Top 5 Most Popular iPhone Models of All Time

When it comes to smartphones, Apple’s iPhone has been a game-changer since its inception. Over the years, Apple has released numerous iPhone models, each one more advanced and innovative than the last. The iPhone has not only defined the smartphone industry but has also set new standards in technology, design, and user experience. In this article, we will take a look at the top 5 most popular iPhone models of all time, based on sales, user reviews, and overall impact on the smartphone industry. We’ll also explore how these models have shaped the landscape of mobile technology and what made them stand out from the competition.

1. iPhone 6/6 Plus: A Milestone in Design and Sales

Released in 2014, the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus were revolutionary for several reasons. These models marked a significant departure from the smaller screens of their predecessors, offering a 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch display, respectively. This move was a direct response to the growing consumer demand for larger screens, a trend that was becoming increasingly popular in the smartphone market.

Key Features and Innovations

• Larger Display: The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus featured significantly larger screens compared to previous models, making them more competitive with Android smartphones that were already offering larger displays.
• Sleek Design: With rounded edges and a thinner profile, the iPhone 6 series introduced a new design language that would influence subsequent iPhones. This design was not only aesthetically pleasing but also made the devices more comfortable to hold.
• Improved Camera: The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus came equipped with an 8MP iSight camera, featuring enhanced autofocus and image stabilization. The Plus model, in particular, introduced optical image stabilization, which greatly improved photo and video quality in low-light conditions.
• Apple Pay: One of the most significant introductions with the iPhone 6 series was Apple Pay, a mobile payment system that allowed users to make purchases securely with their iPhones. This feature revolutionized the way people made payments and paved the way for the broader adoption of mobile wallets.

Impact and Legacy

The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus were the best-selling iPhone models of all time, with over 220 million units sold globally. Their success was driven by the combination of larger displays, innovative features, and a sleek design that appealed to a broad audience. These models set a new standard for what consumers expected from a smartphone, influencing the design and functionality of future devices across the industry.

2. iPhone 7/7 Plus: Redefining the iPhone Experience

The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, released in 2016, continued to build on the success of their predecessors but also introduced several bold changes that would shape the future of the iPhone. These models were the first to eliminate the headphone jack, a controversial move at the time, but one that paved the way for the widespread adoption of wireless headphones.

Key Features and Innovations

• No Headphone Jack: The removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack was a significant departure from previous models. Apple justified this decision by stating it allowed for better internal hardware and water resistance. The move also encouraged the development and popularization of wireless earbuds, such as the Apple AirPods.
• Water and Dust Resistance: The iPhone 7 series introduced an IP67 rating, making the devices resistant to water and dust. This feature was a major selling point, particularly for users who were concerned about damaging their phones with water exposure.
• Dual Camera System: The iPhone 7 Plus featured a dual-camera system, a first for Apple. This setup included a wide-angle and telephoto lens, enabling users to take stunning portrait photos with a shallow depth of field, a feature known as Portrait Mode.
• A10 Fusion Chip: The introduction of the A10 Fusion chip marked a significant improvement in processing power and efficiency. The chip featured a quad-core CPU with two high-performance cores and two energy-efficient cores, allowing the device to handle demanding tasks while conserving battery life.

Impact and Legacy

The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus were well-received by both critics and consumers, with particular praise for their camera improvements and water resistance. The decision to remove the headphone jack was initially met with skepticism, but it ultimately led to the proliferation of wireless audio technology, solidifying Apple’s reputation as a trendsetter in the tech industry. The success of these models helped Apple maintain its dominance in the smartphone market and set the stage for future innovations.

3. iPhone X: A Decade of Innovation

The iPhone X, released in 2017, was a landmark device for Apple, marking the 10th anniversary of the iPhone. With its edge-to-edge OLED display, Face ID, and the removal of the iconic home button, the iPhone X represented a significant shift in the design and functionality of the iPhone. This model set the stage for the future of the iPhone lineup, influencing the design of subsequent models.

Key Features and Innovations

• Edge-to-Edge OLED Display: The iPhone X was the first iPhone to feature an OLED display, offering deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better contrast than the LCD displays used in previous models. The 5.8-inch Super Retina display covered almost the entire front of the device, creating a more immersive viewing experience.
• Face ID: The introduction of Face ID, a facial recognition system that replaced the traditional Touch ID fingerprint scanner, was a major innovation. Face ID allowed users to unlock their phones, authenticate payments, and access secure apps simply by looking at their device. This technology was made possible by the TrueDepth camera system, which projected and analyzed over 30,000 invisible dots to create a precise depth map of the user’s face.
• No Home Button: The removal of the home button was a bold move that changed the way users interacted with their iPhones. Instead of pressing a physical button, users now relied on swipe gestures to navigate the interface, making the iPhone X more intuitive and fluid to use.
• Animoji and Memoji: Leveraging the power of the TrueDepth camera system, Apple introduced Animoji and Memoji, animated characters that mimicked the user’s facial expressions. These fun and engaging features became a popular way for users to express themselves in messages and social media.

Impact and Legacy

The iPhone X was a critical and commercial success, with its innovative features and design changes influencing the smartphone industry for years to come. The introduction of Face ID set a new standard for biometric security, and the edge-to-edge display became a defining feature of modern smartphones. The iPhone X was also a significant departure from previous models in terms of price, starting at $999, but consumers were willing to pay the premium for the cutting-edge technology it offered.

4. iPhone XR: Affordable Yet Powerful

The iPhone XR, released in 2018, was Apple’s attempt to bring high-end features to a more affordable price point. Positioned as a more budget-friendly alternative to the iPhone XS and XS Max, the iPhone XR offered many of the same features, including Face ID and a powerful A12 Bionic chip, but at a lower cost.

Key Features and Innovations

• Liquid Retina Display: The iPhone XR featured a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, which was a more affordable alternative to the OLED displays found in the XS models. While it lacked the deep blacks and vibrant colors of OLED, the Liquid Retina display still offered excellent color accuracy and brightness.
• A12 Bionic Chip: The A12 Bionic chip, introduced with the iPhone XR, was one of the most powerful processors available at the time. It featured a 6-core CPU, a 4-core GPU, and an 8-core Neural Engine, enabling advanced machine learning capabilities and improved performance across the board.
• Single-Lens Camera: Unlike the dual-lens system in the iPhone XS, the iPhone XR featured a single 12MP wide-angle camera. However, it still offered features like Portrait Mode and Smart HDR, making it a capable camera for most users.
• Vibrant Colors: The iPhone XR was available in a range of vibrant colors, including blue, white, black, yellow, coral, and (PRODUCT)RED. This made it a popular choice for consumers who wanted a device that reflected their personal style.

Impact and Legacy

The iPhone XR was a massive hit, becoming one of the best-selling smartphones globally in 2019. Its combination of high-end features and a lower price point made it accessible to a wider audience, and it quickly became a favorite among consumers. The success of the iPhone XR demonstrated that there was strong demand for more affordable iPhones, leading Apple to continue offering lower-cost models in subsequent years.

5. iPhone 11: The People’s Choice

Released in 2019, the iPhone 11 built on the success of the iPhone XR by offering even more value for money. With a dual-camera system, improved battery life, and a powerful A13 Bionic chip, the iPhone 11 was designed to appeal to a broad range of consumers, from casual users to tech enthusiasts.

Key Features and Innovations

• Dual-Camera System: The iPhone 11 introduced a new dual-camera system, featuring a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens. This setup allowed users to capture stunning photos with a wider field of view, as well as high-quality video with enhanced stabilization.
• Night Mode: One of the standout features of the iPhone 11 was Night Mode, which enabled users to take impressive photos in low-light conditions. This feature automatically adjusted the exposure and processing to produce bright, clear images, even in near-darkness.
• A13 Bionic Chip: The A13 Bionic chip, powering the iPhone 11, was one of the fastest processors available, offering up to 20% faster CPU and GPU performance compared to the A12. This made the iPhone 11 a powerhouse for gaming, augmented reality, and multitasking.
• All-Day Battery Life: Apple significantly improved the battery life of the iPhone 11, allowing users to enjoy all-day use without needing to recharge. This was a key selling point for many consumers who valued long-lasting battery performance.
• Value for Money: Despite its premium features, the iPhone 11 was priced lower than the previous year’s iPhone XR, making it an attractive option for consumers looking for high performance without breaking the bank.

Impact and Legacy

The iPhone 11 was an instant success, becoming the best-selling smartphone in the world in 2020. Its blend of advanced features, reliable performance, and competitive pricing made it a popular choice among consumers of all types. The iPhone 11’s success reinforced Apple’s strategy of offering high-quality devices at various price points, ensuring that there was an iPhone for everyone.

6. iPhone 12/12 Pro: A Leap Forward with 5G

Released in 2020, the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro were significant for being the first iPhones to support 5G connectivity, offering faster data speeds and improved performance. This was a major leap forward in mobile technology, as 5G promised to revolutionize the way we connect and use our devices.

Key Features and Innovations

• 5G Connectivity: The introduction of 5G in the iPhone 12 series was a game-changer, offering faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, and improved network reliability. This made the iPhone 12 series future-proof and ready for the next generation of mobile networks.
• Ceramic Shield: Apple introduced a new Ceramic Shield front cover for the iPhone 12 series, which provided four times better drop protection compared to previous models. This made the devices more durable and less prone to damage from accidental drops.
• A14 Bionic Chip: The iPhone 12 series was powered by the A14 Bionic chip, the first chip in the smartphone industry built on a 5-nanometer process. This provided a significant boost in performance and efficiency, making the iPhone 12 series one of the most powerful smartphones available.
• MagSafe: Apple reintroduced the MagSafe branding with a new line of accessories for the iPhone 12 series. MagSafe allowed for easy attachment of chargers, cases, and other accessories through a system of magnets, providing a more seamless and customizable user experience.

Impact and Legacy

The iPhone 12 and 12 Pro were a huge success, with strong sales across all models. The introduction of 5G was particularly impactful, as it positioned Apple at the forefront of the 5G revolution. The iPhone 12 series also marked a return to a more squared-off design, reminiscent of the iPhone 4, which was well-received by consumers. The success of the iPhone 12 series demonstrated Apple’s ability to innovate and adapt to new technologies while maintaining the quality and user experience that consumers expect.

7. iPhone 13/13 Pro: The Refinement of Perfection

The iPhone 13 and 13 Pro, released in 2021, built on the success of the iPhone 12 series by offering incremental but meaningful improvements. These models offered longer battery life, improved cameras, and the introduction of ProMotion display technology, which provided smoother scrolling and responsiveness.

Key Features and Innovations

• Longer Battery Life: One of the key improvements in the iPhone 13 series was the significantly longer battery life. Apple increased the battery capacity and optimized the power efficiency of the A15 Bionic chip, allowing users to enjoy extended usage without frequent recharging.
• Cinematic Mode: The iPhone 13 series introduced Cinematic Mode, a new video recording feature that allowed users to create videos with a shallow depth of field, similar to what you would see in professional films. This feature added a new level of creativity and flexibility to mobile videography.
• ProMotion Display: The Pro models of the iPhone 13 series featured ProMotion display technology, offering a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling, gaming, and overall user experience. This was a significant upgrade over the 60Hz displays found in previous models.
• Improved Cameras: The iPhone 13 series saw significant improvements in camera technology, with larger sensors, improved low-light performance, and advanced computational photography features. These enhancements made the iPhone 13 series one of the best smartphones for photography and videography.
• A15 Bionic Chip: The A15 Bionic chip powered the iPhone 13 series, offering even more processing power and efficiency than its predecessor. This chip featured a 6-core CPU, a 5-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, making it one of the most powerful and efficient chips in the smartphone industry.

Impact and Legacy

The iPhone 13 and 13 Pro were well-received by consumers and critics alike, with particular praise for their battery life, camera improvements, and ProMotion display. These models continued Apple’s tradition of offering cutting-edge technology and a premium user experience. The iPhone 13 series solidified Apple’s position as a leader in the smartphone industry, with strong sales and positive reviews across the board.

8. iPhone 14 Pro/14 Pro Max: Redefining User Interaction

Released in 2022, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max introduced a groundbreaking new feature called the Dynamic Island, which transformed the way users interacted with notifications and apps. These models also featured significant camera upgrades and the powerful A16 Bionic chip, setting a new standard for smartphone performance and innovation.

Key Features and Innovations

• Dynamic Island: The Dynamic Island was a new way for users to interact with notifications, apps, and live activities on their iPhones. Located at the top of the display, this feature dynamically adjusted in size and shape to display relevant information, creating a more immersive and interactive experience.
• 48MP Main Camera: The iPhone 14 Pro series featured a significant upgrade to its camera system, with a new 48MP main sensor. This allowed for higher-resolution photos, improved low-light performance, and more detailed images overall. The larger sensor also enabled more advanced computational photography features.
• A16 Bionic Chip: The A16 Bionic chip powered the iPhone 14 Pro series, offering unparalleled performance and efficiency. Built on a 4-nanometer process, this chip provided a significant boost in speed, graphics performance, and energy efficiency, making the iPhone 14 Pro series one of the most powerful smartphones on the market.
• Always-On Display: The iPhone 14 Pro series introduced the Always-On Display, a feature that allowed users to see important information, such as the time and notifications, without having to wake the device. This feature was made possible by the advanced power management capabilities of the A16 Bionic chip.
• Enhanced MagSafe and Satellite Connectivity: The iPhone 14 Pro series also featured enhanced MagSafe technology, allowing for faster wireless charging and more secure attachment of accessories. Additionally, Apple introduced satellite connectivity, enabling users to send emergency messages and share their location in areas with no cellular coverage.

Impact and Legacy

The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max were hailed as some of the most innovative and powerful smartphones ever released. The introduction of the Dynamic Island and the 48MP main camera set a new benchmark for what smartphones could achieve, and the A16 Bionic chip ensured that these devices were future-proof for years to come. The iPhone 14 Pro series was a critical and commercial success, further solidifying Apple’s reputation as a leader in innovation.

9. iPhone 15 Pro/15 Pro Max: A New Era of Smartphone Technology

Debuting in 2023, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max set new standards in smartphone technology. These models introduced a periscope lens system, enabling unprecedented optical zoom capabilities, and were powered by the A17 Bionic chip, offering exceptional processing speeds and energy efficiency. The devices also featured a refined design with a titanium frame, making them both durable and lightweight.

Key Features and Innovations

• Periscope Lens System: The iPhone 15 Pro series introduced a periscope lens system, allowing for up to 10x optical zoom without compromising image quality. This feature made the iPhone 15 Pro series one of the most versatile smartphones for photography, enabling users to capture detailed images from a distance.
• A17 Bionic Chip: The A17 Bionic chip powered the iPhone 15 Pro series, offering unprecedented processing power and energy efficiency. Built on a 3-nanometer process, this chip provided a significant boost in performance while maintaining excellent battery life, making the iPhone 15 Pro series the most powerful smartphones available.
• Titanium Frame: The iPhone 15 Pro series featured a refined design with a titanium frame, making the devices both durable and lightweight. This new design not only improved the overall durability of the phones but also gave them a premium feel that was both luxurious and practical.
• Enhanced MagSafe Technology: Apple continued to improve its MagSafe technology with the iPhone 15 Pro series, offering faster wireless charging and a wider range of compatible accessories. The enhanced MagSafe technology made it easier for users to customize and personalize their devices.
• Expanded Satellite Connectivity: The iPhone 15 Pro series expanded on the satellite connectivity introduced in the iPhone 14 Pro series, offering more robust and reliable communication options in remote areas. This feature was particularly valuable for users who frequently traveled to areas with limited cellular coverage.

Impact and Legacy

The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max were widely regarded as the pinnacle of smartphone technology in 2023. The introduction of the periscope lens system and the A17 Bionic chip set a new standard for what smartphones could achieve, and the refined design with a titanium frame made these devices both beautiful and durable. The iPhone 15 Pro series was a massive success, further establishing Apple as the leader in the smartphone industry.

Conclusion

The iPhone has come a long way since its debut in 2007, and each new model continues to push the boundaries of technology and innovation. The top 5 most popular iPhone models of all time have left a lasting impact on the smartphone industry and have solidified Apple’s reputation as a leader in the field. Whether you prefer the sleek design of the iPhone X or the affordability of the iPhone XR, there is an iPhone model for everyone. As Apple continues to innovate and introduce new features, it’s clear that the iPhone will remain a dominant force in the smartphone market for years to come.

FAQ: Popular iPhone Models

Q: What made the iPhone 6/6 Plus so popular?

A: The iPhone 6/6 Plus were popular due to their larger screens, sleek design, improved camera, and the introduction of Apple Pay. These features made them some of the best-selling iPhone models of all time.

Q: Why was the iPhone X considered a game-changer?

A: The iPhone X was a game-changer because it introduced several groundbreaking features, including Face ID, an edge-to-edge OLED display, and the removal of the home button. These innovations set the stage for the future of the iPhone lineup.

Q: How did the iPhone XR appeal to consumers?

A: The iPhone XR appealed to consumers by offering high-end features like Face ID, a powerful A12 Bionic chip, and a vibrant Liquid Retina display at a more affordable price point.

Q: What are the key features of the iPhone 12/12 Pro?

A: The iPhone 12/12 Pro introduced 5G connectivity, a Ceramic Shield front cover, the powerful A14 Bionic chip, and enhanced MagSafe technology, making them some of the most advanced smartphones available.

Q: What makes the iPhone 15 Pro/15 Pro Max stand out?

A: The iPhone 15 Pro/15 Pro Max stand out due to their periscope lens system, A17 Bionic chip, titanium frame, enhanced MagSafe technology, and expanded satellite connectivity, setting new standards in smartphone technology.