This article organizes and compares every iPhone generation, from the original iPhone through the latest iPhone 17e, in chronological order, covering release dates and the features that attracted attention at the time. It highlights the key milestones for each model.
The original iPhone was released on 29 June 2007, but it was not launched in Japan and lacked features including a front-facing camera, video recording, and copy and paste. The iPhone 3G followed on 11 July 2008, going on sale in Japan as well, and long queues became a talking point even before its release.
The evolution of features and design continued with the iPhone 4 and 4S, which introduced a front-facing camera and Siri, the adoption of the Lightning connector from the iPhone 5 onward, the larger form factor of the iPhone 6/6 Plus, 3D Touch on the iPhone 6s/6s Plus, and the smaller form factor of the iPhone SE. From the iPhone 7 onward, Apple removed the headphone jack and improved water resistance, while camera capabilities also advanced significantly.
Each generation had its own distinctive features, including the edge-to-edge display era and the spread of Face ID with the iPhone X, the tapioca-like lens design of the iPhone 11 series, LiDAR on the 12 Pro series, 5G support across the iPhone 12 lineup, improved low-light performance, and the addition of new materials and colors. With the iPhone 14/15 series, Dynamic Island, USB-C support, and 48-megapixel cameras were progressively standardized across all models.
From 2025 onward, new generations joined the lineup, including the 16/16 Plus, 16 Pro/Max, 17/17 Pro/Max, and ultimately the 16e. The latest iPhone 17e has been introduced with specifications including the A19 chip, a high-resolution camera, and dual eSIM support.