Article: Swipe Right on History: The iPhone Through The Ages
Cast your mind back to 2007, Steve Jobs strutted onto the Macworld stage and unveiled something that felt almost magical: a device that was an iPod, a phone, and a web communicator wrapped into one sleek package. It had a 3.5″ multi‑touch display, no stylus, and ran a full desktop-class Safari browser.
That first iPhone transformed smartphones forever. In this post, we’ll swipe through the evolution of the iPhone, from those early digital whispers to the brink of the iPhone 17, due this September.
iPhone 3G / 3GS
2008 - 2009
Introduced 3G speeds, the App Store, GPS mapping, and video recording on the 3GS, opening the gates to mobile apps and third‑party innovation.
iPhone 4
2010
A design reset: glass front and back, stainless steel band, and Apple’s Retina display at 960×640px (~326 ppi). It also debuted front‑facing camera and FaceTime.
iPhone 5
2012
Thinner, taller (4″), with the new Lightning connector and EarPods in the box. iOS 6 brought deeper Siri and Maps integration.
iPhone 5S
2013
First 64‑bit chip in a phone (A7), plus Touch ID fingerprint unlock, and improved camera with dual‑LED flash.
iPhone 6 / 6 Plus
2014
Marked Apple’s move into bigger screens, 4.7″ and 5.5″, plus Apple Pay support and gradual shift toward everyday digital wallets.
iPhone X
2017
Goodbye Home button, hello Face ID and the notch. OLED display, wireless charging, and a new look to match a new decade of design.
iPhone 12
2020
5G arrives, MagSafe reimagined for wireless charging accessories, and flat‑edge styling returns.
These models are just touchpoints in a river of momentum, which brings us to the present day.
The iPhone 17 - What We Expect This September
Apple is expected to hold its annual event around September 2025, unveiling four models: the standard iPhone 17, a new ultra‑slim iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and Pro Max.
Check out what leaks are pointing to:
- New Air model: just ~5.5 mm thick, replacing the Plus; around 6.6″–6.7″ OLED display.
- Displays: All models switch to 120 Hz ProMotion OLED screens.
- Performance: A19 chip in standard models; A19 Pro in Pro devices with up to 12 GB RAM, improved AI and multitasking.
- Camera upgrades: 24 MP front selfie across the board, triple 48 MP rear sensors on the Pro Max, possibly 8× optical zoom.
- Design: Pro models may gain anti‑reflective matte displays, a rectangular camera bar across the back, and aluminum frames instead of titanium or steel. Bold new finishes include Dark Blue, Copper/Orange, Light Gold, and pastel tones.
- Battery & heat management: Pro Max expected to exceed 5,000 mAh, aided by vapor‑chamber cooling.
In short, this year’s update promises to be one of the most significant in years.
Style That Evolves with You
As the iPhone grew thinner, sleeker, and more powerful, Snakehive’s handcrafted leather cases have been there every step of the way, offering timeless style, protective function, and a natural elegance that suits every model, whether you owned a chunky iPhone 3G or you're eyeing the upcoming iPhone 17.
Our curated wallet cases and leather phone covers encapsulate the blend of utility and luxury that speaks to Apple’s spirit and Snakehive’s craftsmanship.
In Summary
From the first iPhone’s single‑digit megapixels and blinking EDGE icon to the AI‑powered, high‑frame‑rate marvels awaiting us with the iPhone 17, we’ve been on a transformative ride. Our smart devices have become extensions of identity and lifestyle.
Which iPhone was your first swipe? If you're already planning your iPhone 17 case, explore our collection of refined leather options to match your upgrade.
Explore our iPhone cases collection and find your perfect fit.
