The Evolution of iPhone
Explore how Apple's revolutionary device has transformed mobile technology from 2007 to today through our interactive infographic timeline.
2007
2017
2023
Generations
Units Sold
iOS Versions
Design Changes
Timeline
Explore how the iPhone has evolved through generations, revolutionizing mobile technology since its debut in 2007.
2007: Original iPhone
The groundbreaking first iPhone featured a 3.5-inch display, 2MP camera, and revolutionized mobile with its multi-touch interface.
- • First multi-touch smartphone
- • 3.5-inch display (320×480)
- • 2MP camera
- • 4GB/8GB/16GB storage
- • iPhone OS 1
2010: iPhone 4
The iPhone 4 introduced a striking new design with glass front and back panels, the high-resolution Retina display, and FaceTime.
- • First Retina display (960×640)
- • Glass and stainless steel design
- • 5MP camera with flash
- • Front-facing camera
- • A4 processor
2014: iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
Apple introduced larger displays with the iPhone 6 (4.7") and 6 Plus (5.5"), responding to market demand for bigger screens.
- • Larger displays (4.7" and 5.5")
- • Rounded aluminum design
- • Improved cameras with OIS
- • Touch ID fingerprint sensor
- • Apple Pay introduction
2017: iPhone X
For the 10th anniversary, Apple redesigned the iPhone with an edge-to-edge OLED display, Face ID, and removed the home button.
- • Edge-to-edge OLED display
- • Face ID facial recognition
- • No home button
- • Dual 12MP cameras
- • Animoji introduction
2023: iPhone 15
The iPhone 15 series brought USB-C to iPhone, a titanium frame for Pro models, and a customizable Action button.
- • USB-C port
- • Dynamic Island on all models
- • Titanium frame (Pro models)
- • 48MP main camera
- • A17 Pro chip (Pro models)
Photo inspiration by Aaron Jones on Unsplash
Design Evolution
From the original iPhone's aluminum back to today's all-glass designs, explore how Apple has refined iPhone aesthetics over the years.
Original Era (2007-2010)
Distinctive Features
- • Aluminum back with rounded edges
- • Large bezels and physical home button
- • 3.5-inch display
- • Chrome rim around the display
- • Plastic accents for antenna reception
Key Design Milestones
- • 2007: Original iPhone introduced iconic form factor
- • 2008: iPhone 3G introduced plastic back for better reception
- • 2009: iPhone 3GS refined the plastic design
Design Philosophy
Apple's initial iPhone designs focused on creating a device that was intuitive to use with one hand. The rounded design and chrome accents reflected the iPod aesthetic that consumers were already familiar with.
Material Evolution
Original Colors
Limited palette of black and silver aluminum for a premium, uniform look.
Color Expansion
Introduction of gold color with iPhone 5S (2013) marked the beginning of color options.
Vibrant Era
iPhone 5C (2013) and later XR/11 models brought vibrant colors to the mainstream lineup.
Current Palette
Modern iPhones feature both professional tones and pastel colors across different models.
Evolution of iPhone
Tracking the innovation journey from the first iPhone to today's cutting-edge models.
Original iPhone
- 3.5" display (320×480 pixels)
- 2MP camera
- 4GB/8GB/16GB storage options
- iPhone OS 1
- No App Store, no copy & paste
Photo by Brooke Lark
Photo by Hunters Race
iPhone 4
- 3.5" Retina display (640×960 pixels)
- 5MP rear camera, VGA front camera
- A4 chip
- iOS 4
- FaceTime introduced
- Glass and stainless steel design
iPhone 6/6 Plus
- 4.7" and 5.5" displays
- 8MP iSight camera with optical image stabilization
- A8 chip with M8 motion coprocessor
- iOS 8
- Apple Pay introduced
- Significantly larger screen sizes
Photo by Ben Rosett
iPhone X introduced all-screen design
iPhone X
- 5.8" Super Retina OLED display
- Face ID (no Home button)
- 12MP dual camera system
- A11 Bionic chip
- iOS 11
- Edge-to-edge screen with notch
iPhone 13 Pro
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion
- Pro camera system (12MP) with Cinematic mode
- A15 Bionic chip
- iOS 15
- Up to 1TB storage
- Improved battery life
Pro camera system for professional photography
Titanium design with A17 Pro chip
iPhone 15 Pro
- 6.1" and 6.7" Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion
- 48MP main camera with 5x optical zoom
- A17 Pro chip
- Action button replaces mute switch
- USB-C connector
- Titanium design
Key Innovations Through the Years
Revolutionary interface that changed mobile interaction forever
Pixel density so high the human eye couldn't distinguish individual pixels
Advanced facial recognition system replacing Touch ID
Customizable button replacing the traditional mute switch