History of IPhone in Timeline
The iPhone is a smartphone developed and marketed by Apple, running on the iOS operating system. First announced by Steve Jobs in January 2007, it launched later that year. Apple releases new iPhone models and iOS versions annually, with the latest being the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and the thinner iPhone Air. By July 2025, over 3 billion iPhones had been sold, establishing Apple as the leading mobile phone vendor since 2023.
1998: Meaning of 'i' in iMac
According to Steve Jobs in 1998, the "i" in "iMac" (and later "iPod", "iPhone" and "iPad") stands for internet, individual, instruct, inform, and inspire.
2004: Apple Smartphone Development Begins
In 2004, Apple began development of a smartphone under the highly confidential "Project Purple", led by Tony Fadell, Scott Forstall, and Jony Ive.
January 9, 2007: iPhone Announcement at Macworld 2007
On January 9, 2007, Steve Jobs announced the first-generation iPhone at Macworld 2007.
June 11, 2007: iPhone to support third-party Ajax web applications
On June 11, 2007, at WWDC 2007, Apple announced that the iPhone would support third-party Ajax web applications that share the look and feel of the iPhone interface.
June 29, 2007: First iPhone Launched
On June 29, 2007, the first-generation iPhone was launched in the United States at a starting price of US$499 with a two-year AT&T contract. The price was reduced by a third after two months, leading to complaints and a partial rebate to early purchasers.
October 17, 2007: Steve Jobs announces iPhone SDK
On October 17, 2007, Steve Jobs announced that a software development kit (SDK) would be made available to third-party developers in February 2008.
February 2008: Planned release of iPhone SDK
In February 2008, Apple planned to release a software development kit (SDK) for third-party developers, as announced by Steve Jobs on October 17, 2007.
March 6, 2008: iPhone SDK officially released
On March 6, 2008, the iPhone SDK was officially announced and released, providing tools for third-party developers.
2008: Apple releases the App Store in 2008
In 2008, Apple released the App Store. Before the iPhone, smartphones were mostly used for texting, calls, and email, but more advanced functions were harder to use. Apple's iPhone SDK provided a wide range of APIs, made mobile development far more accessible, and was instrumental in turning the iPhone into a "Swiss army knife" with a wide range of features and apps.
2008: iPhone reaches 1.1% of worldwide mobile phone market share
In 2008, the iPhone reached 1.1% of worldwide mobile phone market share, and 8.2% of the smartphone market. Steve Jobs's initial target was to reach 1% of phone market share in 2008. Apple sold 6.1 million units of the original iPhone between Q3 FY2007 and Q4 FY2008, and 11.3 million units of the iPhone 3G in Q4 FY2008 and Q1 FY2009.
June 8, 2009: iPhone 3GS Announcement
On June 8, 2009, the iPhone 3GS was announced at WWDC 2009, introducing video recording functionality.
2009: Apple rejects Newspapers app
In 2009, Apple rejected the Newspapers app due to The Sun's "obscene" topless Page 3 girls, showcasing Apple's control over App Store content.
2009: iPhone ranked second in the U.S.
In 2009, the iPhone was ranked second in the U.S. market share, behind the BlackBerry.
June 7, 2010: iPhone 4 Announcement
On June 7, 2010, the iPhone 4 was announced at WWDC 2010, featuring a redesigned body, the Apple A4 processor, Retina display, and a front-facing camera for FaceTime.
June 2010: iOS 4 update adds location tracking file
With the June 2010 iOS 4 update, a hidden file named "consolidated.db" was added to iPhones, storing a record of user locations.
July 2010: Apple accused of collecting iPhone users' location data
In July 2010, Apple claimed that it collected iPhone users' GPS coordinates and nearby Wi-Fi networks twice a day, raising privacy concerns.
September 2010: Discovery of hidden location tracking file in iPhones
In September 2010, forensic expert Christopher Vance discovered a hidden unencrypted file named "consolidated.db" that contained a record of iPhone users' locations, sparking privacy concerns.
2010: Android overtakes iPhone's installed base in 2010
According to NPD Group, Android overtook the iPhone's installed base in 2010.
2010: Jailbreaking found to be legal in the U.S.
In 2010, the U.S. found jailbreaking iPhones to be legal, although jailbroken iPhones are at a higher risk of malware.
2010: iPhone 3GS was the best-selling smartphone in the U.S.
In 2010, the iPhone 3GS was the best-selling smartphone in the U.S., marking the first time an iPhone device reached the top spot in that market.
April 20, 2011: Publicization of iPhone location tracking research
On April 20, 2011, The Guardian publicized research by Alasdair Allan and Pete Warden, revealing that anyone with physical access to an iPhone could obtain a detailed record of its owner's location and movements over the past year, leading to the "Locationgate" controversy.
April 27, 2011: Apple responds to location tracking concerns
On April 27, 2011, Apple responded to the location tracking controversy, claiming that the data was used to cache nearby Wi-Fi hotspots and cell towers to improve location speed and accuracy. Apple also claimed that locations being collected when location services were off and being stored for more than a year were bugs.
October 4, 2011: iPhone 4S Announcement
On October 4, 2011, the iPhone 4s was announced, introducing the Siri virtual assistant, a dual-core A5 processor, and an 8-megapixel camera with 1080p video recording.
2011: Apple sells 100 million iPhones worldwide and becomes the largest mobile phone vendor by revenue
By 2011, Apple sold 100 million iPhones worldwide, surpassing Nokia and becoming the largest mobile phone vendor in the world by revenue.
2011: Apple becomes one of the world's most valuable publicly traded companies
By 2011, the original iPhone was described as "revolutionary", a "breakthrough handheld computer", and "the best phone that anybody has ever made". It helped make Apple one of the world's most valuable publicly traded companies.
2011: Apple diversifies its manufacturing base
In 2011, Apple's new CEO Tim Cook changed the company's manufacturing strategy to diversify its supply base away from being solely reliant on Foxconn for iPhone and other device production.
2011: Pegasus widely used since 2011
Since 2011, Pegasus has been widely used. As of July 2022, law enforcement and governments are still using it.
September 12, 2012: iPhone 5 Announcement
On September 12, 2012, the iPhone 5 was announced, featuring a larger 4-inch screen, faster 4G LTE connectivity, a thinner aluminum body, and the new Lightning connector replacing the 30-pin dock connector.
2012: iPhone 4s manufactured by two companies
In 2012, the iPhone 4s became the first model to be manufactured simultaneously by two companies: Foxconn and Pegatron.
September 10, 2013: iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c Announcement
On September 10, 2013, Apple announced the iPhone 5s, which included a 64-bit A7 processor and Touch ID fingerprint authentication, along with the lower-cost iPhone 5c featuring colorful plastic frames.
October 2013: Apple passes 60 billion app downloads
As of October 2013, Apple had surpassed 60 billion app downloads, indicating the growing popularity of the App Store.
2013: Pegatron produces part of the iPhone 5c line
In 2013, Pegatron manufactured part of the iPhone 5c line, marking an increase in their orders from Apple.
2013: iPhone trade-in discount program introduced
Since 2013, iPhone buyers can obtain a trade in discount when buying a new iPhone directly from Apple, aimed at increasing purchases at Apple Stores.
July 2014: China Central Television calls iPhone tracking a "national security concern"
In July 2014, a report on state-owned China Central Television called iPhone tracking a "national security concern," escalating the debate over user privacy.
September 9, 2014: iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus Announcement
On September 9, 2014, Apple introduced the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus with larger screens, Apple Pay, and the Apple Watch. Some users experienced bending issues with the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, leading to the "bendgate" controversy.
2014: Pegatron produces 30% of iPhone 6 devices
In 2014, Pegatron produced 30% of iPhone 6 devices, while the 6 Plus model was solely produced by Foxconn.
2014: iOS 8 adopts file-based encryption
In 2014, with the introduction of iOS 8, Apple adopted file-based encryption for iPhones, enhancing data security and making it more difficult for law enforcement to access user data.
September 9, 2015: iPhone 6s and 6s Plus Introduced
On September 9, 2015, the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus were introduced, featuring a stronger aluminum alloy frame and a 12-megapixel main camera with 4K video recording.
2015: Apple unveils the iPhone Upgrade Program
In 2015, Apple unveiled the iPhone Upgrade Program, which is a 24-month leasing agreement aimed at changing iPhone owners' relationships with mobile carriers.
2015: Dispute between Apple and the FBI begins
In 2015, a dispute began between Apple and the FBI after the FBI recovered the iPhone 5c of one of the San Bernardino attackers, leading the U.S. government to seek a court order compelling Apple to create a backdoor into the device.
March 21, 2016: First-Generation iPhone SE Introduced
On March 21, 2016, the first-generation iPhone SE was introduced as a low-cost device with newer hardware from the iPhone 6s in the frame of the older iPhone 5s.
July 27, 2016: Apple announces it has sold their billionth iPhone
On July 27, 2016, Apple announced that it had sold their billionth iPhone.
September 7, 2016: iPhone 7 and 7 Plus Announcement
On September 7, 2016, the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus were announced, introducing larger camera sensors, IP67 water resistance, a quad-core A10 Fusion processor, and the removal of the 3.5 mm headphone jack. Apple also introduced the AirPods wireless earbuds.
September 2016: Over 140 billion app downloads from the App Store
As of September 2016, there had been over 140 billion app downloads from the App Store, showing continued growth in app usage.
2016: Resolution of Apple-FBI dispute
In 2016, the DOJ withdrew its request for Apple to create a backdoor into the San Bernardino shooter's iPhone 5c after the FBI bought an exploit to bypass the iPhone's passcode, ending the dispute.
2016: Pegasus exploits targeting iOS and Android discovered
In 2016, the Pegasus suite of exploits, targeting both iOS and Android, was discovered. Some Pegasus exploits were zero-click, compromising devices without user interaction, like sending a malformed iMessage. The Pegasus malware could collect data like chats and passwords, and remotely activate the phone's microphone and camera. Apple issued an update to fix some Pegasus exploits, but the spyware continued to be used.
January 2017: App Store has over 2.2 million apps
In January 2017, the App Store had over 2.2 million apps available for the iPhone, reflecting a large and diverse app ecosystem.
September 12, 2017: iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and iPhone X Announcement
On September 12, 2017, the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and iPhone X were announced at Apple Park. All models featured rear glass panel designs and wireless charging. The iPhone X introduced a bezel-less OLED display and Face ID.
September 12, 2018: iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and XS Max Announcement
On September 12, 2018, the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and XS Max were announced. All models featured the "Smart HDR" computational photography system. The XS Max introduced a larger 6.5-inch screen, and the iPhone XR included a 6.1-inch LCD "Liquid Retina" display.
2018: Apple removes Tumblr from the App Store
In 2018, Apple removed Tumblr from the App Store due to illegal content, leading Tumblr to ban all adult content from their platform.
September 10, 2019: iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max Announcement
On September 10, 2019, the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max were announced, all featuring an Ultra-Wide lens and larger batteries. The iPhone 11 was the successor to the iPhone XR, while the iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max succeeded the iPhone XS and XS Max.
2019: Apple investigates Foxconn for using rejected parts
In 2019, Apple investigated reports that some Foxconn managers had used rejected parts to build iPhones, raising concerns about quality control.
April 17, 2020: Second-Generation iPhone SE Introduced
On April 17, 2020, the second-generation iPhone SE was introduced as a low-cost device with newer hardware from the iPhone 11 in the frame of the older iPhone 8.
October 13, 2020: iPhone 12 Series Announcement
On October 13, 2020, Apple announced the iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max via a livestream event. All models featured OLED "Super Retina XDR" displays, 5G connectivity, the MagSafe system, and a flat-edged design. The iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max also included a Lidar sensor.
January 27, 2021: 1 billion iPhones actively used worldwide
During Apple's earnings call on January 27, 2021, Tim Cook announced that 1 billion iPhones were being actively used worldwide.
April 2021: Apple introduces App Tracking Transparency (ATT) with iOS 14.5
In April 2021, Apple introduced App Tracking Transparency (ATT) with iOS 14.5, requiring apps to ask for explicit permission before tracking users across other apps and websites.
August 2021: Apple announces plans to scan iCloud Photos for child abuse imagery
In August 2021, Apple announced plans to scan iCloud Photos for child abuse imagery using an algorithm called "NeuralHash" and filter explicit images sent/received by children on iPhones, sparking privacy concerns and criticism.
September 14, 2021: iPhone 13 Series Announcement
On September 14, 2021, Apple announced the iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max via a livestream event. All models featured larger camera sensors, larger batteries, and a narrower "notch". The iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max additionally introduced smoother adaptive 120 Hz refresh rate "ProMotion" technology.
2021: iPhone has higher brand loyalty than any other smartphone as of 2021
As of 2021, the iPhone has higher brand loyalty than any other smartphone. Successive iPhone models have generated significant fan enthusiasm, with many customers queuing up in front of Apple Stores on launch day.
March 8, 2022: Third-Generation iPhone SE Introduced
On March 8, 2022, the third-generation iPhone SE was introduced, incorporating the A15 Bionic chip from the iPhone 13 while retaining similar hardware to the second-generation iPhone SE.
July 2022: Pegasus still used by law enforcement and governments
As of July 2022, Pegasus is still being used by law enforcement and governments.
September 7, 2022: iPhone 14 Series Announcement
On September 7, 2022, the iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max were announced. All models introduced satellite phone emergency calling. The iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max featured a 48-megapixel main camera, always-on display technology, and the "Dynamic Island".
December 2022: Apple cancels photo-scanning feature
In December 2022, Apple announced that the photo-scanning feature for child abuse imagery, initially planned in August 2021, would never be implemented due to privacy concerns.
2022: Apple adds satellite communications to the iPhone 14 series
In 2022, Apple added satellite communications to the iPhone with the release of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro.
2022: Apple rolls out self-service repair program
In 2022, Apple rolled out a self-service repair program, allowing users to buy parts, rent repair tools from Apple, and obtain repair manuals.
September 12, 2023: iPhone 15 Series Announcement
On September 12, 2023, the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max were announced. All models switched to USB-C power connectors. The 15 and 15 Plus featured the Dynamic Island and a 48-megapixel main camera. The 15 Pro and Pro Max replaced the mute switch with the Action button and used titanium material.
2023: Apple sells 223 million iPhones in its financial year 2023
Apple sold 223 million iPhones in its financial year 2023, which ended on September 24.
2023: Apple becomes largest vendor of mobile phones
In 2023, Apple became the largest vendor of mobile phones.
2023: Chinese government bans iPhones by civil servants
In 2023, the Chinese government banned the use of iPhones by government civil servants in what was seen as an effort to reduce dependence on foreign technology and strengthen cybersecurity.
January 1, 2024: More than 2.3 billion iPhones have been sold
As of January 1, 2024, more than 2.3 billion iPhones have been sold.
May 2024: Iranian president bans imported iPhone 14 and newer models
In May 2024, Iranian president Mokhber banned imported iPhone 14 and newer models. In November, the ban was lifted and replaced with a 30% customs tariff to the phones.
August 2024: Apple's App Store contains nearly 2 million applications
As of August 2024, Apple's App Store contained nearly 2 million applications available for download.
August 2024: Nearly 2 Million Apps on App Store
As of August 2024, there are nearly 2 million apps available for download from Apple's App Store.
September 9, 2024: iPhone 16 series announcement
On September 9, 2024, Apple announced the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus feature a vertical camera layout. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have larger displays, a 48-megapixel Ultra-Wide camera, and larger batteries. All models include Apple Intelligence AI features, a refined thermal system, Wi-Fi 7 support, and a new "Camera Control" button.
2024: Introduction of RCS support in iOS 18
In 2024, iOS 18 introduced Rich Communication Services (RCS) support, improving group chats between iOS and Android users. Before this, SMS messages from Android users appeared as green bubbles in iMessage, and group chats had poor support.
February 19, 2025: Announcement of iPhone 16e
On February 19, 2025, Apple announced the iPhone 16e, featuring a longer battery life with the A18 chip and the Apple C1 cellular modem. It has a 6.1-inch screen and a 48-megapixel camera but lacks the wider shot option.
July 2025: 3 Billion iPhones Sold
As of July 2025, more than 3 billion iPhones have been sold.
September 9, 2025: Announcement of iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air
On September 9, 2025, Apple announced the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. These devices feature the A19 and A19 Pro chips. The always-on display and ProMotion 120 Hz are standard in all models. The iPhone Air is the thinnest iPhone ever made and features a speaker from the earpiece only. The iPhone 17 Pro models switch back to an aluminum body with a vapor chamber cooling system for better heat dissipation and uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon X80 modem.
September 2025: iPhone 17 series features
In September 2025, the iPhone 17 lineup featured the new faster A19 and A19 Pro chip with improved CPU and GPU performance including faster AI tasks. The always on display and ProMotion 120 Hz are standard now in all the new iPhones. The iPhone Air is the thinnest iPhone ever made. The iPhone Air also features the new C1X cellular modem which uses 30% less energy than the previous C1 chips. The iPhone 17 Pro models do not have this and instead uses the Qualcomm's Snapdragon X80 modem. The new Pro lineup has the distinctive camera plateau bump. The iPhone 17 Pro models also switch back to a aluminum body for better heat dissipation and feature the first for a iPhone, a vapor chamber cooling system which helps regulate the heat in heavy workloads. They also have the biggest and best battery life yet in any iPhone model.
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