install third-party native apps easily, and developers big and small could reach iPhone owners worldwide. The phrase “There’s an app for that” entered the lexicon as the App Store quickly grew – by 2009 it had tens of thousands of apps, from games to productivity tools, fueling iPhone’s utility and addictiveness.

Apple cleverly subsidized the iPhone 3G’s price through carrier agreements, so it launched at $199 (8GB) on contract – half the upfront cost of the first model. This, plus the new features, led to blockbuster sales: over the iPhone 3G’s life Apple expanded to many more countries and sold tens of millions (exact figures are hard to parse because Apple started grouping sales, but it was a huge leap up). The iPhone 3G “went global” – launching in key markets in Europe and Asia for the first time – and firmly established Apple as a major player in mobile phones.

Impact: The iPhone 3G’s introduction of the App Store might be its biggest legacy. It popularized the app economy that we now take for granted, creating entirely new sectors (mobile gaming, social media apps like Instagram, messaging apps like WhatsApp – none of which could have existed so robustly without Apple’s App Store model). Culturally, the App Store also spurred a generation of developers and “indie app” success stories, not to mention the occasional app addiction (think of how apps like Facebook, Twitter, or Angry Birds became ubiquitous on our phones). Meanwhile, 3G capability meant the iPhone could truly start replacing the laptop for on-the-go email and browsing – a step toward the always-connected lifestyle. The device’s popularity also began to draw serious attention from enterprise IT (who had been all-BlackBerry before) and from competitors. By the end of 2008, every phone maker was scrambling to respond to the iPhone, and Google’s Android platform had launched its first device. The smartphone race – and smartphone boom – was officially on, thanks in large part to the iPhone 3G.

iPhone 3GS (2009): Speed and Polish

Release: June 19, 2009.
Key Specs: Same physical design as 3G; faster 600 MHz CPU and double the RAM (256 MB); up to 32 GB storage; 3.0 MP camera with auto-focus & video; compass sensor. iPhone OS 3.0.

Apple followed its now-familiar pattern by releasing an “S” model in 2009 – the iPhone 3GS – which focused on internal improvements while keeping the outward design of the 3G. The “S” officially stood for Speed, and indeed the 3GS was roughly 2× faster than its predecessor in CPU and had a better graphics chip. This made the overall experience snappier and allowed more advanced apps (the App Store by now had over 50,000 apps, some of which pushed the hardware). The 3GS also introduced a 32 GB storage tier (previous max was 16 GB), anticipating the growing media and app files users were accumulating.

Notably, the camera got a boost to 3 megapixels with autofocus – the first iPhone camera that could tap-to-focus on subjects – and the 3GS added the ability to record video (480p). Suddenly iPhone owners could leave their Flip camcorders at home and capture decent videos right from the phone. The device also included a new digital compass, which, combined with GPS, enabled more sophisticated navigation and the first augmented reality apps (which overlaid information on the live camera view based on direction). On the voice front, the 3GS introduced basic Voice Control for dialing and music (still no Siri – that was two years away).

From a software perspective, iPhone OS 3 on the 3GS added copy-and-paste – finally! – as well as MMS picture messaging and Spotlight search, addressing some early iPhone criticisms.

The iPhone 3GS was not a revolutionary jump, but it fine-tuned the iPhone formula and gave it the horsepower to handle the next few years of app innovation. Apple sold over 1 million 3GS units in the first weekend, indicating that demand was higher than ever. By late 2009, the iPhone was firmly mainstream and increasingly siphoning former BlackBerry and Windows Mobile users.

Impact: The 3GS solidified the notion of yearly upgrade cycles for smartphones – each year bringing meaningful (if not always radical) improvements. Thanks to its speed bump, the 3GS extended the longevity of iPhones; indeed, Apple supported the 3GS with iOS updates for a full four years, which built customer trust that an iPhone was a good long-term investment. The improved camera with video recording started the trend of iPhones rapidly replacing point-and-shoot cameras and camcorders for casual use – a trend that would massively accelerate in coming generations. Culturally, by 2009 smartphones were becoming status symbols and everyday tools; the iPhone (especially with the 3GS) was at the forefront of that, increasingly seen in the hands of professionals, students, and even seniors, not just tech enthusiasts. The addition of features like copy/paste and MMS quelled the remaining skeptics who mocked early iPhones for lacking those basics. All told, the 3GS era was one of refinement and growing dominance for Apple’s young upstart phone.

iPhone 4 (2010): Design Icon and Retina Revolution

Release: June 24, 2010.
Key Specs: 3.5″ Retina Display (960×640 @326 ppi); Apple A4 chip; 512 MB RAM; 5 MP rear camera + LED flash (720p video); front VGA camera; stainless steel + glass design. Introduced iOS 4 and FaceTime.

The iPhone 4 is often considered one of Apple’s most iconic designs and was a monumental upgrade that set new standards for smartphones. Steve Jobs introduced it by saying, “This changes everything. Again.” The iPhone 4 debuted a striking new look: a sleek flat design with aluminum/stainless-steel band edges and glass panels on front and back. It was a sharp departure from the curved plastic of prior models – instantly recognizable and premium-feeling (albeit slippery and fragile if dropped!). This aesthetic became so beloved that Apple would later echo it in the iPhone 12 and beyond.

Beyond looks, the iPhone 4’s marquee feature was the Retina Display – a term Apple coined for its ultra-high-resolution screen. At 960×640 pixels on a 3.5″ LCD, it packed four times the pixels of previous iPhones, for a density of 326 ppi, which Apple noted is “higher than the human eye can distinguish at a normal viewing distance.” In practice, text and images looked amazingly crisp, kicking off an industry race for high-res displays. Overnight, the iPhone 4 made other phone screens look pixelated.

The iPhone 4 also introduced the first front-facing camera, enabling video calls via Apple’s new FaceTime feature. With a simple tap, you could do a face-to-face video chat with another iPhone 4 or Mac user – a concept long promised in sci-fi. While initially limited to Wi-Fi and Apple’s ecosystem, FaceTime helped popularize the idea of mobile video calling (which during the 2020s would become ubiquitous for remote work and staying in touch). The front camera also quietly gave birth to the selfie era – people started flipping that camera to take photos of themselves, a cultural trend that would explode in coming years.

The rear camera jumped to 5 MP and, importantly, gained an LED flash for low-light shots. It could also record 720p HD video, turning the iPhone into a handy HD camcorder in your pocket. The new Apple A4 chip (the first Apple-designed SoC) and 512 MB of RAM made iOS 4 run smoothly, even with the higher pixel load. This was also the first iPhone launched with iOS naming (they rebranded iPhone OS to iOS 4) and it added multitasking support, homescreen wallpapers, and an integrated Mail inbox – bringing the software further in line with user expectations.

The launch wasn’t without hiccups – an antenna design quirk (the external steel band served as the antenna) led to the infamous “Antennagate,” where holding the phone a certain way could drop calls. This caused quite a stir; Apple offered free bumper cases and eventually improved the design in later batches. But the issue did little to dampen enthusiasm: the iPhone 4 was a smash hit, selling 1.7 million units in its first three days (a new record at the time) and remaining in huge demand for many months.

Impact: The iPhone 4’s design set a bar for the entire industry – from this point on, premium phones increasingly adopted glass/metal constructions and focused on ever-higher display resolutions. The term “Retina Display” even entered common usage to mean any super-sharp screen. With FaceTime and the front camera, Apple normalized video calling and selfies, profoundly influencing social media behavior (the front camera arguably enabled apps like Snapchat and later TikTok to flourish). The improved camera with flash meant the iPhone encroached even further on point-and-shoot cameras – night dinners and parties began being documented via iPhone 4’s flash photography. Culturally, the iPhone 4 was the gadget to have in 2010 – its launch was accompanied by unprecedented hype, long lines, and even a high-profile prototype leak incident that made national news. The phrase “Retina Display” became a selling point that everyday people understood (“higher resolution = better”). Moreover, the iPhone 4 helped Apple break through in markets like China, where the design’s luxury aura made it a coveted status symbol. In short, the iPhone 4 was a watershed moment – delivering a one-two punch of design elegance and technological advancements that solidified the iPhone’s place at the top of the smartphone world.

iPhone 4S (2011): Siri Arrives

Release: October 14, 2011.
Key Specs: Same 3.5″ Retina display and design as iPhone 4; dual-core A5 chip; 512 MB RAM; new 8 MP camera with 1080p video; available in 16/32/64 GB. First iPhone with Siri voice assistant.

By late 2011, the world was eagerly awaiting Apple’s next move. The iPhone 4S – unveiled just one day before Steve Jobs sadly passed away – didn’t change the exterior formula of the beloved iPhone 4, but it delivered some significant upgrades internally and in software. The name “4S” was fitting: it stood for Siri, Speed, and Shoot (camera).

Performance: The 4S adopted the dual-core A5 processor from the iPad 2, making it considerably faster and more graphically capable than the iPhone 4. Tasks like web loading, gaming, and general responsiveness improved noticeably. It also introduced a worldphone GSM+CDMA radio, meaning one model could work on virtually any carrier (handy for global travelers).

Camera: The rear camera jumped from 5 MP to 8 megapixels and gained a more advanced sensor and optics. Image quality saw a “whopping” improvement – reviewers noted the 4S could replace a point-and-shoot in many situations. It also now recorded full 1080p HD video (up from 720p). To complement this, iOS 5 added basic photo editing and organization features.

Siri: The headline feature was, of course, Siri, Apple’s voice-controlled intelligent assistant. For the first time, you could press and hold the Home button and talk to your phone conversationally: ask about the weather, set reminders (“Remind me to call Mom when I leave work”), dictate text messages, get answers from the web, etc. Siri was a product of Apple’s 2010 acquisition of a DARPA-funded AI startup, and it caught the public’s imagination. Commercials showed people asking Siri all sorts of things (“Do I need an umbrella today?”) and getting a friendly spoken answer. While Siri’s beta had its limitations (and funny misinterpretations), it represented a new way to interact with devices. The 4S shipped with Siri exclusively (no earlier iPhone got it at launch), making it a major selling point.

Upon release, the iPhone 4S saw massive demand – over 4 million units sold in the first weekend, a record-breaking launch for Apple. It also launched on new carriers (like Sprint in the US), expanding its reach.

Impact: The iPhone 4S may not have looked new, but it had a huge impact primarily through Siri and the improved camera. Siri brought the concept of a digital voice assistant to the masses; it became a cultural phenomenon with people testing its witty responses or using it for fun (“Open the pod bay doors, Siri…” was a popular 2001: Space Odyssey reference that elicited a cheeky reply). Siri’s launch began a tech industry race in AI assistants – within a couple of years, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon all introduced their own voice assistants, transforming how we search and use our devices. The 8MP camera’s quality leap meant even more people started ditching standalone cameras. Many iconic news photos and viral videos of the early 2010s were shot on an iPhone 4S. Additionally, the 4S was the first iPhone introduced after Steve Jobs’ death, so it carries sentimental weight; it proved Apple could continue its product momentum. Culturally, the 4S solidified the notion of talking to your phone as an acceptable behavior (at least in private!), and it made phrases like “according to Siri…” part of the lexicon. Though visually understated, the iPhone 4S pushed the smartphone forward in usability and ushered in the age of AI on mobile.

iPhone 5 (2012): Bigger Screen, Lightning Speed

Release: September 21, 2012.
Key Specs: 4.0″ Retina display (1136×640); Apple A6 chip; 1 GB RAM; 8 MP camera (improved low-light); LTE 4G; new Lightning connector; aluminum unibody design.

The iPhone 5 marked another major step in the iPhone’s evolution – literally making it taller. After five years of a 3.5″ screen, Apple finally increased the display size to 4 inches (diagonally) with a 16:9 aspect ratio. This allowed an extra row of icons on the home screen and made widescreen video playback fill the screen without black bars. Importantly, Apple kept the width the same, so the iPhone 5 felt similar in hand, just a bit taller. The move acknowledged the trend of larger screens on Android phones and gave users more real estate while (mostly) maintaining one-handed usability.

Design-wise, the iPhone 5 introduced a gorgeous aluminum unibody chassis with glass inlays – it was thinner (7.6mm) and about 20% lighter than the 4S, despite the bigger screen. Many consider it one of Apple’s most elegant designs (the white model had raw aluminum back, the black model had a unique slate-black anodization, though that one was prone to scuffs). This was also the first iPhone to launch in a new fall timeframe (September), which has continued since.

Under the hood, the iPhone 5 was the first with a dual-core Apple A6 processor, which was Apple’s first in-house custom CPU design (not just a tweaked ARM reference design) – and it paid off with performance that doubled the A5’s in many tasks. Notably, the iPhone 5 added LTE 4G capability, finally bringing true broadband speeds to iPhone users. Users upgrading from 3G noticed a dramatic jump in download/upload speeds, enabling smooth video streaming and faster cloud usage. Despite concerns, Apple managed to make LTE work with solid battery life in the iPhone 5.

The iPhone 5’s camera remained 8 MP, but with improved low-light performance and faster photo capture. It also introduced Panorama mode in the camera app (letting users capture wide panoramas easily). The front camera was upgraded to 720p HD, acknowledging the rise of FaceTime and selfies.

Another bold change: the 30-pin dock connector (dating from 2003 iPods) was replaced by the new Lightning connector. Lightning was all-digital, reversible (no more fumbling to plug in), and much smaller. This change was somewhat controversial initially because it instantly made a decade of accessories outdated without an adapter. But Apple provided adapters and argued (correctly) that Lightning would serve us for the next decade-plus. Indeed, Lightning remained standard on iPhones until 2023.

The iPhone 5 launched with iOS 6, which notably added Passbook (for tickets and coupons) and a new Apple Maps app – which had a rocky start with data inaccuracies, leading CEO Tim Cook to publicly apologize. But the hardware itself was a triumph. Apple sold 5 million iPhone 5 units in the first weekend, setting yet another record.

Impact: The iPhone 5’s most immediate impact was accelerating the adoption of 4G LTE among iPhone users, which in turn pushed carriers worldwide to expand LTE coverage. Suddenly, millions of people had broadband in their pocket, which changed usage patterns (more video streaming, richer apps, etc.). The new 4″ screen started a gradual trend of increasing phone sizes – while modest by later standards, it signaled Apple’s acknowledgment that bigger screens were here to stay. Culturally, the iPhone 5 was extremely popular and its design was widely praised; it kept Apple at the forefront of smartphone desirability. The Lightning connector change, while initially requiring people to buy new docks or adapters, ultimately was accepted and became a de facto standard for a huge range of accessories (speakers, chargers, car integrations) over the next decade. Also, with the iPhone 5, Apple truly went global on day one – launching simultaneously in many countries, reflecting the iPhone’s status as a worldwide consumer phenomenon. The device’s lighter, thinner feel also set expectations for phones to become sleeker (the “bendgate” of iPhone 6 aside). In summary, the iPhone 5 refined the iPhone in crucial ways: faster, lighter, larger-screened, and better connected – qualities that cemented the iPhone’s reputation as a leading-edge product.

iPhone 5s & 5c (2013): Touch ID and a Splash of Color

Release: September 20, 2013.
Key Specs (5s): Same 4″ Retina display; new A7 chip, first 64-bit CPU in a smartphone; 1 GB RAM; Touch ID fingerprint sensor; improved 8 MP camera with dual-tone flash and slow-motion video.
Key Specs (5c): Colorful polycarbonate body; internals similar to iPhone 5 (A6 chip, 8 MP camera).

In 2013, Apple did something new: it launched two iPhone models simultaneously. The iPhone 5s was the high-end successor to the 5, while the iPhone 5c was a more affordable option designed to replace the iPhone 5 (which was discontinued). This dual release strategy acknowledged the expanding smartphone market segments and was aimed at reaching more price-sensitive customers with the 5c, without sacrificing innovation in the 5s.

iPhone 5s: Externally, the 5s looked nearly identical to the 5, save for new color options (adding a champagne gold model and a gray “space gray” to replace black). The big advances were inside. The A7 chip in the 5s was a shock to the industry – it was the world’s first 64-bit processor in a phone, something no one expected so soon. Apple touted desktop-class performance and improved graphics; indeed, the A7 made the 5s about 2× faster than the 5 and enabled new things like 120 fps video. The jump to 64-bit also forced the entire mobile industry to play catch-up, as it future-proofed iOS for more advanced apps (and more than 4 GB RAM, though the 5s itself had 1 GB). Alongside the A7, Apple included an M7 motion coprocessor – essentially a sensor hub that collected data from the accelerometer/gyroscope/compass. This allowed fitness tracking and motion-based apps to run efficiently without draining the main chip, heralding Apple’s interest in wearables and health.

But perhaps the marquee feature of the 5s was Touch ID. Integrated into a sapphire-covered Home button, Touch ID was a fingerprint sensor that let you unlock your phone with a touch and authorize iTunes/App Store purchases. It was fast and reliable for its time, and it eliminated the friction of passcodes for many users. This was a game-changer for smartphone security – overnight, millions of people started locking their phones (whereas many hadn’t before, due to inconvenience) because Touch ID made it effortless. Competing phones eventually added fingerprint sensors too, but Apple’s implementation was especially seamless.

The camera on the 5s, while still 8 MP, got a larger f/2.2 aperture and a new dual-LED “True Tone” flash – one cool and one warm LED that would mix to give more natural color in flash photos. It really did improve indoor portraits compared to earlier harsh blueish LED flashes. The 5s camera also introduced 120 fps slow-motion video at 720p, which became a fun feature for many (suddenly slow-mo skateboard videos and pet videos flooded social media). Overall, the 5s refined an already excellent camera from the iPhone 5, especially in low light.

The 5s launched with iOS 7, which itself was a big deal – a complete visual redesign of iOS with flat, colorful design language (moving away from skeuomorphic textures). The combo of iOS 7’s fresh look and the 5s’s advanced features made using the device feel futuristic in 2013.

The iPhone 5s was a massive hit, with Apple selling 9 million units of 5s and 5c combined in the first weekend (an all-time record then). Notably, demand skewed heavily toward the 5s – the gold model especially saw shortages for weeks.

iPhone 5c: Alongside the 5s, the iPhone 5c was introduced as a more fun and budget-friendly model. Essentially, the 5c took the innards of the iPhone 5 (A6 chip, 8 MP camera, 4″ Retina display) and wrapped them in a new polycarbonate (plastic) unibody shell that came in five bright colors (blue, green, pink, yellow, white). It was slightly thicker and rounder in hand than the 5/5s, but sturdy and cheerful-looking. Apple pitched the 5c as “unapologetically plastic” – a departure from its usually metallic flagships – and as a device for the youthful crowd or emerging markets. Priced $100 lower than the 5s, it was essentially replacing where the iPhone 5 price tier would have been.

The 5c didn’t have any new features over the 2012 iPhone 5, but it did launch with iOS 7 and supported all the same apps. It performed well thanks to the still-capable A6. However, the 5c’s sales were a bit underwhelming relative to Apple’s hopes – it turned out people either splurged on the 5s for the cool new tech, or waited for price cuts on older models. Still, the 5c did sell in the tens of millions over its life and brought many first-time iPhone buyers into the fold, especially since carriers often had promotions for the 5c.

Impact: The iPhone 5s had a lasting impact thanks to Touch ID and the move to 64-bit computing. Fingerprint unlocking became a standard feature on smartphones and even laptops in the years following, improving security for countless users. The success of Touch ID also laid the groundwork for Apple Pay (introduced a year later) as a convenient biometric authorization. The 64-bit A7 chip shocked competitors – Qualcomm, Samsung, etc., had to scramble to release 64-bit chips the next year, accelerating mobile CPU development. App developers too updated their apps to 64-bit, paving the way for more advanced and memory-intensive applications (today’s AR, machine learning on-device, etc., might not have been feasible on a 32-bit mobile OS).

The iPhone 5c’s impact was more modest – it showed Apple could have fun with design (the colorful phones were a rare playful moment in Apple’s lineup) and that there was a market for a slightly cheaper iPhone, but it also taught Apple that people seem to gravitate to the newest tech (the premium 5s vastly outsold the 5c). This lesson would later be reflected in how Apple positions iPhone “XR” or “11” vs. “Pro” models.

Culturally, iPhone 5s’ slow-mo camera added to the creative ways people could use their phone camera. Touch ID influenced user expectations – after getting used to fingerprint unlock, people started wanting biometric access for everything (passcodes felt antiquated). In fact, the 5s was so well-rounded that it remained in Apple’s lineup at lower cost for years and got iOS updates for a long time, becoming a sort of “classic”. Meanwhile, the aesthetics of iOS 7 on the 5s/5c (flat UI, translucency, parallax effects) influenced software design trends across the industry.

In summary, 2013’s iPhones gave us security and speed under the hood (5s) and a dash of personality on the outside (5c) – and crucially, they set the stage for Apple’s next big leap the following year with larger screens.

iPhone 6 & 6 Plus (2014): Bigger Screens and Bendgate

Release: September 19, 2014.
Key Specs: iPhone 6: 4.7″ Retina (1334×750); Apple A8 chip; 1 GB RAM; 8 MP camera (Focus Pixels autofocus). iPhone 6 Plus: 5.5″ Retina (1920×1080); same A8; optical image stabilization (OIS) on camera. New thin curved design; NFC for Apple Pay.

2014 was a pivotal year: Apple finally jumped into the large-screen phone arena with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. These models kicked off the modern era of big iPhones and turned out to be hugely successful commercially (the iPhone 6 generation remains one of the best-selling smartphone models of all time).

Big Displays: The iPhone 6 featured a 4.7-inch screen, and the 6 Plus a whopping 5.5-inch screen. This was a dramatic increase from the 4″ iPhone 5/5s, and it aligned Apple with a trend that had been accelerating in the Android world (where 5″+ “phablets” were popular). The 6’s screen had a slightly higher-than-720p resolution (1334×750), and the 6 Plus was full 1080p (1920×1080). Users loved the extra real estate for reading, media, and typing. The 6 Plus in particular targeted those who might otherwise buy a Samsung Galaxy Note or similar large device – it even had a special landscape mode for certain apps and a “Reachability” gesture (double-touch the home button to pull the UI down halfway) to help with one-handed use on the big screen.

Design: The iPhone 6/6 Plus introduced a new rounded aluminum unibody design, ultra-thin at 6.9mm (6) and 7.1mm (6 Plus). Gone were the flat edges of the 5/5s; the 6 had smooth, continuous curves and the front glass even subtly curved at the edges to meet the frame. The design was very sleek (some say a bit slippery) and the antenna lines were visible on the back as white/gray bands. Both sizes came in Silver, Space Gray, and Gold. This look defined the iPhone’s appearance for the next several years (through the 6S, 7, 8 series).

However, the thinness and larger size did lead to the infamous “Bendgate” controversy iphonelife.com. Some users found that the iPhone 6 Plus in particular could bend slightly if put under pressure (like in a tight back pocket). It became a viral topic with videos of bent phones. Apple’s response was that it was rare, and they reinforced areas in later production. Bendgate aside, millions of customers enjoyed the design’s feel.

Apple Pay & NFC: The iPhone 6 lineup was the first to include an NFC chip, which Apple primarily used to launch Apple Pay – a contactless payment system. With Touch ID and NFC, you could now tap your iPhone on a payment terminal to pay, with tokenized security. Apple Pay rolled out in the US in late 2014 and later globally, and it has since grown into a widely used payment method. The iPhone 6 made mobile payments mainstream, succeeding where earlier efforts (Google Wallet, etc.) had struggled, thanks to Apple’s integrations and clout with banks.

Performance: Both models ran on the Apple A8 chip, a 64-bit dual-core with better efficiency. Performance was about 25% faster than the A7, and graphics ~50% faster – a more modest gain than the jump the year before, but still solid. A notable addition was the M8 coprocessor, now including a barometer sensor, which enabled altitude tracking (think counting flights of stairs in Health app).

Camera: Stills remained at 8 MP, but Apple upgraded the sensor with “Focus Pixels” (phase-detection AF pixels) for much faster autofocus. The camera also had improved image processing for better noise reduction and face detection. Critically, the iPhone 6 Plus camera included optical image stabilization (OIS) in hardware – a first for iPhone – which allowed sharper photos in low light by steadying longer exposures, and smoother video. The 6 (non-Plus) did not have OIS, relying only on digital stabilization. Both models offered 1080p video at 60 fps and slow-motion video up to 240 fps at 720p, doubling the slo-mo rate from the 5s – the slow-mo was stunningly smooth. The front camera (1.2 MP) gained a larger aperture for better FaceTime selfies.

Software: They shipped with iOS 8, which opened up the platform a bit – allowing third-party keyboards, widgets in Notification Center, and the new Health app (leveraging those motion sensors). iOS 8 also introduced Continuity features with Macs (phone calls and texts relaying), and support for Apple Watch (which was announced alongside the 6, though released in 2015).

The public response was enormous. Apple announced they sold 10 million iPhone 6/6 Plus units in the first weekend – again a record. And over its life, the iPhone 6 family sold well over 200 million units globally, making it one of the most successful smartphones ever. It was particularly popular in China, where the larger screens were highly prized and coincided with Apple’s expanded presence.

Impact: The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus firmly established large screens as the norm for smartphones, even among iPhone loyalists who had held onto smaller devices. After this, new iPhones would only get bigger (until the SE series revived smaller options). The sales success of the 6/6 Plus also propelled Apple’s revenues and global market share to new heights; it drew many new users into the iOS ecosystem, sometimes dubbed the “iPhone 6 Supercycle.” With Apple Pay, the iPhone 6 helped kickstart the era of mobile contactless payments – something that’s now commonplace for many people when buying coffee or riding transit. The inclusion of NFC for payments (while not open for other uses initially) set the stage for the iPhone as a digital wallet.

Culturally, the iPhone 6/6 Plus were so popular that they became a default phone for various demographics. The introduction of a phablet-sized iPhone (6 Plus) arguably accelerated the decline of small tablets, since a big-screen phone can do “tablet” tasks on the go. On the flip side, some fans of truly small phones felt left behind – this would later prompt Apple to create the iPhone SE and the iPhone 12 mini for those niche audiences.

“Bendgate” provided late-night comedians with jokes, but ultimately did not tarnish the iPhone 6’s reputation; if anything, it made consumers more aware of the need for cases or care with ultrathin phones. Apple did quietly use stronger aluminum in the following 6s to address it iphonelife.com.

All said, the iPhone 6 era was a watershed for Apple – it brought iPhone to its sales peak and aligned Apple’s design philosophy with consumers’ desire for bigger, thin, and capable devices. The shockwaves of the iPhone 6 can still be felt in that every flagship phone since has had a big, high-resolution display as its centerpiece feature.

iPhone 6s & 6s Plus (2015): The “Tick-Tock” Refinement

Release: September 25, 2015.
Key Specs: Same 4.7″ and 5.5″ displays; stronger 7000-series aluminum; Apple A9 chip; 2 GB RAM; new 12 MP rear camera (4K video) & 5 MP front camera; introduced 3D Touch pressure-sensitive display; Live Photos.

Following the pattern, 2015’s iPhone 6s and 6s Plus kept the outward design of the 6 series but delivered a host of upgrades that, in some ways, changed everything under the hood. Apple’s tagline was “The only thing that’s changed is everything,” a nod to how much tech they packed into the same form.

Stronger Build: After Bendgate, Apple used 7000-series aluminum alloy (the kind used in aerospace) for the 6s bodies iphonelife.com. This made them slightly heavier but far less prone to bending or denting. Externally they looked the same, though Apple added a new Rose Gold color option alongside silver, space gray, and gold.

3D Touch: One of the flagship new features was 3D Touch – a pressure-sensitive display that could detect how hard you pressed. This enabled new “Peek and Pop” gestures: you could press on an email to peek at its content, press harder to open it fully, or on app icons to get quick action menus (e.g., press the Camera icon to jump straight to selfie mode). It was a novel interaction, building on the Force Touch tech from Apple Watch. Some power users loved it, though it had a learning curve and not everyone discovered its uses. Still, it showed Apple’s drive to innovate in UI and made the 6s feel more futuristic in 2015.

Cameras: The iPhone 6s was the first increase in camera resolution since 2011 – jumping from 8 MP to 12 megapixels for the rear iSight camera iphonelife.com. This brought crisper detail and higher-resolution shots and enabled 4K video recording (up from 1080p). The sensor was also faster, enabling features like Live Photos, which debuted on the 6s – basically, the camera captures a short 1.5s video before and after the shutter click, so your photos come to life when pressed (tying in with 3D Touch) iphonelife.com. The effect was playful and gave context/motion to memories, and Apple turned it on by default. The front camera also leapt from a paltry 1.2 MP to 5 MP, and to improve selfies, Apple introduced the “Retina Flash” – the screen would flash bright white to act as a front flash in low light.

Performance: The 6s duo got the new dual-core A9 chip with substantial performance gains (50–70% faster CPU/GPU than A8). Equally important, Apple doubled the RAM to 2 GB iphonelife.com, which made a huge difference in multitasking and Safari tab reloads. This upgrade meant the 6s felt snappier and could keep apps in memory longer, addressing a pain point from the 1 GB days. The new M9 coprocessor also enabled “Hey Siri” voice activation without needing power, so you could call up Siri hands-free.

Other: Touch ID on 6s was second-gen, significantly faster (some joked it was too fast to even see the lock screen). The 6s also had faster LTE Advanced support and upgraded Wi-Fi (adding 802.11ac with MIMO). With iOS 9 (which launched with it), features like Live Photos were integrated system-wide, and Low Power Mode was introduced, which users loved to extend battery life in a pinch.

The iPhone 6s launch wasn’t as record-smashing as the 6 (partly because Apple changed its reporting and launch country strategy), but it was still one of the top-selling phones of its year. The 6s/6s Plus ultimately sold very well and have the distinction of being supported by iOS updates for an extremely long time (Apple supported them up to iOS 15 in 2022, an unprecedented 7-year support span, which speaks to how robust the hardware was).

Impact: The iPhone 6s’s introduction of 3D Touch was the first mainstream example of pressure-sensitive screens on phones (others followed with similar ideas, though by late 2010s the industry moved toward long-press context menus instead, and Apple itself phased out 3D Touch by 2019). While 3D Touch didn’t become indispensable for all users, it pointed to interesting possibilities in UI design – and some power users still miss it now that it’s gone. The camera improvements on the 6s (12 MP + 4K video + Live Photos) kept iPhone at the forefront of mobile photography. By moving to 12 MP, Apple ensured iPhone cameras could remain competitive as rivals jumped to 16 MP and beyond, and 4K video gave budding videographers more creative freedom (the quality of 4K on a phone in 2015 was pretty astonishing).

The jump to 2 GB RAM and a beefy A9 also made the 6s very longevity-proof. That’s a key reason why the 6s got 7 years of updates – it had enough headroom. This taught Apple (and users) that having more RAM in phones is critical for future-proofing, and since then Apple has steadily increased RAM in iPhones (e.g., 4 GB by iPhone 11 Pro, 6 GB by iPhone 12 Pro, etc.).

From a cultural angle, Live Photos added a new dimension to how people share pictures – a bit of motion that many found delightful (and it prefigured the popularity of GIFs and short videos in communication). Many a pet’s tongue-out moment or a baby’s quick smile were better captured thanks to Live Photos buffering the moment.

And interestingly, the iPhone 6s’s strengthened chassis and improved internals resolved the criticism of the 6 series, making it one of the most reliable iPhone models. Even as late as 2022, there were many happy 6s users out there due to its durability and longevity.

In summary, the iPhone 6s/6s Plus may have looked like just a spec-bump, but they introduced meaningful innovations (3D Touch, Live Photos) and crucial refinements (camera, RAM, build strength) that had lasting positive effects on the iPhone’s trajectory. If the iPhone 6 was a leap, the 6s ensured the landing was solid.

iPhone SE (1st Gen, 2016): The Little Phone That Could

Release: March 31, 2016.
Key Specs: 4.0″ Retina display; Apple A9 chip; 2 GB RAM; 12 MP camera (same as 6s); Touch ID. Design identical to iPhone 5s.

In a move that thrilled small-phone aficionados, Apple unveiled the iPhone SE in early 2016. The SE (Special Edition) was essentially an iPhone 6s crammed into an iPhone 5s body. It had the compact 4-inch screen and virtually the same external design as the classic iPhone 5/5s (flat edges, aluminum and glass, available in Silver, Space Gray, Gold, and Rose Gold), but inside it packed modern guts: the A9 processor, 2 GB of RAM, a 12 MP camera, NFC for Apple Pay, etc. Apple’s aim was to cater to those who preferred a smaller phone or wanted a more affordable entry into the iPhone lineup without sacrificing performance.

Performance Parity: The SE literally had the same A9 chip and memory as the flagship 6s launched six months earlier. This was unprecedented at the time – typically cheaper or smaller models had older tech. As a result, the SE was a little beast in speed, outpacing many Android flagships of that year and matching its big brothers.

Camera: It also sported the same excellent 12 MP rear camera as the 6s (minus the 3D Touch-based Live Photos feature – actually, correction: the SE did support Live Photos despite lacking 3D Touch; you would long-press to play them). It could record 4K video too. The only real downgrade was the front camera, which remained 1.2 MP like the 5s, not the 5 MP of the 6s – a cost-saving measure that made selfies a bit lower quality.

Design & Features: By using the iPhone 5s chassis, Apple saved cost and also pleased fans of that form factor – many consider the iPhone 5/5s design one of Apple’s best, and the SE continued that legacy. It had Touch ID (first-gen, slightly slower than 6s’s second-gen but fine), and Apple Pay support. The battery life on the SE was actually quite good relative to its size, because the A9 was efficient and the lower-res screen consumed less power; some users found it outlasted bigger iPhones in daily use.

Reception: The iPhone SE was lauded by tech reviewers and consumers who wanted a one-hand-friendly device. In 2016, phones were universally trending larger (Samsung’s flagship was 5.1″, many Android phones were 5.5″+), so the SE filled a niche almost alone. At $399 starting price (significantly cheaper than flagship iPhones), it also attracted budget-conscious buyers and was popular in emerging markets or as a first smartphone for teenagers, etc. It sold in the millions – not as high as flagship volumes, but very steady demand. Apple actually refreshed its storage in 2017 (bumping to 32/128 GB options) and kept it in the lineup until early 2018 due to ongoing popularity.

Impact: The original iPhone SE proved there was enduring love for small form factor phones. It extended the life of the 4″ screen size era for a few more years. Its success likely influenced Apple’s later decisions like making the iPhone 12 mini (though that ultimately didn’t sell as well) and continuing the SE line in future generations. For Apple, the SE also showed a strategy to use older designs with new internals to hit lower price points without sacrificing user experience – a strategy they continue (e.g., iPhone SE 2nd gen in 2020 reused the iPhone 8 body).

On culture, the iPhone SE became something of a cult favorite. It wasn’t “new and flashy,” but many people writing blogs or on social media declared it the “best phone Apple makes for most people” due to its pocketable size and high performance. It allowed people who dislike the phablet trend to hold out happily with a modern device. Even well into 2020, some were still clinging to their SEs because nothing else like it existed (until the 2020 SE, which grew bigger, or the 12 mini).

In summary, the 2016 iPhone SE was a small wonder: it delivered flagship performance and camera in a beloved compact design, proving that innovation isn’t always about bigger or flashier – sometimes it’s about giving users exactly what they ask for. As one review succinctly put it, “it had all the awesome internal specs of the iPhone 6s in a small package”, and that combination made it a classic in its own right.

iPhone 7 & 7 Plus (2016): Farewell Headphone Jack, Hello Dual Camera

Release: September 16, 2016.
Key Specs: iPhone 7: 4.7″ display (1334×750) with wide color; Apple A10 Fusion chip; 2 GB RAM; 12 MP camera (f/1.8, OIS); no headphone jack. iPhone 7 Plus: 5.5″ display (1920×1080); 3 GB RAM; dual 12 MP rear cameras (wide + telephoto). Both: stereo speakers, improved water resistance (IP67), new colors (Black, Jet Black).

The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus brought some of the most noteworthy changes and controversies of any iPhone generation. While they kept the basic shape of the 6/6s series, Apple introduced new features and removed a long-standing one.

No Headphone Jack: Let’s address the elephant in the room first – Apple removed the 3.5mm headphone jack on the iPhone 7 series. This was a seismic move that sparked intense debate. In place of the jack, users were to use the Lightning port (Apple included Lightning EarPods in the box) or the bundled 3.5mm-to-Lightning adapter for their existing headphones. Apple’s rationale was that it took courage to move on and free up space for new technologies (and indeed the taptic engine and improved battery took up that freed space). The media dubbed it “Headphone-gate” initially, but over time, many adapted either by using the adapter or moving to wireless headphones. Not coincidentally, Apple launched the AirPods at the same time – which quickly became a sensation and a leading product in the wireless earbuds category. The missing jack upset some users (and probably still does to a few), but it foreshadowed the industry trend; many Android phones followed suit in subsequent years. By now, wireless audio has largely taken over, with the iPhone 7 era being the turning point.

Dual Cameras on Plus: The iPhone 7 Plus was the first iPhone with a dual-camera system on the back. It had the standard 12 MP wide-angle lens and added a second 12 MP telephoto lens (around 2× optical zoom, 56mm equivalent). This allowed optical zooming at 2× and introduced Portrait Mode, which used the dual cameras to create a depth-of-field effect (blurred background bokeh) for professional-looking portraits. Portrait Mode was a huge hit – it became a marquee feature that Apple improved over time and competitors raced to copy via multiple lenses or AI. The regular iPhone 7 did not have dual cameras, so it lacked the optical zoom and portrait capability.

Both models’ main camera got a larger f/1.8 aperture (versus f/2.2 prior) and the smaller iPhone 7 finally got OIS (optical stabilization) which previously only Plus models had. So both had improved low-light performance. They also featured a new quad-LED True Tone flash. The front camera jumped to 7 MP, improving FaceTime calls and selfies. Overall, in photography the 7/7 Plus were a big step – DxOMark at the time rated them among the top smartphone cameras, especially praising the 7 Plus versatility.

A10 Fusion Chip: The iPhone 7/7 Plus introduced the A10 Fusion, Apple’s first quad-core chip with a twist – it had two high-performance cores and two efficiency cores (a big.LITTLE architecture). This allowed better power management: for light tasks, it could use the low-power cores and save battery, but heavy tasks got the full power of the high-perf cores. The A10 was very powerful (some said it was nearing laptop-class CPU performance) and helped the iPhone 7 run circles around competitors in 2016 benchmarks. The 7 had 2 GB RAM, and the 7 Plus had 3 GB (likely to accommodate the extra camera processing). Storage options also increased, dropping the 16 GB base – iPhone 7 started at 32 GB (thankfully) and went up to 256 GB at the high end, double the previous max.

Display & Audio: The screens remained the same size and resolution, but got a wider DCI-P3 color gamut for richer colors and higher brightness. Notably, the iPhone 7 gained a stereo speaker setup – using the bottom speaker plus the earpiece as a second speaker, giving a much better audio experience for videos/music (this design continues to current models).

Home Button changes & Water Resistance: The iPhone 7 replaced the physical clicky home button with a solid-state home button that doesn’t move; it used the Taptic Engine to simulate a click feel. This was done to improve reliability and water-proofing. It feels a bit odd until you get used to it, but then natural. Speaking of water, the iPhone 7 series was the first with official water resistance (IP67) – finally, iPhones could survive dunks and spills without issue. This was a big selling point and a relief to clumsy folks. The combination of no moving home button and no headphone hole definitely helped achieve this sealing.

Design and Colors: While overall look was similar, Apple introduced new colors: a matte Black replaced Space Gray, and a glossy Jet Black high-gloss finish was offered (though Apple warned it might scratch easily). Jet Black was very popular initially (with iPhone 3G-esque shine), often out of stock. The 7 also eventually came in a special (PRODUCT)RED edition in 2017 – the first red iPhone. One small design quirk: the camera bump on these got bigger and flowed more seamlessly out of the back, a design that carried forward.

The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus had a strong launch (notably, Apple didn’t release first-weekend numbers, breaking tradition). Throughout 2016-2017 they sold extremely well. The Plus model in particular saw higher uptake than any previous “Plus”, likely because people wanted that dual-camera and extra battery.

Impact: Where to start – removing the headphone jack was probably the most controversial change Apple ever made to iPhone. It pushed the industry toward wireless audio. It also arguably sped up the adoption of AirPods and a whole ecosystem of wireless earbuds and headphones. Now in 2025, it’s clear the bet paid off (for Apple and generally), but in 2016 it was a hot topic.

The dual camera / Portrait Mode trend begun by iPhone 7 Plus completely transformed mobile photography in the late 2010s. Today, multi-camera setups and computational portrait effects are standard on phones, tracing back to Apple’s implementation. People loved being able to take DSLR-like portraits of loved ones with their phone; it influenced social media aesthetics, professional headshots, etc.

Water resistance on the 7 gave many peace of mind – nowadays we expect phones to survive water; iPhone 7 made that a baseline expectation. The solid-state home button and improved Taptic Engine also foreshadowed Apple’s eventual move to eliminate moving parts (by iPhone X, the home button was gone entirely, replaced by gestures).

Stereo speakers made media consumption on iPhones much better – it’s something you notice when you go back to older models. And the A10 Fusion’s approach to high/low-power cores was an early step to the kind of hybrid performance that Apple uses even today in its chips (and which others emulate).

On the cultural side, memes about “Apple killing the headphone jack” were rampant; late-night hosts joked about it; some rival ads mocked it (only for those rivals to remove the jack a year or two later). Meanwhile, the desirable new features like the camera and water resistance meant the iPhone 7 line still had lots of positive buzz. It’s also worth noting that 2016 was when smartphone innovation was leveling off for some – but Apple managed to keep things interesting (even if controversial).

In sum, the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus were highly influential: they subtracted something that had been standard for decades (wired audio jack), and added things that set future standards (dual cameras, water resistance, stereo sound). Love it or not, this generation shaped the smartphones that came after.

(Fun fact: The iPhone 7 Plus was so impactful that Apple’s own marketing SVP Phil Schiller called its camera system “the future of photography in the phone”.)

iPhone 8 & 8 Plus (2017): Glass Back and Charging into the Future

Release: September 22, 2017.
Key Specs: iPhone 8: 4.7″ display; Apple A11 Bionic chip; 2 GB RAM; 12 MP camera (f/1.8, OIS). iPhone 8 Plus: 5.5″ display; 3 GB RAM; dual 12 MP cameras (wide f/1.8 + tele f/2.8 with OIS on wide). Both: new glass back design with wireless charging; True Tone display; improved speakers.

2017 was unusual because Apple introduced the iPhone 8/8 Plus as more traditional upgrades and also a radically different iPhone X as an anniversary edition. The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus thus ended up somewhat overshadowed in media by the iPhone X, but they were significant in their own right, bringing some nice improvements for those who weren’t ready to leap to the X’s all-new design (or higher price). In fact, Apple even skipped calling them “7s” and jumped to 8, perhaps to align with the idea of a new generation alongside the X.

Glass Back & Wireless Charging: The most visible change with the 8/8 Plus was the move to a glass back (reinforced glass), replacing the aluminum unibody of the prior generations. This allowed Apple to finally introduce Qi standard wireless charging to iPhones. So iPhone users could now just plop their phone on a charging pad to power up – a convenience Android flagships had had for a while. The glass backs came in a few new finishes: initially a pinkish “Gold” (which was like rose gold mixed with champagne), a silver, and a space gray; later a (PRODUCT)RED edition was added. The glass was pretty durable (though of course, breakable if dropped hard), and Apple claimed it was the most durable glass ever in a smartphone at launch. The look was classy and also functional for the inductive charging coil underneath. Many welcomed wireless charging as it made topping off the phone (at cafes, offices, etc., where pads existed) easier, especially now that the headphone jack was gone (meaning the Lightning port was often occupied by headphones for some users – wireless charging mitigated that need to free the port for power).

A11 Bionic – Neural Engine Debut: The iPhone 8/8 Plus (and X) introduced the Apple A11 Bionic chip. It was a 6-core chip (2 high-power + 4 efficiency cores) with Apple’s first Neural Engine module, designed to accelerate machine learning tasks. The Neural Engine wasn’t heavily advertised for 8/8 Plus specifically (more for the Face ID on X), but it was there, future-proofing the phones for AI tasks. The A11 was about 25% faster CPU than A10 and 30% faster GPU, etc., quite powerful. It enabled cool features like real-time AR at 60fps through ARKit, which Apple demoed extensively in 2017.

True Tone and Display/Audio: The displays of 8/8 Plus got True Tone for the first time on iPhone (previously on iPad Pro). True Tone means the screen white balance auto-adjusts to ambient light to always appear neutral – reducing eye strain and making content look more natural under varying lighting. People liked this as it made the display more comfortable to read in, say, warm indoor lighting (no overly blue cast). The screen resolutions and sizes remained same, still LCD Retina HD displays, but with wider color (P3) and True Tone. They also had the 3D Touch pressure sensitivity intact.

Audio-wise, Apple improved the stereo speakers introduced in iPhone 7 – the iPhone 8’s speakers were louder and had deeper bass by some percent.

Camera Improvements: The 8 and 8 Plus cameras were refined further. The 12 MP sensors were new and better at low light with less noise. The big difference: the iPhone 8 Plus dual camera got an upgrade in software called Portrait Lighting (beta) – which allowed users to simulate studio lighting effects in portrait shots (like dropping the background to black, or contour lighting on faces) using segmentation and the depth map. This was powered by the A11’s Neural Engine. While sometimes gimmicky, it set the stage for later improvements and is still a feature in iPhones now. The 8 Plus wide camera had OIS (like 7 Plus), telephoto still did not (that came with X and later). The 8 series also added support for 4K 60fps video and 1080p 240fps slow-mo, doubling the framerate of 4K and slow-mo capabilities which was pretty insane for a phone in 2017. Apple’s image signal processor and video encoding were industry-leading; iPhones maintained a reputation for best video capture quality.

Other Features: Both models were IP67 water and dust resistant like the 7. The home button/touch ID remained second-gen Touch ID. Battery life was roughly the same as 7/7 Plus (despite slightly smaller batteries, A11 efficiency compensated). One subtle thing: Apple’s fast charging – the 8/8 Plus (and X) were the first to support rapid charging via USB-C PD (could charge 50% in 30 minutes), but one had to buy a separate USB-C fast charger; the included charger was the old slow 5W.

Reception and Impact: The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus were well-reviewed as solid, if conservative, upgrades. They summarized the evolution of the classic iPhone form factor: Touch ID, large bezels with home button, LCD screens – this was the pinnacle of that design, as the X with OLED and Face ID was the next era. Many people who didn’t want to spend $999 on iPhone X or didn’t like the notch opted for 8/8 Plus and were very happy, especially with the speed and camera improvements. The 8 Plus’s camera consistently ranked at or near the top of smartphone camera lists (only rivaled by iPhone X which had very similar hardware plus an OIS telephoto).

Wireless charging adoption got a big boost due to iPhone 8/X supporting it – cafes like Starbucks and cars started including Qi pads more after Apple joined the party, benefiting the whole ecosystem. And the glass design heralded the end of the metallic unibody era – from here on, all new iPhones would use glass backs for functionality (wireless charging) and aesthetics.

The A11’s Neural Engine was a forward-looking addition – not immediately felt by users except in AR apps or maybe faster Face ID on X, but it planted the seed for Apple’s now-heavy ML focus (today’s iPhones use Neural Engine for everything from camera to Siri). We can trace that back to A11 in the 8/X.

Culturally, the iPhone 8/8 Plus weren’t as flashy given the spotlight stolen by iPhone X. But tens of millions used them, and importantly for Apple’s strategy, they offered a lower entry point for those not ready to leap to Face ID and gestures. In fact, Apple kept selling variants of the 8 design (the 2020 iPhone SE 2 was basically an updated iPhone 8 inside).

One could say the iPhone 8/8 Plus represent the final form of the traditional iPhone – incorporating all the incremental advancements up to 2017 (Touch ID, big but not bezel-less display, dual camera, etc.) before Apple dramatically changed course with iPhone X. For that reason, the 8 series remains an important chapter, bridging the old and new. Users eventually (by necessity) moved to Face ID models, but the 8/8 Plus was a comfortable, powerful choice in its time.

iPhone X (2017): A Glimpse of the Future

Release: November 3, 2017 (announced with 8/8 Plus in Sept).
Key Specs: 5.8″ OLED Super Retina display (2436×1125) with HDR; nearly edge-to-edge design with notch; Face ID facial recognition (TrueDepth front camera); no Home button (gesture-based UI); A11 Bionic chip; 3 GB RAM; dual 12 MP rear cameras (wide f/1.8 + tele f/2.4, both OIS). Stainless steel frame, glass back.

To commemorate the iPhone’s 10th anniversary, Apple released iPhone X (“ten”), a radical reimagining of the iPhone that set the design language for all future models. The iPhone X was introduced as “the future of the smartphone”, and indeed it was arguably the biggest leap forward since the original iPhone.

All-Screen Design & OLED: The first thing you noticed about iPhone X was the almost all-screen front. The device ditched the familiar top and bottom bezels – no Home button, and instead a screen that stretched top to bottom, with just a cutout at the top (the notch) housing the sensors. This yielded a 5.8″ display in a body only slightly larger than an iPhone 8 (which has a 4.7″ screen) – so big screen, small hand feel. The display itself was Apple’s first OLED screen, branded “Super Retina HD”. It had deep inky blacks and a high resolution (~458 ppi), plus it supported HDR10 and Dolby Vision for high dynamic range content. Colors popped, contrast was incredible, and overall it was widely praised – Apple waited to implement OLED until they felt it was “great enough to be in an iPhone” and it showed.

The notch was controversial initially – some thought it ugly or intrusive, but Apple software smartly wrapped UI around it (hiding it in landscape video, etc.). Over time users got used to it, and competitors even copied it. The notch contained the new TrueDepth camera system for Face ID.

Face ID: Perhaps the boldest move – iPhone X abandoned Touch ID entirely and replaced it with Face ID, a facial recognition system using a flood illuminator, infrared dot projector, and IR camera to map your face in 3D. One simply looked at the phone to unlock (with a nifty padlock animation unlocking on screen), and swipe up to go to home. Face ID was highly secure – Apple claimed a 1 in 1,000,000 false unlock rate – and could adapt to changes in appearance (hats, glasses, etc.). At launch some worried it might be slower or less convenient than Touch ID, but it proved to work quite seamlessly for most (except maybe with sunglasses or in bed at weird angles). It also worked in the dark, thanks to IR. Face ID enabled Apple to implement fun new features like Animoji – animated emoji characters that mimic your facial expressions in real time using the TrueDepth camera. Those were a viral hit in 2017 (with people singing songs as the poop emoji, etc.). More importantly, Face ID and the TrueDepth camera cemented the trend of biometric facial unlocks – now many phones have similar systems or at least some form of face unlock (though none quite as secure as Apple’s 3D infrared method, at least until recent ones).

No Home Button – New Gestures: With no home button, iPhone X introduced a whole new gesture-based navigation. Swipe up from bottom for home, swipe-and-hold for multitasking, swipe along bottom for fast app switching, and Control Center moved to top-right swipe, etc.. It was a learning curve but after a week many found it more fluid/natural. This paradigm became the norm; by iOS 12 Apple even brought the gestures to the iPad. Losing the home button also gave more screen space and arguably a more immersive feel to the device.

Build: The iPhone X had a stainless steel frame (shiny polished edges) and a glass back. It came in just Space Gray or Silver at first. It looked and felt very premium (and its $999 starting price reflected that). It was IP67 water resistant like the 8. The power/side button was made larger and now did things like double-click for Apple Pay, hold for Siri (since no home button).

Cameras: The rear camera setup was similar to iPhone 8 Plus – dual 12 MP, but with some improvements. Notably the telephoto lens on iPhone X had OIS (so both lenses stabilized) and a slightly faster aperture (f/2.4 vs f/2.8 on 8 Plus), meaning better telephoto low-light shots. This made the X’s dual camera arguably the best Apple had put out at the time. It supported Portrait mode and Portrait Lighting like 8 Plus. The front TrueDepth camera also allowed Portrait mode selfies, since it could depth-map the face – a big plus for selfie lovers (and something the 8 Plus’s front cam couldn’t do). The image quality in general was top-tier, with improved dynamic range thanks to the A11’s ISP and the new larger sensors. iPhone X was among the very best smartphone cameras of 2017, basically tying or slightly beating 8 Plus.

Performance: Internally, iPhone X had the same A11 Bionic as the 8/8 Plus, with 3 GB RAM. So it performed similarly blazing-fast. The Neural Engine was especially used for Face ID computations.

Battery: Battery life was roughly similar to 8 Plus in many respects, even though device was smaller, thanks to OLED efficiency and a slightly L-shaped battery design.

The iPhone X represented a major directional shift for Apple. It was pushing the envelope in tech (complex sensors, OLED, new UI) and also in price (the first mainstream phone to break $1000 after tax for many, which at first drew skepticism but customers still lined up). It was somewhat supply constrained at launch due to the difficulty of making the TrueDepth modules, so it launched in November instead of September, but it was extremely popular. Apple later said the X was the top-selling iPhone model every week since it launched.

Impact: Immense. The iPhone X ushered in the era of bezel-less smartphones with notches or other minimal bezel designs. After it, practically every phone maker accelerated efforts to reduce bezels, adopt display cutouts, or eventually hole-punch cameras, etc. The Home-button iPhone design (from iPhone 6/7/8) was retired for flagships; by 2018’s iPhone XS/XR, Apple’s whole new lineup followed the X design language. Face ID proved that biometrics could be done securely without a fingerprint, and arguably set Apple up with a lead in AR and face-based tech. Animoji and later Memoji became part of pop culture in a fun way.

The notch, while mocked initially, became iconic – an instantly recognizable silhouette for iPhone X and beyond. It also started a debate about screen design that led to innovations like under-display sensors (though Apple only shrank the notch in 2021, and adopted a “Dynamic Island” in 2022 on iPhone 14 Pro models).

From a user perspective, after adjusting, most came to appreciate the extra screen space and gesture interface. It feels normal now – if you try an old iPhone with a home button after using X or later, it actually feels dated. Apple successfully made that transition.

Culturally, the $1000 phone barrier being broken by the iPhone X also paved the way for ultra-premium phone market expansions. People were willing to pay for a device that important to their lives.

One could say the iPhone X is among the most significant models Apple has ever released, on par with the original iPhone and iPhone 4, because it set the course for the next decade of smartphone design. It was truly, as Apple marketed, “the future” – and that future became the present for everyone else soon after.

(Notably, 2017 gave us both the last of the old guard (iPhone 8) and the first of the new (iPhone X) – a unique overlap year. But from 2018 on, all new iPhones followed iPhone X’s template.)

iPhone XS, XS Max & XR (2018): Refining the X and Broadening the Line

Release: XS/XS Max on September 21, 2018; XR on October 26, 2018.
Key Specs (XS/XS Max): XS – 5.8″ OLED (2436×1125); XS Max – 6.5″ OLED (2688×1242); both Apple A12 Bionic chip; 4 GB RAM; dual 12 MP cameras (wide f/1.8 + tele f/2.4, dual OIS). Improved waterproofing (IP68).
Key Specs (XR): 6.1″ LCD Liquid Retina (1792×828); A12 Bionic; 3 GB RAM; single 12 MP rear camera (f/1.8 OIS); multiple colors and slightly thicker bezels; Face ID.

In 2018, Apple followed up the groundbreaking iPhone X with two upgraded models – the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max – and also introduced a “budget flagship,” the iPhone XR, to reach a broader audience. This was the first year Apple launched three new iPhones at once (if we don’t count the mid-year SE of 2016), and it set the pattern for subsequent lineups (base, plus-sized, and a value option).

iPhone XS & XS Max: Think of the XS as the “S-year” tweak to the iPhone X. It kept the same design and 5.8″ OLED display as X, but added internal improvements. The XS Max was the new big kid on the block – a 6.5-inch OLED display, which was the largest screen ever on an iPhone, in a body about the size of the previous Plus models. This catered to big-screen lovers who wanted the X style. Both had stainless steel builds like X, and new finish options – notably a beautiful Gold stainless steel version joined Silver and Space Gray.

They ran on the Apple A12 Bionic chip, the first 7nm processor in a phone, bringing speed and efficiency gains. The A12’s Neural Engine was 8-core and much more capable, enabling things like smarter AR and photo processing.

RAM bumped to 4 GB on the XS/Max, which helped with keeping more apps alive and improved the new camera capabilities.

Camera Upgrades: While still dual 12 MP, the XS/Max cameras had a new sensor with larger pixels and even faster operation. Notably, Apple introduced Smart HDR imaging – using the A12 to take interleaved exposures and merge them for greatly expanded dynamic range. This meant far better detail in highlights and shadows, almost eliminating blown-out skies or dark faces in backlit shots. It put iPhone’s computational photography on par with Google’s HDR+ on Pixel. The depth effect (Portrait mode) got better with more refined bokeh, and Apple added a feature to adjust depth-of-field after taking a portrait (via a slider to change the f-stop simulation). Video capture improved with extended dynamic range up to 30fps and stereo sound recording.

Face ID on the XS was a bit faster thanks to algorithm and Secure Enclave tweaks.

Also improved was water resistance – rated IP68 (up to 2m for 30min), so even more robust than IP67 of X.

Battery life on XS was similar to X (maybe slightly better by 30min), but XS Max had a notably longer battery life (the best ever in an iPhone at that point, given its size allowed a big battery).

iPhone XR: The XR was a new strategy – bringing many of the XS features to a more affordable device, with some compromises. It had the same A12 Bionic chip, so performance was identical, and the same main 12MP rear camera as the XS (but single lens). It could still do Portrait mode photos of people using machine learning to separate foreground/background (not quite as flexible as dual-lens approach, and it struggled with non-human subjects).

The XR’s differences: it used a 6.1″ LCD screen instead of OLED. This “Liquid Retina” display had lower resolution (~326 ppi, 1792×828) and lacked deep OLED blacks or HDR support. But Apple made it very color accurate and it had True Tone, etc. The bezels were slightly thicker (because LCD needs backlight), but most casual users didn’t mind much – it still looked nearly all-screen with a notch, and importantly it still had Face ID and the same overall gesture-based design.

The body of XR was aluminum (like iPhone 8), not steel, and came in six vibrant colors – White, Black, (Product)RED, Coral (orange-ish), Blue, and Yellow. It was kind of a spiritual successor to the colorful 5c, but much more powerful. The XR lacked 3D Touch (the only 2018 model without it); instead Apple later introduced “Haptic Touch” (long-press + haptic feedback) to somewhat mimic it.

Critically, XR had outstanding battery life – better than XS and second only to XS Max that year, partly due to lower-res screen sipping less power. It was IP67 water-resistant (a step down from XS’s IP68 but still fine).

And the best part – iPhone XR was priced at $749 (vs $999 for XS, $1099 for XS Max). This made it the most popular model of the year because many opted to save money and still get Face ID, A12 chip, etc. Indeed, Apple later indicated XR was the best-selling iPhone of that cycle, and it continued to sell well into 2019.

Impact: The iPhone XS and XS Max, while not as revolutionary as X, solidified the new direction and gave people wanting a huge display an option with the Max. The notion of a $1099 starting price phone (Max 64GB) further normalized $1000+ phones. The camera improvements with Smart HDR and adjustable bokeh kept iPhone at the top of smartphone photography rankings. Many photography enthusiasts note the XS series was a turning point where Apple caught up or surpassed Google in HDR and overall imaging after Pixel had been leading – an ongoing see-saw.

However, arguably the iPhone XR had the biggest impact. It proved that a slightly toned-down iPhone at a lower price could outsell the flagships. Its success led Apple to shift strategy: in 2019, the iPhone 11 was priced lower than XR and became the main model, with “Pro” models above it. The XR made advanced tech (Face ID, A12) accessible to more consumers and also drove a lot of switchers from Android who found the price more palatable. Its fun colors also added a dash of personality missing since the 5c.

Culturally, releasing a high-quality “cheaper” iPhone helped mitigate the critique that iPhones were only for the affluent. It broadened Apple’s market. Many younger users got an XR as their first iPhone, drawn by the colors and the fact it wasn’t “inferior” in performance.

On the flip side, 2018 was when Apple stopped publishing unit sales, which some speculate was due to a slight dip or slower growth around the XS cycle. The XR did well, but XS/Max, being pricey, saw a slight demand elasticity effect. Regardless, Apple’s revenue still grew because of higher ASPs.

From a tech perspective, the inclusion of dual-SIM capability (nano-SIM + eSIM) in XS/XS Max/XR was notable for international business travelers, etc. That might not be cultural, but it’s a practical impact for many.

So in summary, 2018’s iPhone trio refined the cutting-edge and also democratized it. The XS Max expanded our expectation of how big an iPhone can be. The XS refined an already excellent X (earning its spot but naturally less hyped). The XR perhaps quietly stole the show by being the people’s champ iPhone – offering what 90% of users need at a better price. It set the template of having a mainstream model (XR/11/12/13) with a couple higher-end models for enthusiasts (XS/Pro line). The ripple effect is that more people than ever got into the Face ID/iPhone X-style ecosystem via XR, accelerating the retirement of home-button iPhones.

iPhone 11, 11 Pro & 11 Pro Max (2019): The Camera Crown and Night Mode

Release: September 20, 2019.
Key Specs (iPhone 11): 6.1″ LCD; Apple A13 Bionic; 4 GB RAM; dual rear cameras (12 MP wide f/1.8 + 12 MP ultra-wide f/2.4); improved 12 MP front camera.
Key Specs (iPhone 11 Pro/Pro Max): 5.8″ or 6.5″ OLED; A13 Bionic; 4 GB RAM; triple rear cameras (adding 12 MP telephoto f/2.0 on top of wide and ultra-wide); brighter display (1200 nits peak); matte glass back.

For 2019, Apple simplified the naming and strategically positioned the lineup: iPhone 11 succeeded the XR as the all-around model (even keeping same $699-$749 price, actually lower starting price than XR in US), while the high-end got the iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max, replacing XS series. This was the first time Apple used “Pro” for iPhones, signaling the top-tier has advanced features especially in cameras and display.

iPhone 11: This model became hugely popular (some say it was 2019’s most popular phone globally). It kept the 6.1″ LCD Liquid Retina display like XR, and the aluminum/glass design, but now in six new colors (White, Black, PRODUCT(RED), Green, Yellow, Purple – the latter two being new pastels replacing blue and coral). It now had two rear cameras: the main 12MP wide, plus a new 12MP ultra-wide with 120° field of view. This allowed regular people to take dramatic wide angle shots of landscapes, group photos, etc. Apple integrated the camera interface such that as you compose with the main lens, you can see a preview beyond the frame (from the ultra-wide) – a clever UI touch.

The front camera was upgraded to 12MP and could do slow-motion selfies (“slofies”, as Apple dubbed in a cringy way). It also supported 4K60 video which was new for front cameras.

But one of the biggest leaps was Night Mode, introduced across the 11 series. At last, iPhones could take long-exposure low-light shots automatically, producing dramatically brighter and sharper images in very dark scenes. This was Apple catching up to Google’s Night Sight and it worked wonderfully; in fact many reviewers said Apple’s Night Mode was even more natural in colors. On iPhone 11, Night Mode worked with the main camera (not the ultra-wide, which lacks the needed OIS).

It had the new A13 Bionic chip – extremely powerful and efficient, enabling some of these camera feats. Battery life improved significantly over XR; Apple said +1 hour. In practice, iPhone 11 already had one of the best battery performances among all phones at the time, often lasting a full day easily.

iPhone 11 Pro & 11 Pro Max: The Pros featured a refined OLED display – Apple called it Super Retina XDR, inspired by the Pro Display XDR naming. It could hit 1200 nits peak brightness in HDR and was even more color accurate. They came in more muted finishes: classic Space Gray, Silver, a new Gold, and a unique Midnight Green (the first green on a flagship iPhone, which proved very popular). The back glass had a matte textured finish (less fingerprint prone) which people appreciated.

The biggest selling point: Triple-camera system. In addition to wide and ultra-wide, the Pros had a 12MP telephoto (2x optical zoom in) with a brighter f/2.0 aperture than the XS’s tele. All three cameras worked seamlessly – Apple did calibration so that switching lenses during video was smooth, and color/tone matched across them. The new camera interface let you quickly toggle .5x/1x/2x zoom. With these three lenses, iPhone 11 Pro users could capture a huge range of perspectives at high quality. And Night Mode worked on the main and telephoto (not ultra-wide). Deep Fusion, an advanced “texture/detail optimization” processing for medium light scenes, also rolled out with a later iOS 13 update for the 11 series, leveraging machine learning to do pixel-by-pixel improvement.

All iPhone 11 models also had upgraded water resistance – IP68, but the Pros could do 4m depth for 30 min, while the base 11 was rated 2m for 30 min, interestingly.

The 11 Pro came with a fast 18W charger in the box (finally, Apple!), so did the Pro Max. The iPhone 11 (non-Pro) sadly still included the slow 5W charger, likely for cost saving.

Battery: The 11 Pro and especially Pro Max saw a huge bump. Apple said +4 hours for 11 Pro vs XS, +5 hours on 11 Pro Max vs XS Max. And in real world, the 11 Pro Max’s battery life was outstanding – many could go 1.5-2 days on a charge. This was thanks to a combo of A13 efficiency and physically larger batteries. It addressed one of the few criticisms of the XS generation and made the 11 Pro Max arguably the longest-lasting iPhone until perhaps the 13 Pro Max.

Impact: The iPhone 11 series did extremely well. The iPhone 11 (base) became the most popular phone in the world for 2020 I believe, continuing Apple’s success in offering a “value” flagship that still had superb performance and much-improved cameras. By adding the ultra-wide lens to iPhone 11, Apple gave regular users a fun creative tool. The lower starting price ($699, $50 less than XR launched) and the word-of-mouth about great battery and camera made iPhone 11 a massive hit.

For the Pros, Apple catered to enthusiasts and those wanting the best camera. The triple camera design – with that “stovetop” three-lens look – became iconic and quickly standard in the industry; triple camera setups are now expected on any high-end phone. Apple’s emphasis on “Pro” branding was also noteworthy: it suggested these were for power users or professionals (especially in photography/videography). And indeed, iPhone 11 Pro was often used by content creators as a go-to device, given the versatility of three focal lengths and best-in-class video recording.

Night Mode meant iPhones were no longer at a disadvantage for low-light pics, so culturally, you saw even more night-out and dimly-lit environment photos being shared by iPhone users that previously would have been just dark mush. The quality jump in low light probably extended how people used their phone cameras (e.g., more nighttime urban photography, etc., with decent results).

The insane battery life of the Pro Max started attracting those who might have gone Android for big battery – now they had an iPhone option that could last seemingly forever. That possibly reduced battery anxiety and changed user behavior (less need for midday charging).

One more subtle impact: the increased success of the base iPhone 11 at $699 signaled that Apple’s attempt with XR/11 to bring flagship tech to a slightly lower price was a winning formula. It likely influenced pricing strategies in later cycles (the iPhone 12 was $799, though with 5G costs etc., but iPhone 13 eventually went back to $799 and offered mini cheaper, etc.). It also influenced the competition, as other companies saw that you could still dominate sales with a not-top-tier resolution display or lack of telephoto, as long as you nail the key features and price (Google’s Pixel 5 in 2020, for instance, was more midrange-focused).

Culturally, iPhone 11’s colors and marketing (the “just the right amount of everything” tagline) resonated with a broad demographic – from teens to older folks – as the dependable choice. Meanwhile, the term “Pro” in phones became normalized after Apple did it; now we have many “Pro” phones (earlier some had “Plus” or “XL”, but Pro branding took off after).

Thus, iPhone 11/11 Pro not only maintained iPhone’s reputation but actually elevated it to the top of the camera phone game. Many tech outlets crowned the 11 Pro as the best overall phone of 2019 for its balance of everything. And those devices are still very capable years later.

iPhone SE (2nd Gen, 2020): The Second Coming of the Budget iPhone

Release: April 24, 2020.
Key Specs: 4.7″ Retina HD LCD; Apple A13 Bionic; 3 GB RAM; single 12 MP rear camera (f/1.8 OIS) essentially from iPhone 8; Touch ID; $399 starting price.

In the spring of 2020, during the early months of the global pandemic, Apple launched the iPhone SE (2nd generation) iphonelife.com. This device took the body of an iPhone 8 – same 4.7″ screen, big bezels, home button – and outfitted it with the A13 chip from the iPhone 11 series iphonelife.com, giving it flagship performance at a budget price. The concept was similar to the 2016 SE (which had put a 6s brain in a 5s body), just updated for the new generation.

The iPhone SE (2020) was Apple’s play to capture the mid-range market and appease those who still preferred Touch ID or a smaller form factor. Though by 2020, a 4.7″ screen was considered pretty small, it was larger than the original SE’s 4″, but still one of the smallest phones available, and certainly the smallest iPhone since the 8.

Design & Features: It was externally almost identical to iPhone 8 – aluminum frame, glass back, available in White, Black, or (Product)RED. It had IP67 water resistance and wireless charging like iPhone 8 did. It retained Touch ID (2nd gen) for fingerprint unlocking iphonelife.com – notable because by 2020 all other new iPhones were Face ID only. Some customers specifically wanted a Touch ID iPhone either for preference or as a fallback if Face ID didn’t suit them (and ironically in 2020, mask-wearing made Face ID less convenient, so Touch ID had a bit of resurgence in appreciation).

Performance: With A13 Bionic, the SE 2020 was a performance beast in its price class iphonelife.com. It outperformed many high-end Androids in CPU/GPU despite costing $399. It also meant longevity – Apple will support it with iOS updates for years (likely until at least 2025).

Camera: The rear camera was essentially the iPhone 8’s main camera hardware – 12 MP single lens, f/1.8, OIS – but thanks to the A13’s ISP and Neural Engine, it gained new capabilities. It supported Portrait mode (single-lens portrait via software segmentation, but only for human faces, similar to iPhone XR) and Depth Control (adjusting background blur after the fact). It also had Smart HDR (the improved version from the XR/XS generation) for better dynamic range. It could shoot 4K60 video, benefiting from A13’s image processing. Essentially, in good light you got photos on par with iPhone 8/XR; in very low light, it didn’t have Night Mode (that was reserved for multi-lens iPhones with the newer sensors). The front camera was a basic 7 MP with no Face ID sensors, but it still did software portrait selfies.

Market Impact: The iPhone SE (2nd gen) was lauded for its value – “the best $399 phone” was a common refrain iphonelife.com. It appealed to several segments: budget-conscious buyers including students; those who just prefer smaller phones or a home button; and it offered an on-ramp into the Apple ecosystem for people who might have otherwise bought a mid-range Android. Many in developing markets or cost-sensitive markets picked SE as it offered longevity and performance at a reachable price.

Culturally, while not as flashy as the flagship iPhones, the SE 2020 filled an important niche. By 2020, many mainstream consumers felt phones (especially Android flagships) were getting too expensive – the SE was a breath of fresh air in that regard. It likely sold in huge numbers, though Apple doesn’t break out model sales, analysts estimated tens of millions in its first year, contributing strongly to Apple’s overall volume.

During the pandemic, having an affordable option may have been timely since economic uncertainty was high. Also, with mask mandates, Touch ID on the SE had a pragmatic advantage – a fact tech reviewers pointed out, and Apple later addressed for Face ID iPhones through updates and eventually an alternate Touch ID on 2022 iPad or 2021 Mac, etc., but the SE was ironically well-suited to 2020 conditions.

Long-term: The success of this SE confirmed Apple’s strategy that there is a substantial market for a “classic” iPhone design with updated internals. It gave Apple a strong competitor in the mid-tier range against devices like Google’s Pixel 4a (which launched at $349 later in 2020) and various Samsung A-series phones. It likely also helped pad overall iPhone average selling prices a bit less, but increased user base – and those users then spend on services, accessories, etc., which fits Apple’s model.

In summary, the 2020 iPhone SE was basically an iPhone 8 on steroids – nothing new aesthetically, but extremely potent where it counted. It democratized the A13 chip and iOS 13 features for the masses at a crucial time. As one review put it: “Apple took the brains of its best phone and put it in the body of its most beloved design, creating an instant hit for $399.” iphonelife.com iphonelife.com.

iPhone 12 Series (2020): 5G, New Design, and Mini Magic

Release: October 23, 2020 (12 & 12 Pro); November 13, 2020 (12 mini & 12 Pro Max).
Key Specs (iPhone 12 & 12 mini): 6.1″ and 5.4″ OLED Super Retina XDR displays; Apple A14 Bionic (5nm); 4 GB RAM; dual 12 MP rear cameras (wide f/1.6 + ultra-wide); 5G support; MagSafe. New flat-edge design (like iPhone 4/5).
Key Specs (iPhone 12 Pro & 12 Pro Max): 6.1″ and 6.7″ OLED; A14 Bionic; 6 GB RAM; triple cameras + LiDAR (12 Pro Max had improved 1.7µm sensor & 2.5× telephoto). Dolby Vision HDR video recording.

The iPhone 12 lineup was a big generational update. Apple introduced four models, redesigning the hardware and jumping into 5G connectivity. It also responded to diverse size preferences by bringing back a “mini” form factor. Let’s break it down:

New Flat-Edge Design: All iPhone 12 models adopted a refreshed design with flat aluminum (or stainless steel on Pro) sides, reminiscent of the iPhone 4/5 era. After years of rounded edges, this angular look felt fresh and premium (and actually makes them easier to grip for some). The front glass got a new Ceramic Shield treatment – ceramic crystal-infused glass that Apple said was 4× more shatter-resistant. The backs were glass; Pros had matte back, non-Pros glossy back.

OLED for All: A major shift – even the regular iPhone 12 and 12 mini got OLED displays (Super Retina XDR), meaning rich contrast and high resolution, whereas previously XR/11 used LCD. This meant the cheaper iPhones now had essentially the same screen tech (minus some brightness difference) as Pros. The resolution on 12/12 Pro was 2532×1170 (460ppi) at 6.1″; on mini, 2340×1080 (476ppi) at 5.4″; on Pro Max, 2778×1284 (458ppi) at 6.7″. All supported HDR10 and Dolby Vision playback.

5G: All iPhone 12 models supported 5G (sub-6 and, in the US, mmWave ultra-wideband for superfast speeds) iphonelife.com. Apple’s launch was heavy on the 5G narrative (Verizon’s CEO even appeared during the keynote), as 5G networks were rolling out worldwide. Although consumer excitement for 5G was mixed (since tangible benefits depend on network coverage), including it ensured future-proofing, and many carriers pushed iPhone 12 deals to promote 5G adoption.

MagSafe: Apple revived the MagSafe name, introducing a MagSafe wireless charging and accessory system iphonelife.com. iPhone 12 had a ring of magnets in the back that allowed chargers to snap on perfectly (aligning coils for consistent 15W wireless charging) and enabled a new ecosystem of cases, wallets, mounts that attached magnetically. This was pretty innovative for smartphone accessories, solving alignment issues and opening new possibilities (like car mounts that also charge, or snap-on wallets). It was an under-the-hood change that has grown into a notable feature in daily use for many.

A14 Bionic: First 5nm chip in a smartphone, delivering top-of-class performance and efficiency. All models got it, with the Pro models having 6GB RAM vs 4GB on non-Pro.

iPhone 12 & 12 mini: These came in five bright colors (Black, White, (Product)Red, Green, Blue – with a Purple added later in spring 2021). They had dual cameras, now with an improved wide camera aperture f/1.6 (better low light than 11’s f/1.8), plus the same ultra-wide f/2.4. They gained Night Mode on all cameras, including ultra-wide and front cam (compared to 11 which only had it on main). They also added Night Mode Time-lapse and Deep Fusion on all cameras. Essentially, photography was improved across the board.

The iPhone 12 mini was notable as the smallest 5G phone and the smallest iPhone since the 2016 SE. Yet it had almost all the same specs as the 12 – just a smaller battery meaning somewhat shorter battery life (still, many were fine with it). Its existence was a nod to fans of compact phones, packing flagship power in a 5.4″ display device that literally could disappear in a pocket. Techies loved the mini conceptually, though sales-wise it ended up niche (reportedly ~5% of volume).

iPhone 12 Pro & 12 Pro Max: The Pros came in more subdued colors: Silver, Graphite, Gold, and a new Pacific Blue (which replaced Midnight Green). They had stainless steel frames, as usual.

Cameras: Both had an additional telephoto lens (12MP). The 12 Pro’s tele was 2× (52mm equiv, f/2.0) – basically same as 11 Pro’s. The 12 Pro Max, however, got exclusive camera upgrades: a longer 2.5× telephoto (65mm equiv, f/2.2) and a new main camera sensor with 47% larger sensor (1.7µm pixels vs 1.4µm) and sensor-shift stabilization. That meant the Pro Max had notably better low-light performance and stabilization for photos and videos on the main camera. Many photographers opted for the Pro Max for this reason. Both Pros also got a LiDAR scanner (like on iPad Pro), enabling faster AR and better low-light autofocus + a new Night Mode Portrait capability (the LiDAR could help create depth in very dark scenes to still do portrait background blur).

Additionally, iPhone 12 series introduced Dolby Vision HDR video recording (up to 4K60 on Pros, 4K30 on non-Pro) – a first in any device. This produced stunning dynamic range in videos (viewable on HDR screens). The fact a phone could record, edit, and share Dolby Vision HDR amazed videographers.

Impact: The iPhone 12 series was immensely consequential. The design shift to flat edges proved popular and gave iPhones a new identity that persists now (the 13 and likely beyond maintain it). People enjoyed the fresh look and premium feel.

The introduction of 5G in iPhones likely spurred a lot of upgrades – carriers heavily marketed it. In the US especially, mmWave in iPhone made Verizon and AT&T push it (though practical mmWave usage is limited). It also ensured iPhone users wouldn’t be left out as 5G coverage becomes ubiquitous.

iPhone 12 mini had a lot of tech media praise – “finally a high-end small phone!” – but it sold modestly, indicating that mainstream demand had largely moved to bigger screens for media and battery reasons. Nonetheless, Apple continued it through the 13 mini a year later, but likely it will remain an anomaly (by iPhone 14, mini was replaced by Plus). The mini’s existence did please a vocal minority though and influenced competitors (e.g., Asus made a compact Zenfone 8, etc., seeing a potential niche).

MagSafe was a sleeper feature that in subsequent years grew important – now we have MagSafe battery packs, car mounts, etc., making iPhone accessories more innovative.

Camera-wise, the Pro Max’s superior camera started a slight segmentation: Apple encouraging those who want the absolute best camera to go for the largest (and most expensive) phone. That continued with 13 Pro Max (though 13 Pro matched it except size). This strategy likely nudges prosumers to spend more.

Culturally, having 4 models meant people could really fine-tune what they wanted (small & cheap, small & high-end, large regular, large pro). It might have been a bit confusing at first, but it meant more price points and options, which likely helped Apple capture more market segments. The iPhone 12 (base) at $799 and often on promotion was a top seller. It gave most people everything needed (OLED, dual cam, 5G). The 12 Pro Max meanwhile became a status symbol for those who wanted the biggest and best.

One negative controversy: Apple removed the charger and EarPods from the box with iPhone 12, citing environmental reasons (to reduce e-waste and box size) – but many saw it as cost saving. This sparked some social media stir and even some lawsuits in a few countries. But Apple stuck to it, and now it’s normal for them (and others followed, e.g., Samsung did similar removal).

All told, the iPhone 12 series was a blockbuster, driving a supercycle of upgrades. It combined a new look, 5G future-proofing, camera improvements, and the A14’s performance. Apple saw a return to revenue growth for iPhones in 2020/2021 partly due to this strong lineup. It set the stage for the current generation of iPhones both design-wise and in features like MagSafe and 5G which are now standard expectations.

iPhone 13 Series (2021): Smoother Display and Cinematic Creativity

Release: September 24, 2021 (all models).
Key Specs (iPhone 13 mini & 13): 5.4″ and 6.1″ OLED; Apple A15 Bionic; 4 GB RAM; dual 12 MP rear cameras with new sensor (larger 1.7µm pixels) and sensor-shift OIS; Cinematic Mode video (1080p portrait video). Smaller notch.
Key Specs (iPhone 13 Pro & Pro Max): 6.1″ and 6.7″ OLED 120Hz ProMotion displays; A15 Bionic (5-core GPU version); 6 GB RAM; triple 12 MP cameras – new larger main sensor (1.9µm), improved ultrawide with macro focus, 3× optical telephoto; Cinematic Mode + ProRes video recording; up to 1TB storage option.

Building on the 12 series, the iPhone 13 family refined and iterated, with a big focus on displays and cameras. Apple kept the four-model strategy: two standard (mini, 13) and two Pro (Pro, Pro Max).

Design & Notch: The overall design remained the flat-edge style from iPhone 12. One visible change: the notch was shrunk by about 20% in width – the first reduction since its debut. This gave a bit more screen area in the status bar (though Apple didn’t use it for showing battery percent by default, which some noted). Back camera arrangements: on iPhone 13/mini, the dual lenses are arranged diagonally (rather than vertical) – mostly for internal space reasons with the new bigger sensor.

They also got slightly thicker and heavier, mainly due to bigger batteries.

Performance: All use the A15 Bionic (5nm+ process). The A15 has 6-core CPU, but the GPU differs: standard 13/mini have 4-core GPU, Pros have 5-core GPU. So Pros are a bit more graphics-powerful (Apple presumably did this because the Pro’s features like ProRes video and 120Hz display can use more GPU, and maybe due to chip binning yields). In practice, any A15 is a monster chip that outpaced competition easily.

Displays: The big news for Pros – ProMotion 120Hz adaptive refresh finally came to iPhone, years after iPad Pro had it. The 13 Pro/Pro Max displays could vary from 10Hz to 120Hz, making scrolling and animations much smoother, and reducing battery usage when static. This was highly anticipated by enthusiasts and put iPhone on par with Android flagships that had gotten high refresh displays earlier.

The iPhone 13 and mini still had 60Hz, but got about 28% higher max brightness (800 nits vs 625 before).

Cameras (Standard 13/mini): The wide camera got a much larger sensor (same 1.7µm pixels as 12 Pro Max had) and now all 13 models have sensor-shift stabilization. So essentially, the iPhone 13 inherited the best camera hardware of the previous Pro Max – a big deal. The ultrawide remained 12MP f/2.4 similar as before (no autofocus on the non-Pro ultrawide). Combined with A15’s processing, the photo quality improved, especially in low light, and Night Mode shots got faster and better.

Cameras (Pro/Pro Max): Big year for Pro cameras:

• Main wide: new 12MP with even bigger pixels (1.9µm) and f/1.5 aperture, producing stellar low-light performance, about 2.2× more light than 12 Pro. It kept sensor-shift OIS.
• Ultrawide: now with autofocus and a wider f/1.8 aperture, enabling a brand new ability – macro photography (focus distance 2cm). Users could take detailed close-ups of flowers, insects, etc., which opened creative possibilities.
• Telephoto: now 3× optical zoom (77mm equiv, f/2.8), giving more reach than prior 2× or 2.5× lenses (but slightly slower aperture).
• LiDAR still present for AR, low-light focusing, Night mode portraits.

So the Pros gained an incredibly versatile and improved camera system. Many reviews said the iPhone 13 Pro was maybe the most capable camera phone overall, especially with macro and low-light prowess.

Video & Cinematic Mode: Apple introduced Cinematic Mode on all iPhone 13 models. This is a video version of Portrait Mode, recording 1080p video at 30fps with shallow depth-of-field effect, and – importantly – the ability to rack focus intelligently between subjects (even automatically focusing on who’s speaking or looking) and also change focus points later in editing. It used advanced algorithms and was quite fun to play with, though limited to 1080p and had some edge artifacts. Still, it was a unique feature that aimed to bring a bit of Hollywood-like focus transitions to everyday videographers.

The Pros also got ProRes video recording (up to 4K30, except base 128GB models limited to 1080p30 due to storage speed). ProRes is a high-quality codec favored by professionals as it retains more detail and is easier to edit in post. This really was a “Pro” feature (few casual users will use it due to huge file sizes), but for those wanting to integrate iPhone footage into professional workflows, it’s big.

Battery: Every model got a significant battery capacity bump and more efficient A15. iPhone 13 and 13 Pro reportedly got ~2.5 hours longer than 12/12 Pro; 13 mini and 13 Pro Max ~1.5 hours more than their 12 counterparts. Notably, the iPhone 13 Pro Max set new records for battery life in a smartphone, often lasting 2+ days for moderate use (it’s a beast).

Other: 5G band support expanded (more global bands). Storage: base storage doubled on Pros (starting 128GB up from 64, same for 13/mini). Pro models added a 1TB option for heavy ProRes users. The notch reduction we mentioned freed a tiny bit of menu space.

Impact: The iPhone 13 series was met with somewhat less drama and more satisfaction – it refined things people cared about: better battery, great cameras, smooth displays (on Pro), and no price hikes (they stayed same as 12 series pricing, aside from mini starting $100 less than 12). As the pandemic continued and people valued their devices even more for creative and communication purposes, the camera and battery upgrades were very well-received.

The introduction of ProMotion on iPhone 13 Pro finally satisfied a long-standing request from tech enthusiasts; after using it, even many average users notice the smoothness. It keeps the Pro models feeling ultra-premium.

Cinematic Mode, while maybe a bit of a gimmick yet, showcased Apple’s lead in real-time video processing. Over time as it improves (maybe resolution, better depth mapping), it could become a standard tool (for now, it’s more fun/experimental, but some have used it for short films effectively).

The camera improvements on 13/13 mini meant even the base iPhones now had extremely capable low-light and macro (macro only on Pro due to autofocus ultrawide). This leveled the playing field such that most buyers would be very happy with the 13’s cameras, and only enthusiasts or specific needs would warrant going Pro – which is likely what Apple intended, focusing Pro on high-end features like telephoto, ProRes, ProMotion.

The mini model saw its battery issue mitigated somewhat with a bigger battery, but it still sold niche. In fact, around mid-2022 reports indicated Apple would not continue the mini in iPhone 14 lineup due to relatively low sales (the iPhone 13 mini was estimated again at maybe ~5% of sales). So the 13 mini, though improved, likely marks the end of the mini experiment. But those who love small phones have in the 13 mini one of the best small phones ever, likely to hold onto it for years.

Market-wise, the iPhone 13 became the best-selling phone globally in early 2022, with 13 Pro/Max also in top ranks – Apple’s strategy was clearly successful. The long battery life especially addressed a crucial user satisfier.

Another perhaps underappreciated impact: by doubling base storage on Pros to 128GB (and keeping 13 at 128GB base too), Apple acknowledged 64GB was too skimpy in 2021 – this made users happier as they could install more apps, take more 4K videos, etc., without immediate upgrades or cloud reliance.

Culturally, the term “ProMotion” became a marketing point – once people see a 120Hz display, it’s a bit jarring to go back. So it likely pressures competitors and even Apple that all future high-end devices should have it (the fact base 13 didn’t, gave some a reason to upsell to Pro; perhaps in future base models might eventually get 120Hz as well).

In summary, iPhone 13 series polished the iPhone experience to a high sheen: addressing prior gaps (battery and display smoothness on Pro), pushing camera boundaries (macro, night, video), and delivering on the promise of making professional tools available in your pocket. It wasn’t a radical redesign year, but arguably one of the most user-satisfying iPhone generations to date in terms of delivering what people wanted.

iPhone 14 Series (2022): Dynamic Island and Safety Features

Release: September 16, 2022 (14/14 Pro); October 7, 2022 (14 Plus).
Key Specs (iPhone 14 & 14 Plus): 6.1″ / 6.7″ OLED 60Hz; Apple A15 (5-core GPU version); 6 GB RAM; dual cameras (12 MP main with larger f/1.5 and sensor-shift, 12 MP ultrawide); improved front camera with autofocus; Emergency SOS via Satellite; Crash Detection.
Key Specs (iPhone 14 Pro & Pro Max): 6.1″ / 6.7″ OLED 120Hz w/ Dynamic Island cutout; Apple A16 Bionic; 6 GB RAM; cameras: new 48 MP main sensor (quad-pixel binning), 12 MP ultrawide (with macro), 3× tele; Always-On Display; Satellite SOS & Crash Detection.

The iPhone 14 lineup brought some interesting shifts: a more pronounced differentiation between Pro and non-Pro, the elimination of the mini in favor of a Plus, and introduction of new capabilities focused on safety and UI.

iPhone 14 & 14 Plus: For the first time, the new regular iPhones did not get a new chip – they use a slightly enhanced A15 (the 5-core GPU variant from 13 Pro, with an extra GPU core and 6GB RAM). Apple likely did this to manage chip supply and cut costs, focusing A16 production on Pros. Still, A15 is plenty powerful.

The mini was replaced by iPhone 14 Plus with a big 6.7″ screen iphonelife.com, bringing a large display to the cheaper tier for the first time. So now both sizes available in Pro were also available in non-Pro (6.1 and 6.7). The 14 Plus had outstanding battery life (even better than 14 Pro Max in some tests, due to no 120Hz or always-on draw). It targeted those who want big screen and battery but not the Pro price.

Design was essentially same as 13 series (with notch). New colors included a light Blue, Purple, Midnight, Starlight, Red.

Camera: iPhone 14 got an upgraded main sensor (1.9µm pixels, f/1.5) just like 13 Pro had. So improved low-light. It also got the 13 Pro’s autofocus front camera (first time front cam AF in non-pro) and wider f/1.9 aperture for better selfies, plus Cinematic mode now works in 4K up to 30p. Apple introduced a “Photonic Engine” pipeline – basically enhanced Deep Fusion earlier in processing – to improve mid/low-light performance across cameras.

But the marquee additions were outside camera/processor: Emergency SOS via Satellite and Crash Detection.

• Satellite SOS: Using new antennas and custom software, iPhone 14 can connect to Globalstar satellites to send short text messages to emergency services when you have no cellular coverage iphonelife.com. It guides you to point phone at sky, since it’s line-of-sight to a satellite. This is a breakthrough feature for safety in remote areas – it literally has saved lives already. Apple included 2 years of free satellite service. This required new hardware that is only in iPhone 14 series (all models).
• Crash Detection: With new high-g accelerometer and gyro, iPhone 14 can detect severe car crashes and automatically call emergency services if you don’t respond iphonelife.com. This runs by default (hopefully you never need it). There were anecdotal stories soon after of it alerting responders to accidents. Some false triggers on roller coasters happened but Apple working to refine algorithm.

So Apple really leaned into iPhone as a life-saving device, which is compelling and quite a differentiator.

iPhone 14 Pro & 14 Pro Max: The Pros got the flashier changes:

• Dynamic Island: Apple replaced the notch with a pill-shaped cutout plus a separate hole for camera – but cleverly merged them in software with black pixels and used that area for dynamic notifications and multitasking indicators. The “Dynamic Island” can expand and show things like music controls, timers, call info, Face ID symbol, etc. It basically turned a hardware cutout into a functional part of the interface – a signature experience that excited a lot of users and set iPhone visually apart. Early reviews praised it as an Apple-typical whimsical but useful UI innovation. It’s likely to stick around (the rumor is all iPhone 15 might get the Island).
• Always-On Display: Thanks to 1Hz refresh capability, the 14 Pro screens now support an always-on mode showing a dimmed version of the lock screen (time, widgets, and a faded wallpaper). This was Apple’s take on AOD, different from Android’s typically black AOD. Some loved having glanceable info; some turned it off to avoid distraction or save battery (though it’s fairly efficient). It can also go fully dark when phone is face down or in pocket to save power.
• A16 Bionic: New 4nm chip (really TSMC N4) with higher efficiency, slightly faster CPU/GPU, and crucially, more advanced display engine (to handle the dynamic island animations and 1Hz refresh) and camera ISP improvements. It’s about ~15% faster overall than A15, not a huge leap, but helps with battery and supporting new camera features.
• 48 MP Main Camera: After many years at 12MP, Apple quadrupled resolution on the main sensor. It’s a large sensor that by default bins 4 pixels into one (for 12MP output with great low-light and detail). You can also shoot ProRAW at full 48MP for massive detail (but huge file sizes ~80MB each). This enables a new 2× zoom mode using the center 12MP of the sensor – effectively giving you a third focal length optically (since the 48MP detail is enough to count as true 12MP output). So, 0.5×, 1×, 2×, 3× options. The image quality from the main cam improved especially in good light (more detail) and allows cropping flexibility. In low light, it bins to 12MP for less noise.
• Other Camera Upgrades: The ultrawide got a new sensor too (still 12MP but larger and improved macro capability) so macro shots are sharper. Telephoto remained 3× 77mm f/2.8, same as 13 Pro. The Photonic Engine (like on base 14) improved mid/low light performance across all cams by using Deep Fusion earlier. The front cam same as base 14 with AF now.
• They also added ProRes video at 4K30 like 13 Pro had, Cinematic mode now in 4K24/30 and presumably improved by A16.

Battery on 14 Pro/Max roughly same or slightly better than 13 Pro (already excellent).

Impact: The iPhone 14 Pro’s Dynamic Island became a bit of a viral sensation; within days of release, Android theme makers copied it, apps tried to utilize it, and it gave iPhone a fun new identity (rather than just a smaller notch). It’s a testament to Apple’s design influence that a cutout became a “feature” not a “compromise.” It will likely spawn years of UI creativity.

The camera resolution jump to 48MP answered competitors who had high-MP sensors, and gave professionals more flexibility. It keeps iPhone at the forefront for video and competitive in high-detail photography. Combined with Photonic Engine improvements, the 14 Pro got top marks in many camera comparisons.

Satellite SOS and Crash Detection, though you hope to never need them, added to Apple’s narrative of iPhone as an essential safety device – potentially driving some upgrades for hikers, adventurers, or just safety-conscious folks. It also broadened what people think a phone can do (communicate directly with satellites – that’s pretty sci-fi turned real).

The lack of a mini and introduction of Plus meant Apple acknowledged the market spoke: bigger phones outsell small ones. The 14 Plus got delayed launch and by reports, its demand was lukewarm (people either go for Pro or stick with base 14 if cost-sensitive). But those who have 14 Plus love the huge battery.

Critically, by keeping A16 for Pros only, Apple differentiated performance tiers. While A15 is still great, it does mark the start of a potential trend where base models might lag a year behind in silicon (we’ll see if iPhone 15 uses A16 for non-Pro, likely yes). This could let Apple upsell more to Pros for those who want the latest chip, or save cost while still delivering good performance to the masses.

Culturally, iPhone 14’s release came as pandemic effects waned, so Apple returned to focusing on travel or outdoors use in marketing (hence satellite and crash features). The features also spurred stories in media about lives saved, which bolsters Apple’s brand as caring about user safety and health (building on features like ECG in Apple Watch, etc.).

One minor negative cultural blip: iPhone 14 (non-pro) was criticized for being too similar to 13 (even same chip, design) – some called it an “iPhone 13S” effectively. Sales of base 14 reportedly were below expectations initially, while 14 Pro/Max were very strong (leading to parts of shortage during holidays). This may influence Apple to further adjust the differences in future or pricing.

Another interesting tidbit: eSIM. In the US, all iPhone 14 models are eSIM only – no physical SIM tray. This was a bold move in one market to push the eSIM adoption. International models still have SIM slots. There was some initial friction for people who like swapping SIMs (like travelers), but eSIM activation is fairly smooth with major carriers. If Apple expands this to more regions in future, it could further streamline devices but might upset those who like the tangible SIM freedom.

In summary, the iPhone 14 series continued Apple’s split strategy: base models for mainstream (with modest bumps and key new safety features), and Pros with flashy new tech to justify the premium. The Dynamic Island and safety features are likely the most lasting legacies of this generation, showing Apple’s ability to integrate hardware, software, and services into a holistic user experience – whether that’s enjoying a lively new UI paradigm or getting help when it matters most.

With the iPhone 14 series being the latest full generation as of mid/late 2025, Apple has demonstrated how far the iPhone has come: from a single 3.5″ device with a basic camera to a broad family of devices pushing boundaries in display tech, computational photography, and personal safety. en.wikipedia.org

Now we’ll look ahead at what’s known and anticipated for the next generation – the iPhone 17 – to complete our timeline.