Since Steve Jobs held up the first iPhone in 2007, every year (or almost every year) the tech world stops to witness Apple's next step. These unveiling events aren't just product launches; they're cultural moments that define trends and push the boundaries of what's possible. Join us for a journey through the fascinating history of iPhones, highlighting key events and the innovation each model brought to the table.
iPhone (2007) – "Hello"
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Event: Macworld Conference & Expo, San Francisco, January 9, 2007.
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The original iPhone wasn't just a phone; it was a revolution. It combined a touchscreen iPod, a mobile phone, and an internet communication device into one. Its multi-touch interface and lack of a physical keyboard made it instantly iconic, redefining what a smartphone could be.
iPhone 3G (2008) – "iPhone Takes a Huge Leap Forward"
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Event: WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference), San Francisco, June 9, 2008.
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The big news was 3G connectivity, which offered much faster internet speeds. But perhaps the most significant change was the introduction of the App Store, opening up a massive ecosystem of apps that would forever transform interaction with smartphones.
iPhone 3GS (2009) – "The Fastest, Most Powerful iPhone Yet"
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Event: WWDC, San Francisco, June 8, 2009.
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The "S" stood for "Speed." The 3GS significantly improved performance, with a faster processor and improved graphics. It introduced video recording, voice control, and a digital compass, further enhancing its multimedia and navigation capabilities.
iPhone 4 (2010) – "This Changes Everything. Again."
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Event: WWDC, San Francisco, June 7, 2010.
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A dramatic redesign with a stainless steel and glass frame, the stunning high-resolution Retina display, and the front-facing camera for FaceTime video calls. It was an aesthetic and functional leap that reaffirmed Apple's position as a leader in design and technology.
iPhone 4S (2011) – "Let's Talk iPhone"
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Event: "Let's Talk iPhone", Apple Campus, Cupertino, October 4, 2011.
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The star of the show was Siri, the intelligent voice assistant, which opened up a new way to interact with the device. It also introduced an 8-megapixel camera with 1080p recording, dramatically improving photography capabilities.
iPhone 5 (2012) – "The Biggest Thing to Happen to iPhone Since iPhone"
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Event: iPhone 5 Launch, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco, September 12, 2012.
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It was the first iPhone to feature a larger 4-inch screen and a thinner, lighter design. It introduced the Lightning connector, redesigned EarPods, and 4G LTE connectivity, marking a breakthrough in ergonomics and speed.
iPhone 5s & 5c (2013) – "Forward Thinking" & "For the Colorful"
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Event: iPhone 5s and 5c Launch, Apple Campus, Cupertino, September 10, 2013.
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The iPhone 5s introduced Touch ID (fingerprint sensor) for biometric security and the 64-bit A7 chip, a first for a smartphone. The 5c offered a more colorful and affordable option, targeting a broader audience.
iPhone 6 & 6 Plus (2014) – "Bigger Than Bigger"
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Event: "Keynote - September 9, 2014", Flint Center for the Performing Arts, Cupertino, September 9, 2014.
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Apple finally gave in to larger screens, with 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch models. It introduced Apple Pay, NFC technology, and a camera with optical image stabilization (on the Plus), elevating the user experience and photography capabilities.
iPhone 6s & 6s Plus (2015) – "The Only Thing That's Changed Is Everything."
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Event: "Hey Siri, Give Us a Hint," Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, September 9, 2015.
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The big news was 3D Touch, which enabled new interactions based on the pressure applied to the screen. It also significantly improved the camera (12MP and 4K video) and performance with the A9 chip.
iPhone 7 & 7 Plus (2016) – "This Is 7."
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Event: "See you on the 7th.", Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, September 7, 2016.
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Water and dust resistance, a dual camera on the Plus model (with portrait mode), and the controversial removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack, opting for wireless AirPods and digital audio.
iPhone 8, 8 Plus & iPhone X (2017) – "A Decade of Innovation"
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Event: "Apple Special Event", Steve Jobs Theater, Apple Park, Cupertino, September 12, 2017.
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Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the iPhone X was the star: edge-to-edge OLED display, Face ID, and the removal of the home button. The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus introduced wireless charging and a glass design.
iPhone XS, XS Max & XR (2018) – "Gather Round"
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Event: "Apple Special Event", Steve Jobs Theater, Apple Park, Cupertino, September 12, 2018.
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The XS and XS Max took the OLED display to its fullest and improved Face ID. The XR offered a more affordable option with Face ID and a variety of vibrant colors, expanding access to the home-button-free aesthetic.
iPhone 11 , 11 Pro & 11 Pro Max (2019) – "By Innovation Only"
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Event: "Apple Special Event", Steve Jobs Theater, Apple Park, Cupertino, September 10, 2019.
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The big focus was on night photography and ultra-wide angle on all models, in addition to the triple camera system on the Pro models. The focus was on significant improvements in battery and performance with the A13 Bionic chip.
iPhone 12 mini , 12 , 12 Pro & 12 Pro Max (2020) – "Hi, Speed."
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Event: "Apple Special Event", Apple Park (online due to the pandemic), October 13, 2020.
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Reintroducing the flat-edge design, 5G connectivity, the tougher Ceramic Shield display, and the return of MagSafe for wireless charging and accessories, marking a milestone in speed and durability.
iPhone 13 mini , 13 , 13 Pro & 13 Pro Max (2021) – "California Streaming"
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Event: "Apple Special Event", Apple Park (online), September 14, 2021.
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It featured substantial battery improvements, a smaller notch, and Cinematic Mode in video, which allows you to change focus in real time. The Pro models introduced ProMotion with adaptive 120Hz refresh rates.
iPhone 14 , 14 Plus, 14 Pro & 14 Pro Max (2022) – "Far Out."
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Event: "Apple Special Event", Steve Jobs Theater, Apple Park, September 7, 2022.
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The Pro models introduced Dynamic Island, a reimagined widget for notifications and live activities, and the always-on display. Crash detection and satellite communication for emergencies were also introduced.
iPhone 15 , 15 Plus , 15 Pro & 15 Pro Max (2023) – "Wonderlust"
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Event: "Apple Special Event", Steve Jobs Theater, Apple Park, September 12, 2023.
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Dynamic Island arrived on all iPhone 15 models, and the long-awaited USB-C port was adopted. The Pro and Pro Max models added a new customizable action button and a powerful A17 Pro chip, paving the way for console gaming on mobile.
iPhone 16 , 16 Plus , 16 Pro & 16 Pro Max (2024) – "?"
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Event: "Apple Special Event" (TBD), Steve Jobs Theater, Apple Park (or similar), September 2024.
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The iPhone 16 lineup is expected to further boost Apple's generative AI capabilities, with significant improvements to Siri and new machine learning-powered features. We could see an evolution of Dynamic Island and perhaps an even more advanced telephoto camera, especially on the Pro Max model.
iPhone 17 and the Near Future (2025) – "The Next Chapter"
And now the next chapter is here, and we're ready for the new iPhone:
As we approach 2025 and anticipation for the iPhone 17 grows, we can expect Apple to continue its legacy of innovation. Artificial intelligence and augmented reality are ripe fields for even deeper integration, promising more intuitive and personalized interactions with our devices. At GSMPRO.CL, we're ready for whatever comes next!
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