Every iPhone ranked: From the original iPhone to the iPhone 17 Pro Max

Every September, the world pauses for the Apple iPhone loyalists. The keynote lights dim, the rumours turn to reality, and once again, the iPhone becomes the centre of conversation. Suddenly you’re glancing at your current iPhone, remembering the ones that came before it. The smooth, squared edges of the iPhone 4. The first Portrait Mode selfie you snapped on the iPhone 7 Plus. The endless battery of the iPhone 13 Pro Max.

The iPhone is more than a product line. It is a cultural timeline; the device that reshaped music collections, redefined photography, rewrote design norms, and gave us new ways to connect. Each generation is a snapshot of its era.

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As we look back on all the iPhones of the past, each model tells a story of its time. From the bold rebellion of the iPhone 4 to the futuristic gamble of the iPhone X. Now, the iPhone 17 series begins a new chapter. Here’s our definitive ranking of every Apple iPhone ever made, measured not by benchmarks, but by how deeply they changed the way we live, create, and connect.

44. iPhone 16e (2025)

The newest entry-level iPhone offers an OLED screen, a 48MP camera, and Apple Intelligence support at a friendlier price. Yet despite those credentials, it sits at the bottom of this list because it is more functional than iconic. It doesn’t break new ground the way earlier models did; instead, it plays the role of democratising AI for the masses rather than reshaping culture.

43. iPhone 4s (2011)

The iPhone 4s looked identical to its predecessor but introduced two features that mattered. Siri felt futuristic at launch, even if it never lived up to its sci-fi promise, and the new 8MP camera made the iPhone a serious point-and-shoot replacement. Important as these were, the 4s still ranks low because it leaned too heavily on the brilliance of the iPhone 4’s design rather than carving out its own legacy.

42. iPhone 5c (2013)

The iPhone 5c was unapologetically playful, with its candy-coloured polycarbonate shells injecting fun into the lineup. Inside, though, it was essentially a repackaged iPhone 5, which meant it lacked the innovation of its peers. While it inspired later colourful bestsellers like the XR and 11, the 5c sits low on this list because it was more about personality than progress.

41. iPhone 3GS (2009)

The “S” stood for speed, and the 3GS delivered exactly that. You got faster app launches, smoother browsing, and, for the first time, video recording. It was a dependable workhorse, keeping pace with a booming App Store. But it never felt disruptive, it was more of a steadying hand than a revolutionary leap, which is why it sits toward the lower end of this ranking.

40. iPhone 6s and 6s Plus (2015)

The iPhone 6s family added useful features like 12MP cameras and 3D Touch, while the Plus improved video with optical image stabilisation. They became beloved for their longevity, receiving iOS updates for years. Still, their design was near-identical to the iPhone 6, and none of their innovations transformed the industry in the long run, leaving them strong but unspectacular entries in the lineup.

39. iPhone 7 (2016)

The iPhone 7 brought water resistance, stereo sound, and the striking matte black finish, but it will always be remembered for what it removed, the beloved headphone jack. Apple’s gamble eventually paid off, accelerating the wireless audio era, but at the time it felt controversial enough to overshadow the phone’s solid improvements. Combined with a design that barely evolved from the 6s, it finds itself ranked low despite its practicality.

38. iPhone XS and XS Max (2018)

The iPhone XS series were refinements of the X, offering faster Face ID, improved OLED screens, and stronger water resistance. The XS Max delivered the largest screen ever on an iPhone at the time, making it ideal for streaming and gaming. They weren’t disruptive, but they polished the new Face ID era into something more reliable and enduring.

37. iPhone 8 and 8 Plus (2017)

Launched alongside the radical iPhone X, the 8 and 8 Plus represented the end of an era. They were the last iPhones to feature home buttons. However, these phones did introduce wireless charging and glass backs, and the Plus refined Portrait Mode with new lighting effects. For those hesitant to embrace Face ID, the 8 series offered familiarity with modern perks, and it aged gracefully as the last Home-button flagships.

36. iPhone SE (3rd gen, 2022)

The third iPhone SE came with the A15 Bionic chip and 5G. It looked unchanged compared to its predecessor, but it was faster and more connected than ever. While it lacked the glamour of the Pro line, it remained an important entry point for iOS, serving parents, businesses, and Touch ID loyalists who didn’t care for Face ID.

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35. iPhone SE (2nd gen, 2020)

The second SE repeated the formula of the original, but with modern guts. It slotted the A13 Bionic from the iPhone 11 into the body of the iPhone 8, delivering a powerful, affordable iPhone for the pandemic era. It was the perfect choice for budget buyers or corporate fleets that wanted performance and longevity without premium pricing.

34. iPhone SE (2016)

The first iPhone SE was a fan favourite that fused the beloved iPhone 5s design with the internals of the iPhone 6s. Compact, powerful, and affordable, it was proof that small phones could still be mighty. It didn’t make headlines, but it won hearts, especially among those who felt iPhones had grown too big, too fast.

33. iPhone 12 mini (2020)

The iPhone 12 mini was proof that Apple still had love for the small-phone faithful. It crammed flagship performance, an OLED display, and 5G into a compact 5.4-inch body. While its battery was modest, its portability was unmatched. Though sales were limited, it quickly achieved cult status among minimalists who wanted flagship power in a size that truly disappeared in the pocket.

32. iPhone 14 and 14 Plus (2022)

While they lacked the imagination of the Pro models, the vanilla iPhone 14 series delivered features that truly mattered. Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite turned iPhones into lifesaving devices. The 14 Plus, with its larger screen and stellar battery life, catered to users who wanted scale without Pro pricing. They weren’t flashy, but they were deeply practical.

31. iPhone 14 Pro Max (2022)

Everything that made the iPhone 14 Pro imaginative was amplified on the Pro Max. Its expansive OLED screen showcased the Dynamic Island and Always-On Display in their best light, while its battery ensured those features never felt like compromises. It became the go-to device for creators and media lovers who wanted immersion and longevity in equal measure.

30. iPhone 16 (2024)

For the first time, the standard iPhone received features once reserved for the Pros. The Action button, improved cameras, and Apple Intelligence support made it feel premium in ways that older base models never did. It blurred the line between regular and Pro, giving everyday buyers more value and power without the higher price tag.

29. iPhone 16 Pro (2024)

The iPhone 16 Pro packed all of the Max’s innovations into a more manageable 6.3-inch body. It offered the same Camera Control, titanium refinement, and AI features but with better ergonomics. For professionals who wanted the Pro experience without pocket-busting size, it struck the ideal balance of performance and portability.

28. iPhone 16 Pro Max (2024)

The iPhone 16 Pro Max represents Apple’s shift into the AI decade. With its A18 Pro chip, a dedicated Camera Control button, and Apple Intelligence support, it aims to be more of a creative assistant rather than just a phone. Its 6.9-inch ProMotion display is stunning, and its titanium build makes it durable yet elegant. It’s less radical than the X, but it’s the smartest iPhone yet, without a shadow of doubt. That’s, of course, until the next Pro Max launches.

27. iPhone 7 Plus (2016)

The iPhone 7 Plus marked the start of iPhone portrait photography, and boy, did it look good on the larger Plus screen. Its dual-camera system introduced 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode, revolutionising how everyday users shot people, pets, and more. Removing the headphone jack was controversial, but Apple’s bet on wireless audio paid off. Add in water resistance and stereo speakers, and the 7 Plus was both disruptive and deeply influential.

26. iPhone 11 (2019)

The iPhone 11 may not have been flashy, but it was transformative for the mainstream. It brought Night Mode, ultra-wide photography, and superb battery life at a price more accessible than the Pros. The colourful shells gave it personality, while its A13 chip ensured longevity. It became a bestseller for students, families, and creators alike, proving Apple could make innovation democratic.

25. iPhone 11 Pro / Pro Max (2019)

The Pro line became its own identity with the iPhone 11 Pro models. Triple cameras introduced ultra-wide shooting and excellent Night Mode, while the matte glass back looked and felt premium. The Pro Max offered immense battery life, instantly becoming the travel companion of choice. This was when Apple carved out two audiences, the mainstream iPhone buyer and the creative professional, which rings true even today.

24. iPhone 5 (2012)

Oh, the nostalgia! The iPhone 5 was impossibly light and sleek, with a taller four-inch display that felt expansive at the time. It introduced the Lightning connector, modernising accessories and enabling slimmer designs. While it wasn’t the boldest reinvention, it was a pure expression of Apple design, minimal, elegant, and futuristic compared to the competition. For many, it remains the archetype of the “classic” iPhone.

23. iPhone XR (2018)

The iPhone XR was the phone that made the iPhone X design mainstream. With colourful finishes, strong battery life, and Face ID at a lower price point, it became the default iPhone for millions. It outsold its pricier siblings and proved that accessibility, not extravagance, often defines cultural impact. The XR was playful, practical, and quietly one of the most important iPhones of the decade.

22. iPhone 13 mini (2021)

All the core iPhone 13 gains arrived in a compact 5.4-inch body that finally paired small size with respectable endurance. The iPhone 13 mini had Cinematic mode, a stabilised main camera, and A15 performance which created a rare combination of fun and fast. It delighted one-handed users who refused to trade comfort for capability.

21. iPhone 13 (2021)

With the iPhone 13, battery life took a welcome leap, the main camera gained sensor-shift stabilisation, and Cinematic mode introduced rack-focus storytelling for everyday creators. The brighter display and A15 Bionic kept everything snappy, while the diagonal camera layout signaled a confident refresh. It was the dependable upgrade that made iPhone ownership feel easy again.

20. iPhone 17 Air (2025)

The iPhone 17 Air is Apple’s thinnest smartphone ever, just 5.6 mm at its slimmest, yet it still fits the A19 Pro chip, an OLED display, and Apple Intelligence inside that feather-light titanium frame. It feels like a spiritual follow-up to the iPhone 12 mini; minimalist, impossibly light, and made for those who see elegance as performance. Its single 48 MP camera delivers crisp daylight shots, but versatility suffers compared to the dual-camera iPhone 17. The battery too is modest. A stunning object, but still, one that values art over endurance, which is why it isn’t higher up on this list.

19. iPhone 13 Pro Max (2021)

The iPhone 13 Pro Max was the marathoner of the lineup. It combined the cinematic flourishes of the iPhone 13 Pro with astonishing battery life that lasted well into the second day for many users. For travellers, binge-watchers, and gamers, it was the device that never left them stranded, embodying the luxury of endurance.

18. iPhone 13 Pro (2021)

The iPhone 13 Pro struck the perfect balance of refinement and novelty. ProMotion 120Hz made iOS feel liquid-smooth, Cinematic Mode enabled Hollywood-style video effects, and macro photography opened new creative avenues. Its battery life was outstanding, making it one of the most dependable iPhones ever. It wasn’t a complete rethink, but it perfected the formula in a way that still felt fresh.

17. iPhone 15 Pro Max (2023)

The iPhone 15 Pro Max was Apple at its most ambitious. A titanium frame made it lighter and tougher, USB-C unified your charging ecosystem, and the A17 Pro chip enabled console-level gaming. The 5x tetraprism telephoto lens finally gave iPhone users the zoom they’d long envied. For creators, gamers, and professionals, this was not just an iPhone, it was a proper production tool.

16. iPhone 15 Pro (2023)

The iPhone 15 Pro had all the perks of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but in a more compact body. Aerospace-grade titanium trimmed weight, the Action button invited real customisation, and the A17 Pro chip unlocked serious graphics with hardware-accelerated ray tracing. USB-C brought faster transfers for Pro workflows, and the camera stack delivered reliably crisp results. This iPhone felt purpose-built for creators and gamers who value agility.

15. iPhone 17 (2025)

This is the iPhone for everyone. The iPhone 17 comes with the A19 chip, Action button, and Apple Intelligence tools, bringing professional-grade power to the mainstream. The upgraded OLED display is brighter and now, finally gets 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, while the dual 48 MP cameras capture richer low-light detail with remarkable colour accuracy. Battery life sees another solid boost, and thermal management is noticeably improved. It’s not a dramatic redesign, but it makes the Pro feel optional for the first time in years. The iPhone 17 refines Apple’s formula into something near flawless; familiar, fluid, and smarter in ways that quietly matter.

14. iPhone 15 Plus (2023)

Everything good about iPhone 15 arrived on a larger 6.7-inch canvas with marathon battery life. The Dynamic Island became more glanceable, photos benefited from the 48MP pipeline, and USB-C cut cable clutter. It served families and frequent fliers who wanted scale and stamina without going Pro.

13. iPhone 15 (2023)

With the iPhone 15, USB-C simplified life, the Dynamic Island made alerts feel alive, and the 48MP main sensor enabled a sharp 2x optical-quality crop without an extra lens. With the A16 Bionic and brighter outdoor visibility, the base iPhone felt premium again. It was the reset mainstream buyers had been waiting for.

12. iPhone 17 Pro (2025)

The iPhone 17 Pro is a power user’s dream. With the blazing new Apple A19 Pro chip, a new aluminium chassis that conducts heat incredibly well, and a more powerful camera system, this is a Pro phone that earns the nomenclature. Add to that, the new Liquid Glass treatment and customisation options in iOS 26, and you’ve got a phone that enraptures pros and tinkerers alike.

11. iPhone 12 Pro Max (2020)

The iPhone 12 Pro Max scaled the Pro vision with a 6.7-inch display and a larger main sensor paired with sensor-shift stabilisation for steadier shots. A longer telephoto gave portraits cleaner reach, while 5G, MagSafe, and Ceramic Shield rounded out a genuinely future-ready package. For travelers and video shooters, this became the pocket studio of its year.

10. iPhone 12 Pro (2020)

Apple’s flat-edge renaissance arrived here with 5G, a brighter Super Retina XDR display, and the Ceramic Shield front that boosted real-world durability. The stainless steel frame felt luxurious, LiDAR improved low-light portraits and AR, and ProRAW gave editors new latitude. It was the first “modern” Pro that looked like jewelry yet behaved like a tool.

9. iPhone 17 Pro Max

Apple’s biggest, boldest iPhone yet is also its smartest. The iPhone 17 Pro Max brings together the A19 Pro chip, a gorgeous isplay, and next-gen thermal efficiency with a new vapour cooling chamber. Ray-traced gaming looks breathtaking, and the massive battery easily powers through a day of creative use. It’s not as radical as the iPhone some of the other phones higher up on this list, but it represents Apple at full maturity.

8. iPhone 12 (2020)

The iPhone 12 was equal parts nostalgia and future. Its flat-edged design nodded to the beloved iPhone 4, while its 5G support pushed Apple into the next network era. MagSafe introduced the joy of snap-on charging and accessories, creating an instant ecosystem. In a year defined by uncertainty, the iPhone 12 became the upgrade many had waited for, and its design DNA still defines the lineup.

7. iPhone 5s (2013)

The iPhone 5s didn’t scream revolution, but it whispered one that lasted a decade. It introduced Touch ID, making secure unlocks effortless, and debuted the A7 chip, the world’s first 64-bit smartphone processor. Both changed expectations across the industry. It may have looked like a minor upgrade to the iPhone 5, but it laid the foundations for the iPhone’s long-term power and security lead.

6. iPhone 14 Pro (2022)

The iPhone 14 Pro felt like Apple rediscovering its imagination. The Dynamic Island transformed a static cutout into an interactive feature, blending function and playfulness. The 48MP main camera delivered stunning detail, and the Always-On display turned lock screens into glanceable dashboards. After years of safe iteration, this iPhone made headlines for genuinely rethinking how you use a phone day-to-day.

5. iPhone 3G (2008)

If the original iPhone was the spark, the 3G was the fuel. It brought faster network speeds, making mobile browsing practical, but the true game-changer was the App Store. Suddenly, your iPhone wasn’t just a phone, it was a platform. Social media, banking, fitness, and gaming ecosystems were all born here. The smartphone as we know it started with the 3G.

4. iPhone 6 and 6 Plus (2014)

Apple finally embraced the big-screen trend, and the results were historic. The 6 and 6 Plus broke sales records, with the Plus catering to the phablet craze sweeping Asia and beyond. The 6 was slim and curved, the Plus was huge and immersive. Together, they normalised large-screen iPhones and set Apple on the path to today’s Pro Max era.

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3. iPhone X (2017)

A decade after the original, Apple tore up its own rulebook. The iPhone X killed the Home button, debuted OLED, introduced gesture navigation, and replaced Touch ID with Face ID. The notch became controversial, but it defined the era. It was risky, bold, and instantly copied across the industry. If the iPhone 4 was Apple’s fashion moment, the X was its futuristic moonshot.

2. iPhone 4 (2010)

The iPhone 4 was a design revolution. Flat steel edges, glass back and front, and the Retina Display, which set a new standard for screen sharpness. It looked like jewellery, felt futuristic in the hand, and introduced FaceTime, which made video calling mainstream. More than a phone, it was an object of desire; arguably the most iconic iPhone design of all time.

1. iPhone (2007)

The original iPhone remains untouchable. When Steve Jobs unveiled it, sliding to unlock felt like opening the door to the future. No physical keyboard, no stylus, just a multi-touch glass canvas that combined an iPod, a phone, and an internet communicator. Even with its lack of 3G or an App Store, its impact was seismic. It didn’t just launch Apple’s modern era; it launched the smartphone age itself.

Ranking every iPhone launched

Eighteen years after Steve Jobs first slid to unlock, the iPhone remains the device that defines an era. But the shift is clear; the iPhone 17 series shows that Apple’s innovation is no longer just visual or mechanical; it’s behavioural.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max reimagines pro-level performance and the iPhone design. The iPhone 17 bridges the gap between professional power and everyday use. And the iPhone 17 Air proves design can still take your breath away, even when the specs stay humble.

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The earlier milestones including the iPhone 4, 6, and X, shaped how we saw technology. The 17 series is shaping how technology sees us. And as Apple looks ahead to the iPhone 18, the question remains the same; will it simply evolve, or will it once again change what we expect from the word “phone”? Which iPhone do you think deserves the #1 spot? Drop a comment with your thoughts.