Apple‘s iconic iPhone has transformed the smartphone landscape since its debut in 2007. But over 15 generations, which model has sold the most units? Analyzing historical sales data reveals insights into consumer preferences and Apple‘s evolving strategy. As an industry analyst, I‘ll use concrete stats to showcase the top-selling iPhones, unpacking the influential factors behind the sales, and providing tips for choosing the right model for different needs.
At a Glance: The Best of the Best-Sellers
Before diving into the data, here‘s a snapshot of the ultimate best-selling iPhones based on lifetime sales:
| Model | Total Units Sold | Year Released |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 6/6 Plus | 220 million+ | 2014 |
| iPhone 7/7 Plus | 170 million | 2016 |
The iPhone 6 series takes the crown thanks to being the first to deliver larger screen sizes in 4.7" and 5.5" options. The 7 built on that momentum by refining design and camera capabilities even further in an already proven form factor.
But plenty of other models have impressive sales stats in their own right. Let‘s analyze the data shaping buyers‘ decisions over time…
The Genesis: Humble Beginnings
It‘s easy to forget the original iPhone in 2007 shipped just 1.4 million units in its first year. While revolutionary with its touchscreen and App Store ecosystem, the smartphone market was still in its early phases.
| Model | Yearly Sales | Revenue | Year Released |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone | 1.4 million | $182 million | 2007 |
| iPhone 3G | 11.6 million | $1.2 billion | 2008 |
| iPhone 3GS | 20.7 million | $1.6 billion | 2009 |
Apple spent the first few years building momentum. It wasn‘t until the iPhone 3G and 3GS that sales and revenue exploded by nearly 7x over the original thanks to faster network speeds, improved software capabilities, better cameras, and newer app innovations.
This established a foundation…
Growth Takes Off: Doubling Down on Loyalty
The real inflection took shape when existing iPhone owners came due for upgrades and Apple tapped into consumer demand for new use cases. The next table highlights the surge starting with the transformative iPhone 4 through 6 series:
| Model | Yearly Sales | Revenue | Year Released |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 4 | 50 million | $10 billion | 2010 |
| iPhone 4S | 37 million | $12 billion | 2011 |
| iPhone 5 | 58 million | $15 billion | 2012 |
| iPhone 5S/5C | 51 million | $19 billion | 2013 |
| iPhone 6/6 Plus | 130 million | $39 billion | 2014 |
This period demonstrates the power of the 2-3 year upgrade cycle alongside delivering exciting new capabilities:
- iPhone 4 – First Retina display and front facing camera
- iPhone 5 – Larger 4" screen
- iPhone 6 – Even bigger 4.7" and 5.5" screens
The consistent drumbeat of improvements enticed users to trade in older models, building loyalty in the process. Apple also expanded carrier partnerships for advertising scale and retail distribution.
But the next generation took things into overdrive by building on proven advancements consumers now expected…
Smashing Records: Billion-Sellers Emerge
Leveraging existing momentum, Apple honed an increasingly compelling formula with the iPhone 6, 7, and X series:
- Maintain premium build quality
- Introduce just enough new features like better cameras and processors
- Retain or incrementally increase screen sizes
- Strategically reduce prices on older models to broaden appeal
The results? Three new iPhone models sailing past the 100 million lifetime sales threshold:
| Model | Total Units Sold | Year Released |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 6/6s | 220 million+ | 2014 |
| iPhone 7/7 Plus | 170 million | 2016 |
| iPhone XR | Over 100 million | 2018 |
| iPhone 11 | Over 100 million | 2019 |
| iPhone 12 | Over 100 million | 2020 |
This level of scale highlights how Apple now reaches newer customers beyond just fans upgrading their own iPhones. Appealing value positioning extends accessibility without diluting quality.
Let‘s unpack the influential factors behind these three standouts…
Decoding the Billion-Sellers: Why They Struck Gold
Each billion-seller leveraged similar strategies to achieve record iPhone sales:
iPhone 6 Series
- First 4.7" and 5.5" iPhone screens
- Arrived as mobile apps/4G networks gained traction
- Starting price lowered to $199 with mobile contract
- Timing aligned with users on standard 2-year upgrade cycle
The iPhone 6 struck at the ideal moment to deliver the bigger screen sizes buyers craved alongside better apps and connectivity. Lower pricing also played a role in converting more cost-conscious shoppers.
iPhone 7 Series
- Built on 6 series success reinforcing bigger screens
- Faster f/1.8 aperture and OIS brought major camera upgrades
- Introduced IP67 water resistance and new Black colors
- Maintained accessible price points
Rather than revamp a winning formula, the 7 subtly improved camera, performance, and durability while carrying the momentum of larger form factors forward. New colors also stimulated interest and purchases.
iPhone XR
- $749 price cheaper than $999 iPhone X
- Similar edge-to-edge screen with Face ID capabilities
- Potent A12 processor still outpaced many 2019 Android phones
- Smart move keeping iPhone XR in lineup lowering price to $599
The iPhone XR delivered virtually all innovations of the premium X model by strategically trimming non-essential frills. This maintained appetizing progress at friendlier price points, kicking off a trend carried forward by Apple.
Key Takeaways: How Apple Wins Hearts, Minds & Markets
Stepping back, Apple didn‘t achieve best-seller status by accident. They leveraged core pillars of expertise across these key areas:
Features – Major advances redefined the user experience (e.g Retina display, Touch ID, Face ID, larger screens, computational photography).
Design – Iconic aesthetics and precision manufacturing set enduring hardware trends.
Ecosystem – The intuitive iOS interface and App Store support shaped killer apps.
Value Strategy – Judicious pricing and older model discounts make access more inclusive.
Partnerships – Collaborations with carriers and retailers fueled distribution and advertising.
Upgrade Timing – Aligning major releases with 2-3 year access timing simplified promotion.
Balancing these dynamics has been no easy feat. But the results speak for themselves: over 2.2 billion iPhones sold since 2007!
Surely new challengers like the iPhone 14 Pro will aim to join the 100 million club. But achieving the sales caliber of the very best iPhones remains an elusive trifecta.
The Bottom Line: Finding Your Best iPhone Fit
With such a rich sales history across fantastic iPhone models, how do you narrow options to pick your perfect match?
The good news is that with 15 years of experience, Apple has options tailor-made to meet all preferences and budgets!
Here are quick tips for choosing your best iPhone:
Newest Innovations – If you want all the latest and greatest features, spring for iPhone 14 Pro models with the Dynamic Island, Always-On display and best cameras.
Screen Size – Pick your ideal form factor, whether compact 4.7", versatile 6.1", or expansive 6.7" Pro Max.
Photography – The iPhone 14 Pro again raises the photography bar, but the iPhone 11 remains a stellar value shooter.
Performance – All models pack far more power than you likely need with Apple‘s A15/A14 chipsets on board.
Price – With various storage tiers too, identify the sweet spot matching budget with just enough features you actually need.
Remember – there‘s no universally "best" iPhone between specs appeals, pricing shifts and personal preferences. Focus instead on the model that‘s the right fit for you based on how you‘ll actually use your phone.
And if you still can‘t decide, you literally can‘t go wrong grabbing any iPhone matching budgets listed among the all-time top sellers. Each iPhone generation stands tall on the shoulders of the previous models before it!
