The iPhoneit is the most important piece of tech. Can you recall the world of cell phones prior to the iPhone’s launch? You know, when wireless application protocol (WAP — no, not the song by Cardi B) browsers were dominant, people still made phone calls instead of primarily texting, and cellular cameras were just a couple of megapixels? Sure, there were smartphones at the time — such as BlackBerry and Palm Treo — but these were more suited for business, rather than personal use.
The world changed in 2007 when Steve Jobs launched the iPhone. Jobs touted the iPhone as a revolutionary 3-in–1 mobile device: “It’s a phone, it’s a camera, it’s an iPod.” Though it was mocked by some like Steve Ballmer, who thought it would never sell, the iPhone quickly took off and became one of the most popular smartphones to this day. You could even say that Android may not exist (at least not in its current form) if it weren’t for the first iPhone.
So, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the best iPhones of all time.
iPhone: The iPhone that changed everything
We can’t talk about the greatest iPhones of all time without including the original one that started it all. Jobs announced the first iPhone on January 9, 2007. It was launched worldwide on June 29, 2007, by Jobs.
We can look back at the The first iPhoneNow, it is as basic as you can get. However, the iPhone made a significant impact on the wireless industry. The iPhone was literally the first of its type. It offered web browsing in the palm of your hands, integrated iPod audio playback, and a superior camera than other competitors. Since the iPhone introduced a capacitive multitouch touchscreen that allows for intuitive typing, physical keyboards began to disappear.
In the beginning, there was no App Store for iPhones. Instead, developers created web apps that could be used in mobile Safari. The App Store was launched in 2008 after the iPhone 3G debuts. It allows anyone who has the iPhone 3G access to hundreds native apps.
The original iPhone launched without basic features like copy and paste, MMS, GPS, etc., but it was the iPhone that made it all possible.
iPhone 4: Retina Display & Advanced Photography
The iPhone 4 was the biggest leap forward for the iPhone since the original model. This iPhone had the Retina Display (high-resolution retina display) for the first time. It was more than twice as dense as the original iPhone. The Retina Display was a major improvement at the time and would be the standard for all subsequent iPhones. It also had Apple’s A4 chip, which gave it enough power to handle multitasking functionality and folders for apps.
The iPhone 4 not only paved the way forward for high resolution displays, but also was the first iPhone to seriously embrace mobile photography. Both the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3G had a 2MP camera. The iPhone 3GS added a slightly larger 3MP camera. But the iPhone 4 made the jump to 5MP with an LED flash, and was the first iPhone with a front camera — even if it was a measly 0.3MP sensor. It’s because of this front-facing camera that Apple launched its FaceTimeVideo calling app allows iPhone users to keep connected via video calls. Also, the iPhone 4 was the first iPhone available on Verizon, bringing AT&T’s iPhone exclusivity to an end.
This was also the first major redesign of the original iPhone. The predecessors maintained the curvy appearance of the original iPhone as well as the 3G/S models. The iPhone 4 introduced flat, stainless-steel sides and edges along with a glassback. Although it was beautiful, and is still stunning today, the design also caused some controversy. The stainless steel frame doubled as the cellular antenna, and holding the iPhone 4 in a certain way caused a signal loss — thus starting the “antenna-gate” controversy. The problem was covered so much in the media that Jobs held a special announcement to talk about it, and essentially told people “you’re holding it wrong.” Eventually, Apple relented and gave out free bumper cases to help alleviate the issue.
Despite the antenna controversy that surrounds the iPhone 4, there’s no doubt that it was an important milestone for the iPhone.
iPhone 5s: The leap to 64-bit and TouchID
The iPhone 5sIt retains the same design of its predecessor, the iPhone 5. The iPhone 5s traded the glass body from the iPhone 4s models for an aluminum body that was lighter and thinner. But when you take a look at the iPhone 5s internals, it’s clear why we’re talking about it over the iPhone 5.
Apple included the 64-bit dual core A7 chip in the iPhone 5s. This was the 64-bit processor’s first iPhone. The jump to 64-bit meant the iPhone 5s could access larger amounts of memory — something that was especially helpful for certain types of applications, such as photo and video editing. Apple removed all 32-bit apps from its App Store in favor of 64-bit support. This was done to increase the iPhone’s overall performance. It set the standard for future iPhones, much like the iPhone 4.
Apple also added a redesigned Home button on the iPhone 5s, which housed a new fingerprint sensor for a feature called “Touch ID.” Touch ID let you use your fingerprint to unlock your device instead of just using a passcode, adding another layer of security to your highly sensitive device. Touch ID can also be used to authenticate iTunes and App Store purchases. The eventual launch of the iPhone 6 6 plusYou could use Touch ID for third-party apps unlocking, but it was only possible to authenticate purchases and unlock your iPhone when Touch ID first launched.
iPhone 6s: The start of the 12MP iPhone Era
Although the iPhone 4 launched the mobile photography revolution, it was not the first. iPhone 6sIt has been expanded in a large way. Apple’s iPhone 6s introduced a 12-megapixel camera, the first iPhone to do so. This 12MP camera is still used today. iPhone 14 iPhone 14 Plus.
The iPhone 6s’ rear camera was upgraded to 12MP and the iPhone 6s can record 4K video at 30 frames per seconds (fps). The iPhone 6s introduced Live Photos, which are photos that are essentially mini video clips — capturing the scene a few seconds before and after the shutter button was tapped. And for selfie lovers, the iPhone 6s added “Retina Flash,” which brightens the front display up to about three times the highest brightness level to serve as a flash for selfies. Overall, the iPhone 6s brought iPhone photography to a new level with many amazing new features.
On top of all the camera upgrades, the iPhone 6s improved upon Touch ID with the second-generation fingerprint sensor, supported even faster data speeds with LTE Advanced, and allowed for “Hey Siri” abilities without being plugged in. It also had 3D Touch, which enabled the display’s ability to detect pressure levels for touch input. I love this feature. Unfortunately, 3D Touch was removed from the iPhone 11 and later.
iPhone 7 Plus: Professional portraits and zoom
Each iPhone 4 has received significant camera upgrades. As its predecessor, the iPhone 4 also features significant camera upgrades. iPhone 7 PlusYou also added Portrait modeThe first iPhone with dual lenses was introduced by a telephoto lens and a telephoto lens.
Portrait mode lets users take portrait photos by applying a depth-of field effect. It puts emphasis on the subject, blurring the background, and allows for a depth-offield effect. It produces a result similar to that of a DSLR but on an iPhone. It set an example for other smartphones, and it was a great example of what can be accomplished on an iPhone. Portrait mode was made a standard feature on all iPhone models, and new features like Portrait Lighting are a direct result.
The iPhone 7 Plus was also the first iPhone to feature a dual-lens camera. However, the configuration is modified in later models. The iPhone 7 Plus was the first iPhone to have a telephoto lens. This allowed for 2x optical zoom. Close-up photos were more detailed and less blurry than digital zoom.
The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus came in the stunning and elegant Jet Black color. This is a rare and beautiful option that has not been seen before (RIP). Apple also made the Home button capacitive and static, so it wouldn’t actually “press” down, similar to how the trackpads work on MacBooks.
But let’s not forget that this is also when Apple removed the 3.5mm headphone jack, pushing people to use Bluetooth headphones and earbuds. If you want to use your wired headphones, the Lightning to 3.5mm adapter must be used. Apple’s adapters and dongles are amazing, and this is where it all began.
iPhone X: The new era of iPhone
Apple has released the iPhone after 10 years. iPhone XAlongside the iPhone 8 iPhone 8 Plus. It feels like the 8 series was just there for those who couldn’t let go of the Home button just yet, while the iPhone X propelled the world into the next era of the iPhone.
Apple snubbed the Home button that had been a staple of the iPhone over the past decade and eliminated the front bezels to create an immersive full-screen experience. Super Retina HD was the first iPhone to feature an OLED screen. This is a significant upgrade to the LCD screens on the previous iPhones.
This design change made it possible to add the notch at top of screen that houses the front-facing camera as well as the new LCD. Face ID sensors — the replacement for Touch ID. Face ID is now the standard for biometric security in iPhones.
Even though the notch itself was quite divisive (I hated how much space it wasted), there’s no denying that this phone ushered in a new age for one of the most iconic devices.
iPhone 11 Pro: Going Pro for the first time
iPhone 11 Pro iPhone 11 Pro Max were the first devices with the “Pro” moniker for the iPhone lineup. This is significant as it marked the beginning of the separation between the standard iPhone and the Pro version. The latter has some major hardware differences that are more for power users similar to the iPad Pro or MacBook Pro.
The iPhone 11 Pro was first to introduce a triple-lens system. It included a main, ultrawide and telephoto lens. This was huge for anyone who wanted to use the iPhone only for photography. The ultrawide camera allows you to capture more of a scene in one shot. This opens up a lot of possibilities. Apple also introduced Night Mode to its entire iPhone 11 line, including the iPhone 11 Pro. This made them the first iPhones capable of taking good shots even in low-light conditions. This was another major advancement in iPhone camera technology, and it is still being used today.
iPhone 12: Introduce a small iPhone, MagSafe and 5G
Apple’s iPhone 12 line was released in 2020. This increased the number of models from three to four. iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 ProAnd iPhone 12 Pro Max.
There was once a vocal, but small, group of people who longed for an iPhone small again. This group had been calling for it ever since the iPhone’s release. iPhone SE. Apple’s answer was the iPhone 12 Mini. The specifications of this device were identical to the iPhone 12 Pro’s, but it had an LCD screen of 5.4 inches.
Even though the iPhone SE’s screen was 4.7 inches (with a redesigned iPhone 8 chassis), the iPhone 12 Mini actually had a larger 5.4 inch display. It was smaller because it removed the Home button and front bezels. So, you had a smaller phone but with more screen estate — a win-win for small and compact phone lovers, unless you absolutely missed the Home button.
MagSafe was also introduced with the iPhone 12 range. This opens up a new world of possibilities for iPhone accessories. MagSafe is a ring of magnets inside the iPhone that allow it to easily attach and properly align itself to various accessories — including MagSafe wireless chargers, battery packs, wallets, phone grips, car mounts, and more. MagSafe cases are also available from Apple as well as third-party accessory companies. These MagSafe cases include a magnetic ring that allows it to be used with these accessories. MagSafe would be my choice for the best feature on an iPhone., and it’s one I certainly can’t live without.
The iPhone 12 line was also the first iPhone to offer 5G cellular connectivity. The iPhone 12 was the first smartphone to offer 5G connectivity.
iPhone 14 Pro: The top iPhone
Despite this, iPhone 14 iPhone 14 Pro devices just came out, I’d argue that the iPhone 14 Pro easily stands out as one of the best iPhones of all time.
People who use iPhones for photography rejoice at Apple’s decision to give the main camera an upgrade of 48MP to 12MP. This was possible through pixel binning (four sub-pixels that combine to make a single larger pixel). Though improvements may be negligible if you’re coming from an iPhone 13 ProPeople who have upgraded from older devices will notice a difference in their quality. ProRAW format users who prefer to shoot in 48MP resolution can capture full HD images. This means that you can retain as much detail as possible, and gives you more control over post-editing. For the telephoto lens, the 2x optical zoom was restored (it was absent on the 13 Pro), giving more options for zooming and portrait mode.
The notch also met its demise on the iPhone 14 Pro (it remains on the standard iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, unfortunately), as it’s been replaced with the Dynamic Island. This cutout in the shape of a pill houses the front-facing selfie cam and Face ID sensors. It seamlessly combines functionality from both hardware as well software.
The Dynamic Island is now available in iOS 16 and it changes depending on what you are doing. This adds another layer to multitasking with the iPhone. For example, Dynamic Island will show that you’re playing music with the album art and an equalizer icon, expand to reveal incoming calls, show how much time remains on your timer and when you authenticate with Face ID, and more. With iOS 16.1 Live Activities, the Dynamic Island gains more functionality with third-party apps, such as Carrot Weather’s storm tracker, Flighty’s flight information, and more. The Dynamic Island is a great alternative to the notch. It makes the most of the space and doesn’t waste it.
The iPhone 14 Pro is the only device that has the Always-On Display (AOD). iPhone 14 Pro Max. When this is left on, it completely dims your current lock screen wallpaper, but you can still see the date and time, any widgets you’ve added to the lock screen (a new feature in iOS 16), and whatever notifications have rolled in. Although some might argue that Android devices do this better, I’m a fan of the AOD on the iPhone 14 Pro. It’s something that users have wanted Apple to add for quite some time now, and I think it was executed well, similar to the AOD from the Apple Watch Series 5Continue reading.
What’s next for iPhone?
Although the iPhone has been around for a while, it feels as though the smartphone market has reached its peak. Apple shows no signs of slowing down and we see an iPhone every few years that is truly exceptional in some way.
With the iPhone 15We might finally see Apple In exchange for USB-C, the Lightning port is removedPossibly. You can replace the buttons with haptic tech.Similar to the iPhone 7’s Home button, it works in the same way as the iPhone 8. We’ll just have to wait and see what Apple has in store.
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