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With tech lovers still lusting over whichever iPhone 13 Santa brought them last Christmas, it’s all too easy to forget how far smartphones have come. Since the very first iPhone was introduced to the world all the way back in January 2007 a lot has changed. Well, as the iPhone turns 15, join the team at Gadget Cover as we take a look back at every version of the iPhone, from the very first to the latest models and beyond!

Head turning looks and high-tech manufacturing means that iPhones have always been at the pricier end of the handset spectrum. With that in mind iPhones are some of the most popular phones to insure through us. Get your desirable gadget covered by iPhone insurance today.

2007: The great, great, great … grandmother of all iPhones

The iPhone

Apart from Steve Jobs, on 9th January 2007 few people could have predicted the impact the first-generation iPhone would have on the world that we see today. Indeed, the iPhone was such a revolutionary concept that, when unveiling it, Jobs described it as ‘an iPod, a phone, and an internet communicator’ all in one. But while the critics were wowed by the then-new multi-touch features, with a very hefty price tag for the time (£269 plus the cost of a contract), naysayers dismissed it as too expensive for the mass market. However, with its launch the world was changed forever.

• Slogan: Apple reinvents the phone
• Dimensions: 115 x 61 x 11.6mm (4.5 x 2.4 x 0.46 in)
• Weight: 135g
• Display: 3.5-inch 18-bit LCD
• Resolution: 480 x 320 pixels 163ppi
• RAM: 128MB DRAM
• Storage: 4GB, 8GB, 16GB flash memory
• Battery: 1400 mAh

2008: The iconic iPhone begins to take shape

iPhone 3G

While the first iPhone did a great job at getting the ball rolling there was still a big hill to climb in order to conquer the world. And it was the second-generation iPhone 3G that first introduced us to those now ubiquitous features of GPS tracking, the App Store, location services, and push notifications.

• Slogan: The first phone to beat the iPhone
• Dimensions: 115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3mm (4.55 x 2.44 x 0.48 in)
• Weight: 133g
• Display: 3.5-inch 18-bit LCD
• Resolution: 480 x 320 pixels 163ppi
• RAM: 128MB DRAM
• Storage: 8GB, 16GB flash memory
• Battery: 1150 mAh

2009: The world gets faster and looks a whole lot better

iPhone 3GS

At the time the iPhone 3GS wasn’t seen as a big advance. But if you take a second look then a different picture emerges. The third generation was not only faster but its cameras were boosted and it could record video as well as images. It was with the iPhone 3GS that Apple began to stake its claim to the camera crown! The phone also unveiled an early iteration of voice control (the precursor of the beloved Siri).

• Slogan: More to love, less to pay
• Dimensions: 115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3mm (4.55 x 2.44 x 0.48 in)
• Weight: 135g
• Display: 3.5-inch 24-bit LCD
• Resolution: 480 x 320 pixels 163ppi
• RAM: 256MB DRAM
• Storage: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB flash memory
• Battery: 1220 mAh

2010: Apple rises to the challenge

iPhone 4

As other phone manufacturers started to close in, Apple more than met the challenge with a front-facing camera and 5MP rear-facing camera, a new, flat design, the first high-resolution ‘Retina’ screen and the arrival of FaceTime video chat. As with any design departures, critics are always pleased to discover problems. Because of the position of the internal antenna, questions were raised about how to hold the iPhone without disrupting network reception. The price was still steep, but the iPhone was winning us over.

• Slogan: This changes everything. Again.
• Dimensions: 115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3mm (4.54 x 2.31 x 0.37 in)
• Weight: 137g
• Display: 3.5-inch LED backlit IPS TFT LCD
• Resolution: 960 x 640 pixels 326ppi
• RAM: 512MB LPDDR DRAM
• Storage: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB flash memory
• Battery: 1420 mAh

2011: Farewell Steve Jobs

iPhone 4S

Moving to an autumn unveiling, Steve Jobs stepped down due to health issues and Tim Cook took over as CEO. But technological changes continued as before. Apple introduced several new features we still know and love today – Siri, iCloud storage, and iMessage. A swanky new A5 dual-core processor was also introduced (the same one used in the iPad 2) alongside improved graphics, and an 8MP camera with 1080p video recording. Sadly, a day after the iPhone 4S was released, Steve Jobs died of complications from pancreatic cancer.

• Slogan: The most amazing iPhone yet
• Dimensions: 115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3mm (4.54 x 2.31 x 0.37 in)
• Weight: 140g
• Display: 3.5-inch LED backlit IPS TFT LCD
• Resolution: 960 x 640 pixels 326ppi
• RAM: 512MB DDR2 RAM
• Storage: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB
• Battery: 1430 mAh

2012: The iPhone gets a bigger, better screen and loses weight

iPhone 5

Despite the loss of Jobs, it was still business as usual at Apple in terms of design and technological capabilities. The iPhone 5 was the first to receive a bigger 4-inch screen and was both thinner and lighter than its predecessors. It also featured the lightning port that we still talk about today.

• Slogan: Loving it is easy. That's why so many people do.
• Dimensions: 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6mm (4.87 x 2.31 x 0.30 in)
• Weight: 112g
• Display: 4-inch LED backlit IPS TFT LCD
• Resolution: 1136 x 640 pixels 326ppi
• RAM: 1 GB LPDDR2-1066 RAM
• Storage: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB
• Battery: 1440 mAh

2013: Not one, but two iPhone models to love

iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s

Wanting to appeal to an even broader audience, Apple began experimenting with the launch of two models aimed at slightly different markets. The colourful, plastic-backed iPhone 5c was essentially a re-skinned iPhone 5 and designed to appeal to budget-friendly consumers who might otherwise opt for an Android phone.

However, the upscale iPhone 5s (now coming in gold as well as the usual black and white) came with Touch ID on the home button, and new camera features like Burst Mode and Slo-Mo videos.

But it’s not all about the hardware when it comes to Apple. iOS 7 introduced a complete visual overhaul of the user interface and the introduction of AirDrop and Control Centre.

Nine million iPhones were sold on the first weekend of their release, breaking Apple sales records!

• Slogan: 5c - For the colourful, 5s - You’re more powerful than you think
• Dimensions: 5c - 124.4 x 59.2 x 8.97mm (4.90 x 2.33 x 0.353 in), 5s – 123.8, 58.6, 7.6mm (4.87 x 2.31 x 0.30 in)
• Weight: 5c - 132g, 5s – 112g
• Display: 4-inch LED-backlit IPS TFT LCD
• Resolution: 1136 x 640 pixels 326ppi
• RAM: 5c - 1 GB LPDDR2-1066 RAM, 5s - 1 GB LPDDR3 RAM
• Storage: 8GB (only 5c), 16GB, 32GB, 64GB (only 5s)
• Battery: 5c - 1510 mAh, 5s - 1560 mAh

2014: The iPhone goes large

iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus

Getting closer to the kinds of iPhones we know and love today, Apple seriously upped the ante in terms of screen size and resolution for these two. With the iPhone 6 measuring 4.7-inches and the 6 Plus measuring 5.5 inches, the two phones were a big hit. The processors were faster, the cameras were upgraded and we were also introduced to Apple Pay. And the new ergonomically pleasing curved chassis felt and looked genuinely great.

• Slogan: Bigger than bigger
• Dimensions: 6 - 138.1 x 67.0 x 6.9mm (5.44 x 2.64 x 0.27 in), 6 Plus – 158.1 x 77.8 x 7.1mm (6.22 x 3.06 x 0.28 in)
• Weight: 6 - 129g, 6 Plus – 172g
• Display: 6 – 4.7-inch LED-backlit IPS LCD, 6 Plus - 5.5-inch LED-backlit IPS LCD
• Resolution: 6 - 1334 x 750 pixels 326ppi, 6 Plus – 1920 x 1080 pixels 401ppi
• RAM: 1 GB LPDDR3 RAM
• Storage: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB
• Battery: 6 - 1810 mAh, 6 Plus – 2915 mAh

2015: Say hello to 3D Touch and rose gold

iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus

Revolutionary changes weren’t the order of the day in 2015, but Apple still managed to give us plenty to talk about. With new 3D Touch technology, a beefed up 12MP rear facing camera and that stunning rose gold colourway that proved oh-so popular.

• Slogan: One powerful phone
• Dimensions: 6s - 138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1mm (5.44 x 2.64 x 0.28 in), 6s Plus – 158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3mm (6.23 x 3.07 x 0.29 in)
• Weight: 6s - 143g, 6s Plus – 192g
• Display: 6s – 4.7-inch Retina HD LED-backlit IPS LCD, 6s Plus - 5.5-inch Retina HD LED-backlit IPS LCD
• Resolution: 6s - 1334 x 750 pixels 326ppi, 6s Plus – 1920 x 1080 pixels 401ppi
• RAM: 2 GB LPDDR4 RAM
• Storage: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB
• Battery: 6s - 1715 mAh, 6s Plus – 2750 mAh

2016: Goodbye headphone jack

iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone SE (first generation)

More welcome camera improvements, but many iPhone fans still regret the loss of the 3.5mm headphone jack. While earlier in the year, we also saw the arrival of the first-generation iPhone SE. Relatively low cost and perfect for those looking for a smaller phone.

• Slogan: This is 7
• Dimensions: 7 - 138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1mm (5.44 x 2.64 x 0.28 in), 7 Plus – 158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3mm (6.23 x 3.07 x 0.29 in)
• Weight: 7 - 138g, 7 Plus – 188g
• Display: 7 – 4.7-inch Retina HD LED-backlit IPS LCD, 7 Plus - 5.5-inch Retina HD LED-backlit IPS LCD
• Resolution: 7 - 1334 x 750 pixels 326ppi, 7 Plus – 1920 x 1080 pixels 401ppi
• RAM: 7 - 2 GB LPDDR4 RAM, 7 Plus – 3GB LPDDR4 RAM
• Storage: 32GB, 128GB, 256GB
• Battery: 7 - 1960 mAh, 7 Plus – 2900 mAh

2017: iPhone reaches 10 years old with a bang

iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X

Yet more incremental improvements at the 2017 launch of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. But Apple had a big surprise in store for those ever-faithful Apple fans. With the iPhone X, Apple introduced Face ID, ditched the home screen button and brought ultra-powerful OLED displays to the iPhones. But at a cool £999, you’d want some serious iPhone insurance to keep it covered.

• Slogan: 8 and 8 Plus - A new generation of iPhone, X – Say hello to the future
• Dimensions: 8 - 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm (5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in), 8 Plus – 158.4 x 78.1 x 7.5mm (6.24 x 3.07 x 0.30 in), X – 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7mm (5.65 x 2.79 x 0.30 in)
• Weight: 8 - 148g, 8 Plus – 202g, X – 174g
• Display: 8 – 4.7-inch Retina HD LED-backlit IPS LCD, 8 Plus - 5.5-inch Retina HD LED-backlit IPS LCD, X – 5.86-inch Super Retina HD AMOLED
• Resolution: 8 - 1334 x 750 pixels 326ppi, 8 Plus – 1920 x 1080 pixels 401ppi, X – 2436 x 1125 pixels 458ppi
• RAM: 8 - 2 GB LPDDR4 RAM, 8 Plus and X – 3GB LPDDR4 RAM
• Storage: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
• Battery: 8 - 1821 mAh, 8 Plus – 2691 mAh, X – 2716 mAh

2018: It’s all about those beautiful screens

iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, iPhone XR

Edge-to-edge screens with improved scratch- and water-resistance, a bigger battery and plenty of other improvements to keep everyone happy.

• Slogan: Welcome to the big screens
• Dimensions: Xs – 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7mm (5.65 x 2.79 x 0.30 in), Xs Max – 157.5 x 77.4 x 7.7mm (6.20 x 3.05 x 0.30 in), XR – 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3mm (5.94 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
• Weight: Xs - 177g, Xs Max – 208g, XR – 194g
• Display: Xs – 5.85-inch Super Retina OLED HDR, Xs Max – 6.46-inch Super Retina OLED HDR, XR – 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LED-backlit IPS LCD
• Resolution: Xs - 2436 x 1125 pixels 458ppi, Xs Max – 2688 x 1242 pixels 458ppi, XR – 1792 x 828 pixels 326 ppi
• RAM: Xs and Xs Max - 4 GB LPDDR4, XR – 3 GB LPDDR4X
• Storage: 64GB, 128GB (XR only) 256GB, 512GB (Xs and Xs Max)
• Battery: Xs - 2658 mAh, Xs Max – 3174 mAh, XR – 2942 mAh

2019: Apple really hits its stride

iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max

Some seriously flashy upgrades here mean this generation of iPhones are still considered a good buy today.

• Slogan: 11 – Just the right amount of everything, Pro - And then there was Pro
• Dimensions: 11 – 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3mm (5.94 x 2.98 x 0.33 in), Pro – 144 x 71.4 x 8.1mm (5.7 x 2.81 x 0.32 in), Pro Max – 158 x 77.8 x 8.1mm (6.2 x 3.06 x 0.32 in)
• Weight: 11 - 194g, Pro – 188g, Pro Max – 226g
• Display: 11 – 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LED-backlit IPS LCD, Pro – 5.85-inch Super Retina XDR, Pro Max – 6.46-inch Super Retina XDR
• Resolution: 11 - 1792 x 828 pixels 326ppi, Pro – 2436 x 1125 pixels 458ppi, Pro Max – 2688 x 1242 pixels 458ppi
• RAM: 4 GB LPDDR4X
• Storage: 64GB, 128GB (11 only), 256GB, 512GB (Pro and Pro Max)
• Battery: 11 - 3110 mAh, Pro – 3046 mAh, Pro Max – 3969 mAh

2020: And then there were four

iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone SE (second generation)

There was an iPhone for everyone this time around with Apple releasing a super-cute mini version alongside a standard size iPhone and the usual Pro and Pro Max versions. And while they all featured ‘Ceramic Shield’ protection on the front you still need iPhone insurance to protect those beautiful screens.

And don’t forget Apple also released a second-generation entry-level iPhone SE in April. Just like iPhone insurance, there’s now an iPhone to suit every budget.

• Slogan: 12 – Blast past fast, Pro – It’s a leap year
• Dimensions: 12 – 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4mm (5.78 x 2.81 x 0.29 in), 12 Mini – 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4mm (5.18 x 2.53 x 0.29 in), Pro – 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4mm (5.78 x 2.81 x 0.29 in), Pro Max – 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4mm (6.33 x 3.07 x 0.29 in)
• Weight: 12 - 162g, 12 Mini – 133g, Pro – 189g, Pro Max – 228g
• Display: 12 – 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 12 Mini – 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, Pro – 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR, Pro Max – 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR
• Resolution: 12 - 2532 x 1170 pixels 460ppi, 12 Mini – 2340 x 1080 pixels 476ppi, Pro – 2532 x 1170 pixels 460.3ppi, Pro Max – 2778 x 1284 pixels 457.3ppi
• RAM: 12 and 12 Mini - 4 GB LPDDR4, Pro and Pro Max – 6 GB LPDDR4X-4266
• Storage: 64GB (12 and 12 Mini), 128GB, 256GB, 512GB (Pro and Pro Max)
• Battery: 12 - 2815 mAh, 12 Mini – 2227 mAh, Pro – 2815 mAh, Pro Max – 3687 mAh

2021: Quiet brilliance

iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max

While the iPhone 13 family of phones may not have been a game-changer, all-around improvements to battery life, camera, and battery life made these a hit. But with these phones offering simple brilliance, everyone’s now wondering what Apple will come up with next.

When you’re looking for the right iPhone insurance be sure to contact the team at Gadget Cover. We’re always looking for new ways to help keep you well covered.

• Slogan: 13 – Your new superpower, Pro – Oh. So. Pro.
• Dimensions: 13 – 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65mm (5.78 x 2.81 x 0.301 in), 13 Mini – 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.65mm (5.18 x 2.53 x 0.301 in), Pro – 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65mm (5.78 x 2.81 x 0.301 in), Pro Max – 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.65mm (6.33 x 3.07 x 0.301 in)
• Weight: 13 - 174g, 13 Mini – 141g, Pro – 204g, Pro Max – 240g
• Display: 13 – 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 13 Mini – 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, Pro – 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR, Pro Max – 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR
• Resolution: 13 - 2532 x 1170 pixels 460ppi, 13 Mini – 2340 x 1080 pixels 476ppi, Pro – 2532 x 1170 pixels 460ppi, Pro Max – 2778 x 1284 pixels 458ppi
• RAM: 13 and 13 Mini - 4 GB LPDDR4X, Pro and Pro Max – 6 GB LPDDR4X
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (Pro and Pro Max)
• Battery: 13 - 3227 mAh, 13 Mini – 2406 mAh, Pro – 3095 mAh, Pro Max – 4352 mAh

2022: What next for Apple?

As you can see, it’s been a wild ride indeed. But with rumours already flying about the upcoming iPhone 14 you’d better fasten your seatbelts for 2022.

Protect your new device with iPhone insurance

Whatever models of iPhone you bought over the past 15 years, you’ll undoubtedly have been very pleased with your purchases. After all, Apple is considered to be the best smartphone manufacturer in the world for a reason.

That’s why the team at Gadget Cover are always searching for the very best iPhone insurance policies suitable for your device, requirements and budget.

Get a quote for iPhone insurance from Gadget Cover today.