Apple iPhone: Compare Versions and Models from the X to iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone History: 2018

In a surprising move, Apple discontinued the iPhone X just 10 months after it arrived in stores. In its place was three new handsets, the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR, announced at the September “Gather round” event. Also announced on this date were the Apple Watch Series 4.

iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max

The 5.8-inch iPhone XS was nearly identical to its predecessor, the iPhone X. However, the iPhone XS Max was the first “Max” handset, and its 6.5-inch OLED display was the largest to date for an Apple handset.

As the “XS” name suggests, the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max didn’t bring many new features to the table. Both included an OLED display, better batteries, and an A12 Bionic chip and were available in Space Gray, Silver, and Gold. However, like the handset it replaced, both the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max were only on the market for a year.

iPhone XR

Meanwhile, the 6.1-inch iPhone XR model featured a Liquid Retina LED, and it also shipped with an Apple A12 Bionic chip. This model brought bright colors back to iPhone for the first time since the iPhone 5c was launched in 2013. The iPhone XR had a long life and is one of the most popular iPhones in history; it was discontinued at the iPhone 13 event in September 2021.

iPhone History: 2019

In 2019, Apple introduced the first handsets in the iPhone Pro series alongside a regular iPhone model. The divide between the two has typically centered on the materials used on the device and the camera system. The iPhone 11 (besides the iPhone SE (2nd-generation) became the last iPhone to include an LCD, not OLED.

Apple revealed the three new handsets at the “By innovation only” event alongside the Apple Watch Series 5 and 7th generation iPad.

iPhone 11

Continuing a pattern that began in 2018, the iPhone 11 contained the same chipset as the more expensive iPhone 11 Pro series and glass on the front and back. Instead of surgical-grade stainless steel, however, the iPhone 11 contained aerospace-grade aluminum for its body. It also included two rear cameras instead of three. The iPhone 11 remains on the market and will most likely remain there until at least fall 2022.

iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max

The 2019 iPhone Pro handsets were the first to include a triple-camera system on the rear side. In addition, beginning this year, the Pro lineup featured one unique color: Midnight Green.

iPhone History: 2020

Though COVID-19 pushed the annual iPhone event online, it proved to be one of the best in recent memory. In October, the “Hi, Speed” event showcased the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. The new handsets were announced after the HomePod mini. In a big surprise, Apple announced MagSafe charging for iPhone and ceramic shield fronts on all four models.

iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini

The 5.4-inch iPhone 12 mini was nearly the same as the regular iPhone 12 model, except for its size and battery. The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini, like the iPhone 11, were Apple’s less expensive models. Each featured the same internals as the iPhone 12 Pro series, with the differences most noticeable on the camera systems and body materials used.

iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max

For this year’s Pro lineup, Apple introduced a Pacific Blue model as the iPhone 12 Pro Max became the largest iPhone to date, 6.7-inch across. Elsewhere, the Pro models once again picked up three rear-facing cameras and included a surgical-grade stainless steel body.

The iPhone SE (2nd-Generation)

On April 24, 2020, Apple introduced the iPhone SE (2nd-generation). The 4.7-inch smartphone was designed to replace the iPhone 8 (which was retired following the announcement). It arrived three years after the original iPhone SE left the market. The iPhone SE is currently Apple’s least expensive handset and the only one to keep a Touch ID button.

The iPhone SE (2nd-generation) included some of the features found on the iPhone 11, which was released a few months before. These included an A13 Bionic chip, a glass front/back, and similar capacities. And yet, it doesn’t offer a Liquid Retina display, nor will you find an Ultra-Wide camera.

Whether Apple keeps the iPhone SE (2nd-generation) around long-term is anyone’s guess. But, at least for now, it’s available and serves as a great starting smartphone.

iPhone History: 2021

Finally, this brings us to the 2021 iPhone lineup. Very much similar to last year’s lineup, the iPhone 13 series is noted for its improved cameras across the board, 1TB iPhone Pro option, and introduction of Cinematic mode. The four new handsets are the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Alongside the new iPhones, Apple revealed the iPad mini 6 and the ninth-generation iPad at the “California streaming” online event.

iPhone History: the Current Lineup

Here’s the current iPhone lineup alongside the various price points. They range from $399 for the least expensive iPhone SE (2nd-generation) to $1,599 for the 1TB iPhone 13 Pro Max.

As you can see, Apple has released a lot of iPhones in the last five years. So it will be interesting to see where iPhone history goes from here in 2022 and beyond.