Apple’s product line contains hidden disappointments that cost unsuspecting buyers hundreds of dollars. Experts like Digital Trends, Phone Arena and Slashgear agree that the worst offenders combined higher prices with fewer innovations, creating the perfect storm of consumer regret. Looking beyond sleek marketing reveals three models with serious flaws: the plastic 5c that recycled old tech, the bent-prone 6 Plus, and the feature-lacking SE third generation. By identifying these failures, you’ll make smarter choices when upgrading.
The Original iPhone (2007): A Revolutionary Start
The original iPhone fundamentally transformed mobile technology when it debuted in 2007, replacing physical keyboards with a full touchscreen interface. Steve Jobs unveiled a device featuring a 3.5-inch multi-touch display that responded directly to finger gestures, eliminating the stylus required by competing smartphones. The intuitive grid of app icons created a visual interface that anyone could understand without a manual. Despite operating on the slower 2G network with limited data speeds and carrying a premium $499 price tag with a two-year contract, you couldn’t help but recognize how this revolutionary device had forever changed our relationship with technology. Check out the 12 hidden iPhone features to see how things evolved.
iPhone 3G (2008): 3G and a Plastic Shell
Just one year after the original, the iPhone 3G addressed a key limitation by introducing faster cellular connectivity that transformed mobile browsing. The redesigned exterior featured a curved plastic shell instead of aluminum, allowing Apple to offer the device at a more accessible $199 price point with contract. Perhaps more significantly, this model introduced the App Store, creating an entirely new ecosystem that revolutionized how people used their phones. The iPhone 3G fundamentally democratized access to the mobile computing revolution, establishing the app-centric model that would define not just smartphones but our entire digital experience for years to come.
iPhone 3GS (2009): A Solid Refinement
Building on its predecessor, the iPhone 3GS delivered meaningful performance improvements that eliminated frustrating wait times for everyday tasks. The “S” stood for speed, delivered through a faster processor and increased RAM that made the entire system more responsive. Camera capabilities expanded significantly with improved photo quality and the addition of 30fps video recording for the first time in an iPhone. For many early adopters who weathered the growing pains of earlier models, the 3GS represented the first iPhone that truly delivered on the platform’s promise without requiring significant compromises.
iPhone 4 (2010): Design and Antenna-gate
The iPhone 4 introduced a striking redesign featuring premium materials with glass surfaces on both front and back, precisely framed by a stainless steel band. The revolutionary 326 ppi Retina display made individual pixels virtually invisible to the naked eye, setting a new standard for screen quality. Powered by Apple’s A4 chip, the device delivered improved performance and efficiency for a smoother overall experience. While you might remember the signal bars dropping when you held it “wrong,” (Antenna-gate) what endured was the iPhone 4’s groundbreaking industrial design that influenced smartphone aesthetics for years to come.
Phone 4S (2011): Siri and Software Support Issues
The iPhone 4S introduced Siri, a voice assistant that offered a glimpse into a new era of hands-free device interaction when it launched in October 2011. While maintaining the premium design established by the iPhone 4, this model improved performance with the dual-core A5 chip and enhanced camera capabilities with an 8MP sensor capable of 1080p video recording. Apple provided extended software support, allowing users to access newer features and security updates for years beyond typical smartphone lifespans. These later updates created noticeable performance issues as the aging hardware struggled to keep pace with increasingly demanding software.
iPhone 5 (2012): The Last Classic iPhone
Many enthusiasts consider the iPhone 5 the pinnacle of the classic iPhone design philosophy with its refined aluminum and glass construction that felt both premium and durable. The device introduced the convenient Lightning connector, replacing the older 30-pin port with a smaller, reversible design that simplified connecting chargers and accessories. A larger 4-inch screen with 16:9 aspect ratio provided more space for content while maintaining one-handed usability. If you still reminisce about phones you could easily use with one hand, the iPhone 5 represented the perfect balance of screen size, performance, and elegant design before Apple’s pursuit of larger displays changed everything.
iPhone 5c (2013): Plastic and Poor Value
The iPhone 5c departed from Apple’s established design language with its polycarbonate shell available in five vibrant colors: blue, green, yellow, pink, and white. Marketed as a more affordable entry point to the iPhone ecosystem, the device contained essentially the same components as the previous year’s iPhone 5, including the A6 processor and 8MP camera, without meaningful technical advancements. The value proposition became particularly problematic as the 5c wasn’t significantly cheaper than the simultaneously released iPhone 5S, which offered the innovative Touch ID sensor and substantially faster 64-bit A7 chip. Despite its cheerful exterior, the 5c revealed a fundamental disconnect between Apple’s premium brand identity and its attempt to expand market share.
iPhone 5S (2013): Touch ID and Innovation
The iPhone 5S introduced Touch ID, a fingerprint sensor integrated into the home button that revolutionized device security and convenience when it launched in September 2013. This model featured the first-ever 64-bit mobile processor, the A7 chip, which delivered twice the performance of its predecessor while enabling more complex applications. The camera system received significant upgrades, including a larger sensor, wider aperture, and dual-LED flash for better low-light photography. When you first placed your finger on that home button and watched your iPhone unlock instantly, you experienced firsthand how the 5S transformed smartphone security from a clunky necessity into a seamless interaction.
iPhone 6 and 6 Plus (2014): Size and Bendgate
In September 2014, Apple finally embraced larger displays with the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, featuring 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch screens respectively. These models featured curved aluminum bodies with thin profiles measuring just 6.9mm and 7.1mm. The size increase provided a more immersive experience for videos, games, and productivity tasks without requiring two hands for basic operations. Despite the “Bendgate” controversy that damaged consumer confidence, the iPhone 6 series’ staggering 220 million units sold worldwide demonstrated how Apple had correctly identified consumers’ desire for larger screens.
iPhone 6s and 6s Plus (2015): Fixing the Missteps
Released in September 2015, the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus directly addressed the structural concerns of their predecessors with a stronger 7000-series aluminum alloy that eliminated the bending issues. These models introduced 3D Touch, a pressure-sensitive display technology that provided contextual menus and shortcuts throughout iOS. Camera capabilities expanded significantly with a 12MP rear sensor capable of 4K video recording and a 5MP front camera for improved selfies. Countless 6s models continued serving as reliable daily drivers well into the 2020s, cementing their legacy as perhaps the most long-lasting and resilient iPhones ever created.
iPhone SE (2016): Special Edition Value
The original iPhone SE combined the powerful internals of the iPhone 6s with the compact, beloved design of the iPhone 5s. This model packed the A9 processor and 2GB RAM of flagship devices into a smaller body with a 4-inch display that appealed to users preferring one-handed operation. The SE captured high-quality photos with the same 12MP camera as the 6s while starting at just $399, significantly less than contemporary flagship models. For those who had resisted upgrading from older iPhones due to increasing screen sizes, the SE provided a perfect solution that respected their preferences without forcing them to compromise on modern performance.
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus (2016): The Controversial Omission
The iPhone 7 Plus revolutionized mobile photography with its dual-camera system featuring a telephoto lens that enabled 2x optical zoom and portrait mode with sophisticated background blur effects. Both models gained IP67 water resistance, providing protection against accidental spills and brief submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The most controversial change was the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack, which Apple justified as necessary for water resistance and internal component space. Although the missing headphone jack initially felt like a dealbreaker for many, the iPhone 7’s bold step ultimately pushed the entire industry toward wireless audio adoption.
iPhone 8 and 8 Plus (2017): A Stopgap
Released in September 2017, the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus featured refined glass backs that enabled wireless charging while maintaining familiar design elements from previous generations. These models contained the powerful A11 Bionic chip with Apple’s first custom-designed GPU, delivering up to 70% faster processing for graphics-intensive applications and games. Released simultaneously with the radically redesigned iPhone X, these models occupied an unusual position in Apple’s lineup as the last devices featuring the classic home button design. If you weren’t quite ready to give up Touch ID, the iPhone 8 series provided a reassuring bridge between Apple’s past and future.
iPhone X (2017): The 10-Year Anniversary Revolution
Commemorating the tenth anniversary of the original iPhone, the iPhone X represented a radical departure from previous designs when unveiled in November 2017. Apple removed the iconic home button in favor of a nearly bezel-less 5.8-inch OLED display that stretched to the device edges, interrupted only by a distinctive “notch” housing the front camera and sensors. Face ID replaced Touch ID, using 30,000 invisible dots projected onto the user’s face to create a detailed 3D map for secure authentication. When you first swiped up to go home instead of pressing a button, you experienced firsthand the beginning of a fundamental shift in smartphone interaction that would define future iPhones.
iPhone XR (2018): The In-Between Model
The iPhone XR occupied a unique middle position in Apple’s 2018 lineup, balancing features and affordability. While utilizing an LCD screen instead of OLED, this 6.1-inch “Liquid Retina” display still provided excellent color accuracy and brightness that satisfied most users. Crucially, the XR contained the same powerful A12 Bionic chip as the more expensive XS models, ensuring identical performance for apps and games. The XR’s unexpected commercial success—becoming the best-selling smartphone worldwide in the first half of 2019—demonstrated that many consumers valued practical benefits like better battery life and lower cost over premium materials.
iPhone XS and XS Max (2018): Minor Upgrades
The iPhone XS and XS Max refined the revolutionary design introduced by the iPhone X while adding a gold color option alongside silver and space gray. The XS Max featured a larger 6.5-inch display that provided more screen space for content consumption and productivity. Both models utilized the faster A12 Bionic chip with an improved Neural Engine capable of 5 trillion operations per second, enhancing photography and augmented reality experiences. For iPhone X owners considering an upgrade, the modest improvements made the XS models a tough sell, highlighting how Apple’s annual update cycle sometimes struggles to deliver compelling advancements within just twelve months.
iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max (2019)
In September 2019, Apple introduced three distinct iPhone models with the iPhone 11 standing out for its relatively affordable $699 starting price—$50 less than the previous XR model. The 11 added an ultra-wide camera that captured a 120-degree field of view, expanding creative possibilities for photography. The higher-end 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max featured a sophisticated matte glass finish and a third telephoto camera lens, completing a versatile triple-camera system. When you first captured a clear, detailed photo in near darkness without flash, you experienced how the iPhone 11 series had finally eliminated one of the most frustrating limitations of smartphone photography.
iPhone SE 2nd gen (2020)
The second-generation iPhone SE revived Apple’s budget-friendly option in April 2020, combining the familiar iPhone 8 design with modern internals. This model featured the powerful A13 Bionic chip—the same processor found in the iPhone 11 series—providing flagship-level performance at the accessible price point of $399. The familiar design retained the home button with Touch ID, appealing to users who preferred this authentication method over facial recognition. As face masks rendered Face ID temporarily problematic for many users in 2020, the SE’s traditional Touch ID sensor suddenly transformed from seeming outdated to remarkably prescient.
iPhone 12 and 12 Mini (2020)
October 2020 saw the introduction of the iPhone 12 series featuring OLED screens across all models, bringing deeper blacks and more vibrant colors to the standard iPhone lineup. The 12 Mini offered a compact 5.4-inch display while maintaining flagship specifications, creating the most powerful small smartphone available. The Ceramic Shield front cover provided 4x better drop protection than previous iPhone glass. Apple removed the charging brick and EarPods from the box, citing environmental concerns about electronic waste. While you might have grumbled about needing to buy a separate charger, the iPhone 12’s combination of refreshed design, improved durability, and 5G connectivity created a compelling upgrade.
iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max (2020)
The iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max featured premium stainless steel frames with flat edges that distinguished them from the aluminum standard models. Apple expanded the camera capabilities with the Pro Max receiving a 47% larger main sensor that gathered significantly more light for improved photography. The addition of the LiDAR Scanner enhanced augmented reality experiences and improved autofocus in low-light environments. If you were a serious smartphone photographer who had previously carried a separate camera for important moments, the 12 Pro Max’s remarkable imaging system might have been the first iPhone that truly let you leave that dedicated camera at home.
iPhone 13 and 13 Mini (2021)
Released in September 2021, the iPhone 13 and 13 Mini featured a 20% smaller notch that provided more screen space while maintaining the Face ID system. Battery capacity increased significantly, with the 13 Mini addressing a key concern from the previous generation by offering up to 1.5 hours more usage time. The enhanced camera system featured sensor-shift optical image stabilization and larger pixels that captured 47% more light for better photos in challenging conditions. For Mini enthusiasts frustrated by the 12 Mini’s battery limitations, the 13 Mini’s improved endurance finally delivered the compact flagship experience many had been waiting for.
iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max (2021)
The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max finally delivered ProMotion displays with adaptive refresh rates ranging from 10Hz to 120Hz, making scrolling, animations, and gaming feel remarkably smooth. The camera system received substantial upgrades with new sensors that captured up to 2.2x more light, dramatically improving low-light photography. Macro photography capabilities allowed focusing as close as 2cm from subjects, opening new creative possibilities. Battery life set new standards for the iPhone lineup, with the 13 Pro Max lasting up to 28 hours of video playback. The first time you scrolled through content on the ProMotion display, the fluid responsiveness made previous iPhones suddenly feel sluggish by comparison.
iPhone SE third generation (2022)
The third-generation iPhone SE maintained Apple’s classic design with Touch ID while upgrading to the powerful A15 Bionic chipset—the same processor found in the iPhone 13 lineup—when released in March 2022. This model added 5G connectivity for faster network speeds where available, future-proofing the device for the ongoing carrier network transitions. Battery life improved slightly over the previous generation SE, though still fell short of larger iPhone models. While you gained cutting-edge performance and 5G connectivity, the continued use of a design dating back to 2017 created an increasingly apparent disparity between the SE’s modern internals and its aging exterior.
iPhone 14 and 14 Plus (2022)
September 2022 brought the iPhone 14 and the new 14 Plus model, which offered a larger 6.7-inch display previously available only in Pro Max variants. These models utilized the A15 Bionic chip from the previous year’s 13 Pro models rather than receiving an entirely new processor. RAM increased to 6GB from the 4GB in standard iPhone 13 models, improving multitasking capabilities. Emergency features expanded with Crash Detection using a new high-g accelerometer that could detect severe car accidents and automatically call emergency services. For users who had longed for the expansive screen real estate of Pro Max models without their premium price tag, the 14 Plus finally delivered this specific combination of attributes.
iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max (2022)
The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max introduced the Dynamic Island, a clever redesign that transformed the front camera cutout into an interactive interface element for notifications and live activities. Apple upgraded the main camera to a 48-megapixel sensor that captured more detail and enabled more flexible computational photography, including a 2x telephoto option from the main camera. Performance increased with the new A16 Bionic chipset manufactured using a more efficient 4nm process. The moment you first interacted with the Dynamic Island, you witnessed how Apple had ingeniously transformed what was previously considered a design compromise into an engaging interface element.
iPhone 15 and 15 Plus (2023)
In September 2023, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus adopted several features previously exclusive to Pro models, most notably the Dynamic Island interface and a 48-megapixel main camera. The transition to USB-C replaced the Lightning port after over a decade, aligning with industry standards while complying with European regulations. These models utilized the A16 Bionic chipset from the previous year’s 14 Pro, providing excellent performance. When you first connected your existing USB-C cables from laptops, tablets, and other devices directly to your iPhone without adapters, you experienced how the iPhone 15’s standardized connectivity finally eliminated one of the most persistent everyday frustrations.
iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max (2023)
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max featured titanium frames that reduced weight by up to 19 grams while increasing durability compared to previous stainless steel designs. Apple powered these models with the A17 Pro chipset manufactured using a 3nm process—the first in the smartphone industry—delivering exceptional performance improvements. The camera system expanded with a new 5x telephoto lens on the Pro Max, providing 120mm equivalent focal length for distant subjects. For photographers who had previously carried bulky zoom lenses for distant subjects, the Pro Max’s 5x telephoto capability finally reached the threshold where optical zoom became genuinely useful in everyday scenarios.
iPhone 16 and 16 Plus (2024)
Released in September 2024, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus redesigned the camera layout with vertically aligned lenses that improved photography capabilities while creating a distinctive visual identity. These models featured the new A18 chip with enhanced neural processing specifically designed for on-device Apple Intelligence features. Thermal performance improved with a larger vapor chamber cooling system that maintained better sustained performance during demanding tasks. When you first asked your iPhone to summarize a long email or generate an image based on your description, you experienced how the A18’s dedicated AI processing transformed your phone from a passive tool into an active assistant.
iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max (2024)
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max made the powerful 5x telephoto lens available on both Pro models, no longer reserving the best camera capabilities exclusively for the larger device. Apple upgraded the ultrawide camera to 48 megapixels, enabling dramatically more detailed macro photography and improved low-light performance with 3x more light captured compared to the previous generation. The A18 Pro chip delivered exceptional performance for demanding tasks while efficiently handling on-device AI features. If you previously chose your iPhone model based primarily on size preference rather than camera capabilities, the 16 Pro finally eliminated this compromise.
The Contenders for the Worst iPhone
Throughout Apple’s iPhone history, several models have received notable criticism for specific limitations. The iPhone 4S struggled with significant performance degradation when running iOS 9, frustrating many loyal users in the device’s later years. The colorful iPhone 5c faced widespread skepticism regarding its plastic construction paired with near-flagship pricing despite using year-old technology. The iPhone 6 series became infamous for structural integrity concerns during the “Bendgate” controversy. As you consider these criticisms, remember that even Apple’s most problematic devices often represented experiments in balancing innovation, accessibility, and profitability.
Eliminating the iPhone XS and XS Max
While receiving criticism for their iterative nature, the iPhone XS and XS Max delivered meaningful refinements that disqualify them from “worst iPhone” consideration. These models featured the A12 Bionic with an enhanced Neural Engine processing 5 trillion operations per second, significantly advancing machine learning capabilities. The larger Max variant directly addressed consumer demand for more screen space with its expansive 6.5-inch display, creating greater choice in the lineup. If you were upgrading from an iPhone 8 or earlier model, these devices offered a dramatic leap forward in experience and capability, even if they seemed less impressive to those coming directly from the iPhone X.
Dismissing the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
Despite the controversial headphone jack removal, the iPhone 7 series introduced significant technological advancements that prevent it from earning the “worst iPhone” title. The 7 Plus pioneered computational photography with its dual-camera system featuring a telephoto lens that enabled the popular Portrait mode with its professional-looking background blur. Both models gained IP67 water resistance for practical everyday protection against spills and brief immersion. While you might have initially bemoaned the loss of the headphone jack, the 7 series’ lasting legacy was how it fundamentally changed our expectations of smartphone photography.
Excluding the iPhone 4S from the Bottom Tier
The iPhone 4S delivered revolutionary features at its October 2011 launch that overshadow its later performance issues. This model introduced Siri, fundamentally changing smartphone interaction by enabling voice control for common tasks and information retrieval. Camera quality improved dramatically with an 8MP sensor capable of capturing 1080p video, setting new standards for mobile photography. Just think about the first time you asked Siri a question and received an answer from your phone—that moment of technological wonder alone justifies the 4S’s significance in smartphone history.
Taking the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus Out of the Running
Despite the “Bendgate” controversy and occasional “Touch Disease” display issues, the iPhone 6 series made crucial contributions that disqualify them from “worst iPhone” status. These models finally addressed the screen size limitations that had increasingly disadvantaged iPhones in the market, offering 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch displays that satisfied consumer demand for larger viewing areas. Sales figures tell the clearest story, with over 220 million units sold—making them among the best-selling smartphones in history. Consider how dramatically these phones changed the direction of iPhone design—every subsequent model has built upon the larger display philosophy they introduced.
The Final Three: 5c, SE (3rd Gen), and 14
After eliminating other contenders, three models emerge as the strongest candidates for most problematic iPhone based on their value propositions and innovation levels. The colorful iPhone 5c essentially repackaged year-old technology in a plastic shell while maintaining near-premium pricing. The third-generation iPhone SE increased its starting price to $429 while continuing to use a design dating back to 2017, with substantial bezels that felt increasingly outdated. The standard iPhone 14 received criticism for using the A15 chip from the previous year while reserving the new A16 processor exclusively for Pro models. When you look closely at these three models, you’re seeing rare moments where Apple’s product strategy seemed to prioritize business considerations over compelling user experiences.
Why the iPhone 14 Isn’t the Worst
Despite criticism for its iterative approach, the iPhone 14 delivered sufficient improvements to avoid the “worst iPhone” label. While reusing the previous year’s processor, it specifically incorporated the higher-tier version from the 13 Pro with its 5-core GPU rather than the standard 13’s 4-core variant. RAM increased to 6GB, improving multitasking capabilities and extending the device’s useful lifespan through better future iOS update compatibility. New safety features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite showed how innovation extends beyond specifications to features that could literally save your life in an emergency.
The Shortcomings of the iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
The third-generation iPhone SE presented several significant compromises despite its powerful internals and more accessible price. Released in March 2022, the continued use of a design dating back to 2017 resulted in a phone with substantial bezels that reduced screen-to-body ratio to just 65.4% when competitors typically exceeded 85%. Battery capacity remained limited at 2,018 mAh, significantly smaller than other contemporary iPhones and resulting in shorter usage times. While the SE offered you Apple’s latest silicon in a familiar package, it ultimately highlighted how smartphone design expectations had evolved beyond what even the most powerful processor could compensate for.
iPhone 5c: A Lack of Innovation
The iPhone 5c’s most significant failing was its distinct lack of innovation when it launched in September 2013. Beneath its colorful polycarbonate exterior, the device contained essentially identical components to the previous year’s iPhone 5, including the same A6 processor, 1GB RAM, and 8MP camera. This recycling of year-old technology wouldn’t have been problematic at an appropriate price point, but the 5c launched at just $100 less than the iPhone 5S with its 64-bit A7 chip and Touch ID sensor. You might have been drawn to its playful colors, but the 5c’s awkward positioning between premium and budget segments ultimately revealed Apple’s uncertainty about how to expand its market without diluting its brand.
The iPhone 5c Crowned as the Worst iPhone Ever
The iPhone 5c stands as Apple’s most problematic iPhone release due to its confusing market positioning and lack of compelling features relative to its contemporaries. Released in September 2013 at $549 unlocked, the device maintained pricing too close to the $649 iPhone 5S while offering identical specifications to the previous year’s iPhone 5. Available in five colors, its plastic construction failed to deliver the premium feel that had become synonymous with the iPhone brand. As iOS updates became more demanding, performance degraded noticeably, highlighting the limitations of its aging A6 chip and 1GB RAM. The 5c’s fundamental mistake wasn’t just its recycled technology, but how it exposed the tension between Apple’s premium identity and its tentative attempts to address price-sensitive markets.
