Last updated
    iPhone
    smartphone

    iPhone

    United States flagUnited States

    by Apple

    "The smartphone that changed everything."

    90%

    Rating

    4.5/5

    US$499 (4 GB model, with 2-year AT&T contract)Available
    Community

    Overview

    On June 29, 2007, Apple introduced a device that would redefine the mobile phone. The original iPhone combined a phone, an iPod, and an internet communicator into one sleek, touchscreen slab. There was no physical keyboard, no stylus, just a 3.5-inch display and a single Home button. Steve Jobs called it a "revolutionary product." He was right.

    Seventeen generations later, the iPhone remains the benchmark for smartphone design and performance. Each year's new models bring iterative but meaningful upgrades: the A19 and A19 Pro chips in the iPhone 17 series deliver desktop-class performance; the camera systems now include 48MP sensors with ProRes video recording; and features like Face ID, Dynamic Island, and Apple Intelligence have become standard. The iPhone has sold over 3 billion units, making Apple the world's largest mobile phone vendor since 2023.

    Beyond the hardware, the iPhone's true power lies in its ecosystem. iOS ties together the App Store, iCloud, Apple Pay, and seamless handoff with Macs and iPads. iMessage and FaceTime create social stickiness, especially among younger users. The iPhone is not just a phone, it's a cultural artifact that spawned the app economy, changed how we communicate, and set the template for every smartphone that followed.

    Key Features

    • Multi-touch Display: High-resolution OLED displays (Super Retina XDR on recent models) with features like ProMotion (adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz on Pro models), True Tone, and Wide Color (P3).
    • Powerful Processors: Apple-designed A-series chips (e.g., A19 and A19 Pro in the latest models) provide leading performance for apps, gaming, and AI tasks, including Apple Intelligence.
    • Advanced Camera Systems: Ranging from advanced dual-camera systems to professional-grade triple-camera setups (Pro models) with features like 48MP main sensors, Ultra Wide and Telephoto lenses, sensor-shift optical image stabilization, Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR, Night mode, and various video recording capabilities up to 4K Dolby Vision.
    • iOS Operating System: Apple's mobile operating system, known for its user-friendly interface, strong security, and extensive App Store with nearly 2 million available applications. The latest major version is iOS 26.
    • Face ID: Secure facial recognition for unlocking the device, authenticating purchases, and logging into apps.
    • Connectivity: Support for 5G, Wi-Fi (including Wi-Fi 7 on recent Pro models), Bluetooth, NFC, and GPS. Recent models use USB-C for charging and data transfer.
    • Durability and Safety: Features like Ceramic Shield front cover, water and dust resistance (IP68 rating on many models), Emergency SOS via satellite, and Crash Detection.
    • Ecosystem Integration: Seamless integration with other Apple devices and services like iCloud, Apple Pay, and Apple Music.

    Specifications

    ChipsetApple A-series (e.g., A19, A19 Pro in current models)
    Display TypeHigh-resolution OLED (Super Retina XDR)
    Display FeaturesProMotion (up to 120Hz adaptive refresh, Pro models), True Tone, Wide Color (P3)
    Storage Options128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB
    Operating SystemiOS 26
    Biometric SecurityFace ID
    Additional SecurityMemory Integrity Enforcement (MIE on A19/A19 Pro models)
    Charging/Data PortUSB-C
    Wireless ChargingMagSafe, Qi2
    Special FeaturesDynamic Island (Pro models), Always-On display, Apple Intelligence, Emergency SOS via satellite, Crash Detection, Roadside Assistance via satellite, Messages via satellite

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Industry-leading performance with Apple's A-series chips
    • Exceptional camera quality with consistent color science
    • Long software support (5-7 years of iOS updates)
    • Seamless ecosystem integration with other Apple products
    • Strong privacy and security features

    Cons

    • High price point compared to many Android competitors
    • Limited customization options (e.g., no default app changes)
    • No headphone jack or physical SIM slot on recent models
    • Battery life can be average on standard models
    • Repair costs are high and DIY repair is difficult

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much does an iPhone cost?
    The latest iPhone 17 starts at US$799, the iPhone 17 Pro at US$999, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max at US$1,199. Older models are available at lower prices, often through carrier deals or Apple's refurbished store.
    iPhone vs Samsung Galaxy: Which is better?
    The choice depends on preference. iPhones offer a more streamlined, secure ecosystem and longer software support, while Samsung Galaxy phones provide more customization, larger displays, and features like a built-in stylus (S Pen) on the Ultra models.
    Is the iPhone worth the price?
    For many users, yes, due to its long lifespan (5-7 years of software updates), high resale value, strong performance, and seamless integration with other Apple devices. However, it is a premium product, and Android alternatives offer comparable features at lower price points.
    When is the next iPhone release date?
    Apple typically announces new iPhone models in September of each year. The iPhone 17 series was released in September 2025, so the iPhone 18 series is expected in September 2026.
    What are the full specs of the iPhone 17 Pro Max?
    It features a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion, an A19 Pro chip, a triple 48MP camera system, up to 2TB storage, iOS 26, Face ID, and a USB-C port. It also supports Apple Intelligence and has an IP68 water resistance rating.

    Keywords

    smartphoneAppleiOSmobile phoneFace IDTouch IDApp StoreA-series chipmulti-touchMagSafeCeramic ShieldApple Intelligence5G

    Product Info

    Brand
    Apple
    Manufacturer
    Apple Inc.
    Category
    smartphone
    Released
    June 29, 2007
    Price
    US$499 (4 GB model, with 2-year AT&T contract)
    Availability
    Available
    Developer
    Apple Inc.
    Primary Contract Manufacturer
    Foxconn
    Operating System
    iOS
    First-Generation Launch Price
    US$499 (4 GB model, with 2-year AT&T contract)
    Total Units Sold (as of July 2025)
    Over 3 billion
    Market Leadership
    Largest vendor of mobile phones since 2023

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