Since the launch of the first iPhone in 2007, Apple has consistently dominated the smartphone market. With every new model, the company has set new benchmarks in design, innovation, and performance. Over the years, several iPhone models have seen record-breaking sales figures, driving Apple’s global popularity and revolutionizing the mobile industry. In this article, we take a detailed look at the top 5 highest selling iPhone models of all time and explore what made each of them a massive success.
1. iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus
- Release Year: 2014
- Combined Units Sold: 222.4 million
- Screen Size: iPhone 6 (4.7 inches), iPhone 6 Plus (5.5 inches)
- Chipset: Apple A8
- Camera: 8MP rear, 1.2MP front
- Battery Life: Up to 14 hours talk time (iPhone 6 Plus)
- Starting Price: $649 (iPhone 6), $749 (iPhone 6 Plus)
The iPhone 6 series was a game-changer in Apple’s history. For the first time, Apple moved away from the 4-inch display and introduced larger screens, addressing a long-standing demand from users who wanted more display real estate. The introduction of Apple Pay, a thinner design, and an overall sleeker look made the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus incredibly popular across global markets.
These models also introduced improved LTE connectivity and better battery life. With a stylish aluminum body and powerful features, the iPhone 6 series saw massive adoption not only from existing Apple users but also from Android switchers.
2. iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus
- Release Year: 2015
- Combined Units Sold: 174.5 million
- Screen Size: iPhone 6S (4.7 inches), iPhone 6S Plus (5.5 inches)
- Chipset: Apple A9
- Camera: 12MP rear, 5MP front
- Battery Life: Similar to iPhone 6 series
- Starting Price: $649 (iPhone 6S), $749 (iPhone 6S Plus)
Following the huge success of the iPhone 6, Apple retained the design but packed more powerful features into the 6S models. The iPhone 6S introduced 3D Touch, a pressure-sensitive feature that enabled new gesture controls. It also included an upgraded 12MP rear camera, Live Photos, and an improved front-facing camera.
Internally, the iPhone 6S series was significantly more robust than its predecessor. It featured a stronger Series 7000 aluminum frame and a faster A9 chip, which dramatically improved performance and gaming capabilities. Its popularity was boosted by Apple’s effective upgrade program and the increasing global demand for high-quality smartphones.
3. iPhone 5S
- Release Year: 2013
- Units Sold: 165 million
- Screen Size: 4 inches
- Chipset: Apple A7 (first 64-bit smartphone processor)
- Camera: 8MP rear, 1.2MP front
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours talk time
- Starting Price: $649
The iPhone 5S was revolutionary for its time. It was the first smartphone to feature a 64-bit processor, which paved the way for more advanced apps and games. It also introduced Touch ID, a fingerprint sensor built into the home button, which greatly improved security and user experience.
Its sleek design, availability in new colors like gold, and overall performance made it one of the best-selling models of all time. Even after newer iPhones were launched, the iPhone 5S remained popular due to its pocketable size and reliability.
4. iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
- Release Year: 2016
- Combined Units Sold: 78.3 million
- Screen Size: iPhone 7 (4.7 inches), iPhone 7 Plus (5.5 inches)
- Chipset: Apple A10 Fusion
- Camera: 12MP rear (dual-lens on 7 Plus), 7MP front
- Battery Life: Up to 21 hours talk time (7 Plus)
- Starting Price: $649 (iPhone 7), $769 (iPhone 7 Plus)
The iPhone 7 series was bold and forward-thinking. It introduced water and dust resistance, an improved dual-lens camera system (on the 7 Plus), and eliminated the 3.5mm headphone jack. The A10 Fusion chip brought desktop-level performance to mobile gaming and multitasking.
The iPhone 7 Plus became especially popular among photography enthusiasts due to the new Portrait Mode and optical zoom capabilities. The launch of new color variants, including the glossy Jet Black, also added to the model’s hype and desirability.
5. iPhone 11
- Release Year: 2019
- Units Sold: 159.2 million
- Screen Size: 6.1 inches (Liquid Retina display)
- Chipset: Apple A13 Bionic
- Camera: Dual 12MP (wide and ultra-wide), 12MP front
- Battery Life: Up to 17 hours video playback
- Starting Price: $699
The iPhone 11 offered a great balance between premium features and affordability, which made it incredibly popular. It included dual-camera setup, Night Mode, and the extremely powerful A13 Bionic chip, all at a lower price point than previous flagships.
Its durable build, excellent battery life, and array of color options appealed to a wide audience. The iPhone 11 also benefited from the rising popularity of content creation, with many users using it for photography, vlogging, and social media.
Conclusion
These five models have played pivotal roles in Apple’s dominance in the smartphone market. Each model introduced groundbreaking features, whether it was a new chip architecture, camera system, or design overhaul. The iPhone 6 series tops the list not only due to its significant design shift but also because it tapped into what consumers truly wanted at the time.
As Apple continues to innovate, it’s clear that future iPhones will build upon the success of these legendary models. Whether you’re a collector, a fan, or simply looking to understand market trends, knowing the legacy of these best-selling iPhones gives you a glimpse into what drives consumer preference in the tech world.
