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The complete guide to iPhone screen resolutions and sizes (Updated for 2024)

Apple as a company has always wowed the world. It manufactures a lot of things like personal computers, smartphones, wearables, accessories, etc. However, it relies heavily on its iPhones when it comes to their roaring financial success.

Unlike Android, the iOS ecosystem appears a bit enclosed and esoteric to developers and consumers alike. Despite that, iPhones have a huge mass appeal and are quite popular across the globe.

When it comes to mobile app designing, development, and marketing for iPhones, one must adhere to the specifications, guidelines, etc., that are unique to Apple and its products. Today, we are here to help you cover one aspect of it.

We have compiled a screen size and resolution guide for iPhones of various generations. Having this information will help you make better design, development, and marketing decisions. So, let’s begin!

In this blog

  1. Why is understanding phone screen size & resolution so important?
  2. Some related terms that you should be aware of
  3. iPhone screen resolutions and sizes: An easy guide
  4. App Store Screenshot requirements for iOS submission
  5. How to make your app look good on all iPhone screens?
  6. Want to create an iOS app on a budget?
  7. Frequently aked questions

Why is understanding phone screen size & resolution so important?

iOS app

Ever uploaded an image on social media that looked fine on Facebook but got partly hidden on the Twitter feed and cropped on Instagram? Have you ever landed on a blog or video that had truncated text or image?

If you have answered either of the questions with a “Yes”, then you must already know about the importance of perfectly sized and customized media, text, screen designs, etc.

When developing mobile apps or content for smartphones, understanding phone screen sizes and resolution becomes even more important. Before we start discussing iPhone screens in particular, let us cover this aspect.

Importance in app design and development

Understanding screen sizes, resolution, etc., is absolutely important for app design and development.

It can help you in the design and development process in the following ways:

  • Stay aligned with design and development specifications.
  • Remain in adherence to the app submission guidelines.
  • Define your UI and UX goals and ensure design consistency.
  • Give the right visual weight and balance to the design elements.
  • Enrich and ease user experiences with the right design decisions.
  • Adapt to different device types, screen types, operating systems, etc.

Importance in marketing and advertisement

Understanding the nuances of phone screens is not just important for developers. It is also critical for marketers who want to serve impressive, inspiring, and user-friendly content to their audiences.

It can help marketers and advertisers in the mobile phone industry achieve the following:

  • Segment audience based on technographic details (device type, screen type, etc.).
  • Design the right app store screenshots and preview videos.
  • Create adaptable and customized banners, creatives, videos, etc.
  • Select the right design schematics, typography, etc., for ad creatives.
  • Determine the suitable word and content density for different screens.
  • Ensure content viewability and make it more interactive.

Statistics show that the size of the screen can determine cart abandonments and users are likely to abandon more carts on devices with smaller screens. Clearly, understanding phone screen sizes and resolution is important for all the reasons listed above and more than that.

This becomes especially important for iOS devices and iPhones as they are universal in their appeal and unlike Android, do not have a scattered and heterogeneous market. Do not worry! Stay tuned and you will learn all about iPhone screen sizes and their comparison. 

Some related terms that you should be aware of

Before we start discussing the iPhone screen sizes, resolutions, etc., let us first know about the terms that determine these specifications. Knowing about the terms related to iPhone screen size and design will help you understand this guide better.

Some important iPhone design terms that you should be aware of are as follows:

Screen Size

screen size

Source

Screen size or display size is the physical measurement of the screen usually denoted in inches. Screen size measurements for smartphones are taken by measuring diagonally from the upper left-hand corner of the screen to the lower right-hand corner. However, the size of a screen can also be expressed in terms of the length and width of the screen.

Pixel (px)

Point & Pixel measurements

Source

Pixel is a portmanteau of the two words “picture” and “element”. It is the smallest visible color unit on a display screen or the smallest unit of a digital image or graphic that can be represented on a device. These colored pixels are composed of associated red, green, and blue subpixels.

In fact, all digital images are actually made up of a large number of individual pixels. When we say that an element (Example: Font) is 12 px or 12 pixels in height, it means that the element takes up 12 pixels on the screen from top to bottom. The same goes for width.

Therefore, the next time you spot a specification that reads AxB pixels (where A and B are numerical values), remember that it signifies the height and width of the pixels. Note that pixels are combined to form a complete image, video, text, or any visible element on a device’s display.

Point (pt)

Pixel Comparison

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Units like millimeters and inches are suitable for measuring physical items but not in the digital space. Thus, we use points as a size measurement unit. In fact, point was created as a unit of size/distance that enables graphics to be scaled independently of the resolutions of the device they are running on.

In simple terms, one point (pt) is equal to 0.352778 millimeters, 0.0138889 inches, or 1.333 pixels. On the other hand, one pixel is equal to 0.75 points. However, you must note that one point is almost equivalent to one pixel on a standard-resolution screen, while one point is equal to two or more pixels on high-resolution screens.

Pixels Per Inch (PPI)

Pixel Per inch calculator

Source

PPI is the number of pixels (or dots in the case of DPI which is used in print) that can be placed in a line across one linear inch. In simpler terms, it refers to the number of pixels contained within each inch of a digital image. It can also be defined as the number of pixels a screen can display.

A screen with a high number of PPI will show more detailed visuals and the image will be less pixelated or distorted. This means that lower resolution images will contain larger sized pixels in fewer numbers. This will create the granular effect which we commonly call as ‘pixelated’.

On the other hand, high resolution images will contain smaller sized pixels in greater numbers. Thus, the quality of the images gets enhanced, ensuring more depth and clarity.

Resolution

Resolution

Source

The display resolution is the number of distinct pixels in each dimension that can be displayed on the screen. In simple terms, it is a measure that describes the sharpness and clarity of an image. The better the resolution, the more detailed the image will be.

 The standard display resolution sizes include:

Different types of screen display resolutions
TypeResolution (in pixels)
High Definition (HD)1280 x 720
Full HD (FHD)1920 x 1080
2K or Quad HD (QHD)2560 x 1440
4K or Ultra HD (UHD)3840 x 2160 

(Note: The physical size of the screen has nothing to do with its resolution. Phones with smaller screens can also have a sharp picture quality and i.e., a high resolution.)

iPhone screen resolutions and sizes: An easy guide

The evolution of iPhone screen sizes is not a mystery. Just like Android smartphones, iPhones come in various screen sizes and the size of display screens has grown bigger over the years.

As evident, mobile phone users have the “large screen, small device” paradox. We want elaborate displays on compact and portable devices and this choice has affected the screen design trends.

iPhone’s evolution seems to be adhering to a similar tendency. Let us go through an iPhone screen size comparison and understand better.

Evolution of screen sizes in iPhones

Based on screen size, iPhones can be grouped into the segments listed in the table below. We have also mentioned the year of release of the devices to help you get a grasp of the timeline. Here it goes:

iPhone size comparison: Types of iPhones based on screen size
Screen size in inches(diagonal)iPhone ModelYear of Release
3.5iPhone2007
iPhone 3G2008
iPhone 3GS2009
iPhone 4 (GSM)2010
iPhone 4 (CDMA)2011
iPhone 4S2011
4iPhone 52012
iPhone 5C2013
iPhone 5S2013
iPhone SE {1st gen}2016
4.7iPhone 62014
iPhone 6S2015
iPhone 72016
iPhone 82017
iPhone SE {2nd gen}2020
iPhone SE {3rd gen}2022
5.4iPhone 12 Mini2020
iPhone 13 Mini2021
5.5iPhone 6 Plus2014
iPhone 6S Plus2015
iPhone 7 Plus2016
iPhone 8 Plus2017
5.85iPhone X2017
iPhone XS2018
iPhone 11 Pro2019
6.1iPhone XR2018
iPhone 112019
iPhone 122020
iPhone 12 Pro2020
iPhone 132021
iPhone 13 Pro2021
iPhone 142022
iPhone 14 Pro2022
6.5iPhone 11 Pro Max2019
iPhone XS Max2018
6.7iPhone 12 Pro Max2020
iPhone 13 Pro Max2021
iPhone 14 Pro Max2022
iPhone 14 Plus2022

Just by going through the list above, you can determine the screen size of your target audience. If you are going for users with the latest iPhone models, you must design for bigger screens and higher resolutions (discussed below).

You can also go through the table on Apple Wiki and get the specifics for iPads if your audience includes people with tablets.

Classification of iPhones based on resolution

Apart from screen size, iPhones can also be classified based on their physical resolution. This includes the group of prevalent devices listed in the table below. We have added the resolution in pixels and in points. Additionally, we have also included the PPI (Pixels Per Inch) specification for the devices.

Here are the display specifications of different iPhone models:

Display properties of different types of iPhones
iPhone ModelResolution in pixels
(Width x Height)
Resolution in points
(Width x Height)
PPI
iPhone320 x 480320 x 480163
iPhone 3G
iPhone 3GS
iPhone 4640 x 960326
iPhone 4S
iPhone 5640 x 1136320 x 568
iPhone 5S
iPhone 5C
iPhone SE {1st gen}
iPhone 6750 x 1334375 x 667
iPhone 6S
iPhone 7
iPhone 8
iPhone SE {2nd gen}
iPhone {3rd gen}
iPhone 6 Plus1080 x 1920414 x 736401
iPhone 6S Plus
iPhone 7 Plus
iPhone 8 Plus
iPhone X1125 x 2436375 x 812
458
iPhone XS
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone XS Max1242 x 2688414 x 896
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone XR828 x 1792326
iPhone 11
iPhone 12 Pro1170 x 2532390 x 844460
iPhone 12
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13
iPhone 14
iPhone 12 Pro Max1284 x 2778428 x 926458
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 12 mini1080 x 2340375 x 812476
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 14 Pro1179 x 2556393 x 852
460
iPhone 14 Pro Max1290 x 2796 430 x 932

(The above details are represented in portrait mode. For landscape, you can just reverse the two numbers. Example: 1290 x 2796 becomes 2796 x 1290.)

As evident, the iPhone has also had devices with screen resolutions as low as 320 x 480 pixels, which was standard at one point in time. However, devices corresponding to such specifications are now no longer prevalent or in use.

Classification of iPhones based on resolution
Image Source: iPhone Development 101

App Store Screenshot requirements for iOS submission

Once the app is developed and built, the next step is to submit it to the app stores. For submitting an iOS app, you will need to add some screenshots from within the app. The Apple App Store has specified exact screenshot sizes for its different devices.

Here are the mandatory specifications and requirements for submitting app screenshots for the iOS app:

iOS App Screenshot Size Requirement for iPhones
Device size in inches
(diagonal)
iPhone ModelScreenshot Size: Portrait
(in pixels)
Screenshot Size: Landscape
(in pixels)
RequirementScreenshot source & Alternative
6.7iPhone 14 Pro Max1290 x 27962796 x 1290Required if app runs on iPhone and 6.5-inch screenshots aren’t providedUpload 6.7-inch screenshots
6.5iPhone 14 Plus1284 x 2778 

1242 x 2688 
2778 x 1284 

2688 x 1242 
Required if the app runs on iPhoneDefault: Scaled 6.7-inch screenshots

Alternative: Upload 6.5-inch screenshots
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 11
iPhone XS Max 
iPhone XR
6.1iPhone 14 Pro1179 x 25562556 x 1179Required if app runs on iPhone and 6.5-inch or 6.7-inch screenshots aren’t providedDefault: Scaled 6.5-inch or 6.7-inch screenshots

Scaled 6.5-inch when 6.5-inch and 6.7-inch screenshots are both uploaded

Alternative: Upload 6.1-inch screenshots
5.8iPhone 141170 x 2532

1125 x 2436

1080 x 2340
2532 x 1170

2436 x 1125

2340 x 1080
Required if app runs on iPhone and 6.5-inch or 6.7-inch screenshots aren’t providedDefault: Scaled 6.5-inch or 6.7-inch screenshots

Scaled 6.5-inch when 6.5-inch and 6.7-inch screenshots are both uploaded

Alternative: Upload 5.8-inch screenshots
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone XS
iPhone X
5.5iPhone 8 Plus1242 x 22082208 x 1242Required if app runs on iPhoneUpload 5.5-inch screenshots
iPhone 7 Plus
iPhone 6s Plus
4.7iPhone SE (3rd gen)750 x 13341334 x 750Required if app runs on iPhone and 5.5-inch screenshots aren’t providedDefault: Scaled 5.5-inch screenshots

Alternative: Upload 4.7-inch screenshots
iPhone SE (2nd gen)
iPhone 8
iPhone 7
iPhone 6s
iPhone 6
4iPhone SE (1st gen)640 x 1096(without status bar)

640 x 1136(with status bar)
1136 x 600(without status bar)

1136 x 640(with status bar)
Required if app runs on iPhone and 5.5 or 4.7-inch screenshots aren’t providedDefault: Scaled 5.5 or 4.7-inch screenshots

Alternative: Upload 4-inch screenshots
3.5iPhone 4s640 x 920(without status bar)

640 x 960(with status bar)
960 x 600(without status bar)

960 x 640(with status bar)
Required if app runs on iPhone and 5.5-inch iPhone screenshots aren’t providedDefault: Scaled 5.5-, 4.7-, or 4-inch screenshots

Alternative: Upload 3.5-inch screenshots

Here, you need to note that 6.5 inches and 5.5 inches are the most important display sizes for iPhones and Apple wants you to prioritize them. If you do not want to go through the pain of submitting screenshots for all the sizes listed above, then just create for these two screen sizes based on the specifications above.

Apple will automatically resize your screenshot as long as you have the screenshots for 6.5 and 5.5 inches. This is a standard practice followed by most developers.

Additionally, you must remember that while you must upload a minimum of 4 screenshots, the maximum limit is 10 screenshots for each app listing. You can go through our blog suggested below and know more about it.

Suggested Read: How to design the App Store Screenshots of your mobile app

How to make your app look good on all iPhone screens?

The answer is simple: Follow Apple’s guides.

Apple recommends creating universal designs and using Xcode for creating a storyboard before launching an app. It has full-fledged guides on creating app designs that adapt across devices and screens.

However, if you want an easy and effective way out, you can also create the app with no-code DIY app creators that come with pre-defined environments. Here, you can create apps for all kinds of iOS users.

As a bonus, some may also enable you to test your apps’ designs and features for different iOS device types before you pay to publish. Well, AppMySite does that. You can read more about it here!

Want to create an iOS app on a budget?

Have the specifications listed above left you confused? Well, let us uncomplicate things for you. What if we told you that you can create an iOS app from scratch in a completely guided environment and adhere to all the size and resolution guidelines by Apple?

Take our words as gospel! You can sign up for AppMySite and create a mobile app with our DIY mobile app builder without coding.

That’s not it! You can build dynamic, native, and feature-rich iOS apps, design, and customize all your screens and app elements, add features like push notifications and monetization, and do so much more.

Additionally, you can also push your apps on the App Store with AppMySite’s unique and automated ‘Publish App’ feature. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for AppMySite now and create the best iOS app for your business within minutes.

Ace development, design, and marketing with our knowledge base guides, blog posts, and tutorial videos, and give your competitors a run for their money like never before. Get, set, and make your mark now!

Frequently asked questions

What is screen size and resolution?

In general, the size of a screen is equal to the length of the diagonal which can be described as the distance between its opposite corners. Usually, inch(es) is used as the metric to denote the size of screens across various types of devices like television, smartphone, etc. This is what is also known as the physical image size. On the other hand, the logical image size denotes a screen’s display resolution and is measured in pixels. Screen resolution can be defined as the number of distinct pixels in each dimension that can be displayed.

Why is mobile screen size measured diagonally?

It is believed that the method of measuring screen size by its diagonal was inspired by the method used for the first generation of CRT television. The picture tubes used in the tv had circular faces. Hence, the external diameter of the bulb was used to describe their size. One of the biggest reasons why sellers use diagonal measurements to denote phone sizes in the modern world is that the number ends up being bigger as compared to the length and width of the screen. As bigger numbers sound more lucrative to customers, it helps marketing efforts. Additionally, using just one number for the diagonal measurement is easier than using two numbers to denote the length and width.

Why is knowing screen size and resolution important for app design?

Screens are one of the most important aspects of any hardware and software ecosystem. It is the screen where all the information is displayed by the device and entered by the user. Moreover, there are various types of devices with a range of screen sizes, resolutions, and other specifications. In order to ensure that your content adapts to the screen specifications of your users, you must be aware of the size, resolution, and other factors. While creating device-agnostic designs is important, having an understanding of various types of devices is as essential.

How to create App Store Screenshots for iOS apps?

App Store screenshots help in giving a sneak peek into the app’s core design and features. In general, the screenshots should be appealing and captivating and express your brand’s identity and goals. While you can custom design screenshots for each screen size, it is not a very feasible idea. Therefore, you can design for the following sizes that are both default and mandatory:

  • 6.5-inch iPhone screenshots with corresponding portrait and landscape sizes
  • 5.5-inch iPhone screenshots with related portrait and landscape sizes
  • 12.9-inch iPad screenshots for 2nd and 3rd generation with related portrait and landscape sizes
Note that if you don’t provide screenshots for other device sizes, the App Store will use screenshots from one of the mandatory screen sizes. Here’s Apple’s official documentation for uploading app previews and screenshots that you can use as a guide: Upload app previews and screenshots.

What is iOS application development?

iOS app development refers to the process of developing applications for Apple’s devices that mainly includes iPhones and iPads. Custom iOS apps are developed using programming languages like Swift or Objective-C. However, several no-code iPhone app makers like AppMySite also enable customers to create iOS apps without any coding. You can try the same if you are planning to create iOS apps.

How can I design iPhone apps?

While some aspects of app design remain the same across operating systems (iOS, Android, etc.), one should not compromise with a given platform’s unique guidelines and demands. As Apple is stringent and particular about the quality of its apps, it becomes imperative to design high-quality native-like apps that look and perform well. You can start with creating wireframes and mockups and then go on to create prototypes for your iOS app. Once you have the framework, you can transform the outline into a full-fledged iOS app design. Here’s one of our detailed blogs that can help you with the same. Mobile app design – The Complete Guide to Designing a Mobile app

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