iPhone model list: Your guide to the different iPhone generations

An iPhone model list is necessary because buying an iPhone can be a baffling ordeal. Apple sells the iPhone in a vast range of shapes, sizes, colours and configurations. There are large Plus and Pro Max versions, mini iPhones, and regular-sized editions too. If deciding which you need has become something of a nightmare, our guide is here to help.

We’ve combed through all the recent iPhones and their specs to work out the key similarities and differences. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which device is right for you. And if you’re thinking of getting an iPad, we’ve got an iPad model list guide to help you pick. We’ve also worked out the best iPhone for photography to help you snap your best shots.

iPhone model list: Every iPhone generation available now

The iPhone 15 Pro is the latest pinnacle of iPhone development. It retains all the great features of the iPhone 14 Pro – including the super-sharp Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion, some of the best cameras in a smartphone anywhere, and the latest A17 Pro chip that boosts performance over last year's A16 Bionic one. The newest model might not be revolutionary, but hosts a number of exclusive features, such as the now-familiar always-on display, enhanced Crash Detection, and better gaming performance than ever on an iPhone. It’s the best option if you’re looking for a new iPhone that does it all.

The 2023 iPhone 15 can in many ways be seen as a direct evolution of last year's 14 Pro, adopting the Dynamic Island and the A16 Bionic chip from that capable phone. It also has a camera that can still slug it out among the best (although lacking some of the features of the Pro model) and the new iOS 17 makes for a familiarly enjoyable user experience. It may feel a little tame and lacking in innovation for some, but it's definitely a solid update on the most famous smartphone brand of all time.

The iPhone 14 Pro isn't the latest iPhone any more, but it's still a supremely capable model. It has all the features of the iPhone 14 Pro Max bar the screen size – a sharp, bright screen, the powerful A16 Bionic chip and a great camera set – but in a more wallet- and palm-friendly form than its larger sibling. It's also the first – and now most affordable – phone with the Dynamic Island, an always-on display, and Crash Detection. Now that it's been superseded by the 15 Pro, you'll find it at a more attainable price too.

When you compare the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, there is one key benefit you get with the latter: Its larger display size makes consuming content an absolute dream. Not only is Apple’s OLED screen stunning to look at, but with 6.7-inches of it at your disposal, watching shows and movies on it gets even more expansive. Besides that, you’ll also be able to enjoy the same range of top-rate features you get in the iPhone 14 Pro, and if you don’t mind the large size, it’s one of the best iPhones you can buy.

The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max are expensive, no doubt about it. But saving money on a more affordable phone doesn’t mean you have to make do with third-rate features. Sure, the iPhone 14 misses out on the A16 chip and the most deluxe camera system, but it’s still stacked with plusses. You get the same beautiful screen, Face ID, Crash Detection, and excellent battery life, all for a much better price. And even though the A15 chip is from 2021, it’s still leagues ahead of the Android competition.

In September 2022, Apple revealed the iPhone 14 Plus, a scaled-up version of the iPhone 14. If you’re interested in a larger phone like the iPhone 14 Pro Max but are put off by its wallet-busting price, the iPhone 14 Plus could be more up your street. It has almost exactly the same features as the iPhone 14, with the size being the only major differentiator. But because it’s a full £250 cheaper than the iPhone 14 Pro Max, it means you can bag a plus-sized phone full of great features without breaking the bank.

The iPhone 13 Pro might not be the latest and greatest anymore, but it still has a lot to offer. For one thing, it’s now more affordable at third-party retailers since Apple stopped selling it. That means you can get a brilliant three-lens camera system, a powerful smartphone chip, up to 1TB of storage, and Apple’s Super Retina XDR display without paying as much as the iPhone 14 or 15 Pro. The trade-off is you miss out on things like the Dynamic Island and always-on display, but if you’re not fussed by those, it’s a great option.

For a couple of years, Apple sold a smaller version of its flagship smartphones. The iPhone 13 mini, released in 2021, was the last one, but you can still buy it if you want a more pint-sized iPhone that still comes with top-notch features. That includes the A15 Bionic chip, a dual-lens camera, and a beautiful display. Its small size means battery life is not as strong as other iPhones, but it’s the best option for people looking for a phone that’s easier to hold than any other smartphone Apple sells.

When you put the iPhone 14 and iPhone 13 side-by-side, the differences between them aren’t enormous. The iPhone 14’s camera and battery life are oh-so-slightly better, but it’s nothing earth-shattering. In fact, both phones are powered by the same A15 Bionic chip. That makes the iPhone 13 a surprisingly tempting device, one that can keep up with the latest iPhone 14 performance-wise while saving you cash on the asking price. If you aren’t desperate to get the absolute latest device, it makes for a very shrewd purchase.

Apple’s most affordable iPhone is the third-generation iPhone SE. It uses an old-style chassis with a Home button for Touch ID instead of Face ID, but don’t be fooled – the internals of this phone are far more modern. It’s powered by the same A15 Bionic chip as the iPhone 14, and comes with 5G and True Tone technology. There are a few drawbacks to consider – there’s no OLED display, only one lens, and only average battery life – but it’s the most affordable way into the iPhone ecosystem.

Older iPhone models

• iPhone 13 Pro Max (2021)
• iPhone 12 Pro Max (2020)
• iPhone 12 Pro (2020)
• iPhone 12 (2020)
• iPhone 12 mini (2020)
• iPhone SE (2nd generation) (2020)
• iPhone 11 Pro Max (2019)
• iPhone 11 Pro (2019)
• iPhone 11 (2019)

Read more:

• iPad generations: Learn about all the iPad models
• Why I already can't wait for Apple's iPhone 15
• Best iPhone for photography: Phones that take great pictures