Since its groundbreaking debut in January 2007, the iPhone has transformed the technology landscape and reshaped how people interact with the digital world by popularizing touch-based interfaces and mobile apps that put the internet, social media, and multimedia consumption at users’ fingertips. Beyond personal use, iPhones have become valuable as business mobiles, supporting mobile productivity with secure email, collaboration apps, and enterprise tools. This shift has helped professionals stay connected, driving greater smartphone adoption in corporate settings.
Introduced by Steve Jobs at the Macworld Conference & Expo, the original iPhone combined a phone, an iPod, and an Internet communicator into one device, setting the stage for a revolution in mobile computing.
Early Generations: iPhone (2007) to iPhone 4S (2011)
The first iPhone, released in June 2007, featured a 3.5-inch touchscreen, a 2-megapixel camera, and a modest 4 GB or 8 GB of storage. It lacked 3G support and third-party apps but introduced a multitouch interface that would become a smartphone standard. While it received critical acclaim for its innovative design, some users criticized its limited network connectivity and lack of expandable storage.
Apple followed with the iPhone 3G in 2008, adding faster connectivity and the App Store, which opened a vast ecosystem of third-party applications. This model was highly praised for significantly expanding the iPhone’s utility, though battery life remained a common complaint. The iPhone 3GS (2009) improved performance, camera quality, and video recording, addressing some user frustrations with speed. In 2010, the iPhone 4 introduced a Retina display, FaceTime, and a sleek glass-and-steel design. Despite its groundbreaking features, it was marred by the “Antennagate” controversy, where users reported signal loss when holding the phone in certain ways. A year later, the iPhone 4S brought Siri, Apple’s intelligent voice assistant, signaling a shift toward AI-driven features and delighting users with its novel capabilities.
The Middle Years: iPhone 5 (2012) to iPhone 8 and iPhone X (2017)
The iPhone 5 marked a design overhaul with a larger 4-inch screen and a move to the Lightning connector. It was well-received for its elegant design and improved performance, though some users were unhappy with the shorter battery life. Apple’s successive upgrades continued with the iPhone 5S, featuring Touch ID, which was praised for enhancing security and convenience. The colorful iPhone 5C targeted a broader audience but received mixed reviews due to its plastic build.
In 2014, Apple launched the larger iPhone 6 and 6 Plus models, catering to growing demand for bigger screens. While sales soared, the models faced criticism over “Bendgate,” where some users found their phones bending under pressure. The iPhone 7 (2016) made waves by removing the headphone jack and introducing water resistance—a polarizing move that drew both praise for innovation and complaints about accessory compatibility. The iPhone X (2017), celebrating the device’s tenth anniversary, revolutionized design with an edge-to-edge OLED display, Face ID, and the removal of the Home button. It was a major hit with consumers, though its high price tag sparked debates about affordability.
Modern Advancements: iPhone 11 (2019) to iPhone 16 (2024)
Apple’s focus on photography, processing power, and battery life has defined recent models. The iPhone 11 (2019) introduced Night mode and was lauded for delivering impressive camera performance at a relatively lower price. The iPhone 12 (2020) brought 5G connectivity and MagSafe accessories, receiving praise for its design but some criticism for shorter battery life with 5G usage. The iPhone 13 (2021) which is currently available in our Business Mobiles Shop with prices starting as low as £23.95 per month (excluding VAT) enhanced cinematic video recording, delighting video creators, while the iPhone 14 (2022) (also available in our business mobiles shop, prices starting from £33.95), featured crash detection and an emergency SOS via satellite—both hailed as life-saving innovations.
We have recently written a review of the iPhone 14, you can read it here.
The iPhone 15 (2023) debuted with a titanium frame, a USB-C connector replacing Lightning, and a periscope telephoto lens on the Pro models. While these upgrades were appreciated, some users noted that the transition to USB-C presented compatibility challenges. The iPhone 16 (2024) advanced AI-powered photography, improved battery technology, and offered thinner bezels with a refined Dynamic Island—a design choice that has continued to evolve with mixed user feedback.
Have a look at current deals on iPhone 15 and 16 in our Business Mobiles Shop.
Looking Ahead: Speculations About the iPhone 17
Though Apple has not officially confirmed details about the iPhone 17, industry rumors suggest several exciting possibilities. Innovations could include further advancements in camera technology with variable zoom capabilities, and even more efficient silicon chips built on a cutting-edge 3-nanometer process. Sustainability efforts may lead to greater use of recycled materials and energy-efficient designs. Apple’s current initiatives, including the use of recycled aluminum and rare earth elements in recent models, as well as commitments to carbon neutrality, suggest a continued focus on environmentally friendly innovations.
Final Thoughts
From its humble beginnings in 2007 to the sophisticated and powerful iPhone 16, Apple’s flagship device has continually evolved, shaping the future of mobile technology. With each iteration, the iPhone redefines innovation, making the prospect of the iPhone 17—and beyond—an inspiring vision of what’s next in the tech world.
