The iPhone is among the best smartphones both currently, and in history. And for good reason: its ecosystem (iMessages, Apple Pay, etc.), sleek design, and its connectivity through other Apple products gives it an appeal other brands can’t match.
Over recent years, capabilities like global device location tracking and satellite communication support have further propped up their appeal.
Since the iPhone’s first release in 2007, the smartphone has gone through a considerable amount of changes and upgrades, particularly in hardware and software (iOS). So here’s your comprehensive guide on the history of the iPhone, its different models, and purchasing advice.
What is the Apple iPhone?
Every brand picks a name for its phones. Some go with special names, or just numbers attached to the brand name. In 2007, Apple picked “iPhone” for its first handset, and the name’s stuck with every iPhone released to date. There’s a rich history behind it.
“An iPod, a phone and an internet communicator. An iPod, a phone — are you getting it? These are not separate devices. This is one device. And we are calling it iPhone,” Apple co-founder and CEO, Steve Jobs, explained when he introduced the world to the first iPhone.
What’s the newest iPhone?
The latest iPhone is not one device, but four. The iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone Air were all announced on September 9, 2025.
All four phones boast new levels of durability for Apple, with improvements in battery life and cameras to boot. The iPhone Air really stands out however, with its 5.6mm thin frame and what Apple claims is “Macbook levels of performance”.
And 2025 was a busy year for Apple, as it also launched the iPhone 16e in February. This is a budget-centric device that focuses on delivering the signature iPhone experience at a lower price and a few feature cuts in tow.
Our latest iPhone reviews
At Digital Trends, we review every iPhone Apple launches. We will bring you full reviews of each of the iPhone 17 series, along with an iPhone Air review – so watch this space.
When it comes to our current reviews, the iPhone 16e won praise for its compact size, strong camera, and great battery life. The mainline iPhone 16 offered a great mix of vibrant design, custom buttons, and reliable performance.
The lack of a high-refresh-rate screen and fast charging on a phone that costs at least $800 earned it some valid criticism. Then we have the iPhone 16 Pro and its Max versions, both of which stand tall as two of the best camera phones you can get your hands on at the moment.
The next iPhone
With the iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air now out in the open, the focus turns to 2026 and the iPhone 18 series – and possibly the iPhone Air 2 as well. It could be a significant year for iPhone, as multiple reports suggest it will finally be the year Apple gets into the foldable phone market with the much-rumored iPhone Fold.
However, the next iPhone we’re most likely to see is the iPhone 17e, which we’d expect to break cover in the first half of 2026.
Every iPhone variant explained
Apple currently has five different iPhones listed for sale. For an average buyer, picking between them can get confusing, especially with the names, features, and the narrow price gap between a few of them. Let’s break it down.
The ‘e’
The “e” model, or the iPhone 16e, is the spiritual successor of the iPhone SE. Starting at $599, it’s all about offering the fluid iOS experience running atop signature iPhone hardware, and the ecosystem benefits that come with it.
Think of it as a no-frills, no-fuss device for people who seek the comfort of Apple’s smartphone ecosystem without too many demands.
The vanilla
The vanilla iPhone 17 is where we enter the “latest and greatest” territory. It combines a fast processor, more cameras, a modern design, and the best iOS experience. For most people, it will get the job done.
‘Pro’ and ‘Pro Max’
Then we have the “Pro” and “Pro Max” iPhones, the best that Apple has to offer. These stand out with a triple camera setup, advanced features focused on creators, a more premium build, better screens, and the fastest smartphone processor from Apple.
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max offer one of the most consistently reliable and advanced camera tools you will find on a phone out there.
Air
The iPhone Air is the newest installment to the iPhone line-up, having kicked the old ‘Plus’ model to the curb.
The focus here is design, with a svelte, slender body leading to a visually striking handset. Apple doesn’t skimp on performance either, with the same chip as you’ll find in the Pro and Pro Max models.
Compromises have to be made somewhere though, and this means just the one rear camera and a smaller battery.
What iPhone do I have?
Each year, Apple launches smartphones with a fresh set of features, alongside next-gen software. Sometimes, these new capabilities are locked, but on a few occasions, they also make it to older iPhones. For an average user, it can get confusing whether the iPhone in their hand supports these features being advertised everywhere.
The best way forward is to confirm the model name and year of your iPhone. It can be done by following this path: Settings > General > About. Here, you can also check the software version and the warranty details of your iPhone, as well.
How much does an iPhone cost?
The pricing of current-generation Apple smartphones starts at $599 for the iPhone 16e. Going up, you have the iPhone 17, with a base price of $799, while the iPhone Air will set you back $999.
The starting price of the iPhone 17 Pro is $1,099, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max is currently up for grabs at $1,199.
You can save some money by picking up a previous-generation iPhone without losing too many features. Apple still sells the iPhone 16 and its Plus variant at a discount price starting at $699 in the US.
Which iPhone should I buy?
Buying an iPhone can be a tad confusing, especially when Apple sells no less than four iPhones from its latest 17 series, and three of the previous-generation models, as well. Here’s a quick rundown on how to pick the right one.
If you are looking for an entry-level iPhone that gets the basic bits right and your budget can’t go beyond $599, the iPhone 16e is your best bet. For folks after a slightly more modern package in terms of looks, features, and future-proofing, the iPhone 17 is the right choice at a sticker price of $799.
For those wanting a thin, light and seriously sleek handset, but don’t want to compromise on performance, the $999 iPhone Air has you covered. Battery life is unlikely to be quite as strong, and if you take lots of photos it’s less capable in the camera department.
In case the budget is not a constraint and you only want the best that Apple has to offer in terms of camera and silicon capabilities, the iPhone 17 Pro is the ideal choice and a worthy $1,099 investment.
But if you intend to push it at creative tasks like long video capture and gaming, a larger battery and screen will come in handy. For this type of workflow, the $1,199 iPhone 17 Pro Max should serve you just fine.
