iPhone

The iPhone is a line of smartphones designed and marketed by Apple Inc. It was first released on June 29, 2007, and runs the iPhone operating system, originally named iPhone OS and later renamed iOS. The device fused a mobile phone, a media player, and an internet communicator in a single handheld unit and helped popularize the multi-touch capacitive touchscreen and mobile apps.

Apple designs both the hardware and software for the iPhone, maintaining a closed ecosystem centered on the App Store, iCloud, and seamless integration with other Apple products. iPhones use Apple’s own A-series system-on-a-chip processors and, since the iPhone 5s, have included 64-bit architecture. Over time, iPhones have introduced features such as biometric authentication (Touch ID and Face ID), higher-quality cameras, display improvements, wireless charging, MagSafe accessories, and 5G connectivity.

The App Store, launched in 2008, created a large third-party software ecosystem that remains a core part of the iPhone experience. Apple has released new generations roughly annually, often including major design and capability updates. Milestones include the iPhone X in 2017 with an edge-to-edge display and Face ID, subsequent models adding OLED screens and advanced camera systems, the 5G-enabled iPhone 12 series, and more recent models featuring safety features, USB-C charging, and ongoing performance and privacy enhancements.

In the global market, the iPhone has achieved broad adoption and significant influence on smartphone design, application ecosystems, and digital services. Apple continues to provide software updates for supported devices for several years after release, helping sustain device longevity and security.