The iPhone 4, originally released on June 24, 2010, marked a significant milestone in Apple’s smartphone journey. This revolutionary device introduced several groundbreaking features including the first front-facing camera on an iPhone, enabling users to make FaceTime video calls.
The iPhone 4 was announced by then-Apple CEO Steve Jobs on June 7, 2010, before launching later that month in select markets. Following its initial release, Apple expanded availability to 88 countries by the end of September that same year. This global rollout strategy has become a standard approach for Apple’s subsequent iPhone launches.
While the original iPhone 4 is now a piece of tech history, its legacy lives on in the design and features of modern Apple smartphones. The distinctive metal frame and glass back design elements first introduced with the iPhone 4 continue to influence Apple’s design philosophy even in their latest models.
iPhone 4: Specifications and Latest Info
The iPhone 4, released in June 2010, was a revolutionary device that set new standards for smartphone design and display technology. While it’s no longer supported by Apple, it remains an iconic piece of tech history. This guide covers everything you need to know about the iPhone 4’s specifications, features, and legacy.
iPhone 4 Overview
The iPhone 4 marked a significant redesign from previous iPhone models, introducing a glass and stainless steel construction that influenced smartphone design for years to come (source: Wikipedia).
Release Date: June 24, 2010
Discontinued: September 10, 2013
Starting Price: $199 (16GB), $299 (32GB) with 2-year contract
Design and Build
Physical Specifications
- Dimensions: 115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3 mm (4.54 x 2.31 x 0.37 inches)
- Weight: 137 g (4.83 oz) (source: GSMArena)
- Materials: Glass front and back with stainless steel band
- Build: Corning Gorilla Glass protection on front and back
- Colors: Black and White (White version delayed until April 2011)
Design Innovation
The iPhone 4 featured a completely new design with:
- Flat front and back with a stainless steel band around the edges
- The steel band served as both structure and antenna
- Premium glass construction on both sides
- Thinner profile than iPhone 3GS (source: Device Specifications)
Display Technology
Retina Display
The iPhone 4 introduced Apple’s revolutionary “Retina display” (source: Wikipedia):
- Size: 3.5 inches diagonal
- Resolution: 640 x 960 pixels
- Pixel Density: 326 pixels per inch (ppi)
- Display Type: LED-backlit IPS LCD
- Aspect Ratio: 3:2
- Screen-to-Body Ratio: ~54.0%
What Made It Special: At 326 ppi, the Retina display had a pixel density high enough that individual pixels were imperceptible to the human eye at normal viewing distance—a first for smartphones at the time.
Performance Specifications
Processor and Memory
- Chipset: Apple A4 APL0398 (source: GSMArena)
- CPU: 1x 0.8 GHz ARM Cortex-A8
- GPU: PowerVR SGX535 (source: Device Specifications)
- RAM: 512 MB
- Storage Options: 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB (no expandable storage)
Camera Capabilities
Rear Camera
- Resolution: 5 MP (2592 x 1944 pixels) (source: GSMArena)
- Features:
- LED flash
- Autofocus
- Touch focus
- Geo-tagging
- Face detection
- Video Recording: 720p HD video at 30fps
Front Camera
- Resolution: VGA (0.3 MP)
- Video: VGA at 30fps
- Purpose: Enabled FaceTime video calling
Battery Life
- Capacity: 1420 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery (source: GSMArena)
- Talk Time: Up to 14 hours on 2G, 7 hours on 3G
- Standby Time: Up to 300 hours
- Internet Use: Up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi, 6 hours on 3G
- Video Playback: Up to 10 hours
- Audio Playback: Up to 40 hours
Connectivity
Network
- Technology: GSM / HSPA
- 2G Bands: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
- 3G Bands: HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
- Speed: HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps
- Note: No 4G/LTE support
Wireless Connectivity
- Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth: 2.1, A2DP, EDR
- GPS: Yes, with A-GPS support
- NFC: No
- USB: 2.0, proprietary 30-pin connector
Software
Operating System
- Launch OS: iOS 4.0
- Final Supported Version: iOS 7.1.2 (released June 2014)
- Notable iOS 4 Features (source: Wikipedia):
- Multitasking
- App folders
- FaceTime video calling
- iBooks
- Improved Mail app
Current Status
- No longer supported by Apple for iOS updates
- Many modern apps no longer compatible
- Security vulnerabilities cannot be patched
- Not recommended for daily use in 2025
Audio Features
- Loudspeaker: Yes
- 3.5mm Headphone Jack: Yes
- Audio Quality: 16-bit/44.1kHz audio
- Features:
- Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic
- Built-in speaker
- Microphone
Sensors
- Accelerometer: 3-axis
- Gyroscope: 3-axis (first iPhone with gyroscope)
- Proximity Sensor: Yes
- Ambient Light Sensor: Yes
- Compass: Digital compass
Accessories
Official Apple Bumpers
Apple offered colorful protective bumpers in six colors (source: Apple Support):
- White
- Black
- Blue
- Green
- Orange
- Pink
The bumpers featured:
- Rubber and molded plastic construction
- Metal buttons for volume and power
- Two-tone color design
Notable Features and Innovations
FaceTime
- First iPhone with front-facing camera
- Enabled video calling over Wi-Fi
- Became a signature Apple feature
Retina Display
- Industry-leading pixel density
- Set new standards for smartphone screens
- Influenced display technology across the industry
Gyroscope
- Enhanced gaming and augmented reality capabilities
- Three-axis gyroscope complemented the accelerometer
HD Video Recording
- 720p video recording at 30fps
- LED flash for better low-light video
The “Antennagate” Controversy
The iPhone 4 faced a significant controversy regarding signal attenuation:
- Holding the phone in certain ways (bridging the gap in the steel band) could cause signal loss
- Apple initially suggested users “hold it differently”
- Eventually offered free bumper cases to all iPhone 4 owners
- Later models redesigned the antenna system
Variants and Models
Model Numbers
- A1332: GSM model (AT&T, international GSM carriers)
- A1349: CDMA model (Verizon, launched February 2011)
Storage Options Over Time
- Launch: 16GB and 32GB
- Later: 8GB model introduced as budget option
Complete Specifications Table
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 3.5″ IPS LCD, 640×960 pixels, 326 ppi |
| Processor | Apple A4, 1x 0.8 GHz Cortex-A8 |
| RAM | 512 MB |
| Storage | 8/16/32 GB |
| Rear Camera | 5 MP, LED flash, 720p video |
| Front Camera | VGA (0.3 MP) |
| Battery | 1420 mAh |
| OS | iOS 4.0 (upgradable to iOS 7.1.2) |
| Connectivity | 3G, Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 |
| Dimensions | 115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3 mm |
| Weight | 137 g |
| Colors | Black, White |
Legacy and Impact
Industry Influence
- Set design trends with glass and metal construction
- Established Retina display as a marketing term and standard
- Popularized FaceTime video calling
- Influenced smartphone design for years
Sales Success
- Sold over 60 million units during its lifecycle
- One of Apple’s best-selling iPhones at the time
- Remained in production for 3 years
Cultural Impact
- Featured in numerous films and TV shows
- Became a status symbol
- Frequently cited as one of the most beautiful smartphones ever designed
What Can You Still Do With an iPhone 4 in 2025?
Limited Uses
- ✅ Basic phone calls and SMS (if carrier still supports 3G)
- ✅ Music player with iTunes syncing
- ✅ Offline photo camera (basic quality)
- ✅ Calculator, notes, calendar
- ✅ Classic iOS games that still support iOS 7
What Won’t Work
- ❌ Most modern apps (require newer iOS versions)
- ❌ Modern web browsing (outdated Safari browser)
- ❌ Security features and updates
- ❌ Many carrier networks (3G sunset in many regions)
- ❌ Apple Pay, modern Touch ID/Face ID features
- ❌ Current social media apps
Collector and Nostalgia Value
The iPhone 4 has become a collector’s item:
- Mint Condition Units: Sought after by collectors
- Original Packaging: Adds significant value
- Historical Significance: Important piece of tech history
- Design Icon: Recognized as a milestone in smartphone design
Comparison: iPhone 4 vs. Modern iPhones
| Feature | iPhone 4 (2010) | iPhone 15 (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 3.5″ LCD, 326 ppi | 6.1″ OLED, 460 ppi |
| Processor | A4 (single-core) | A16 Bionic (6-core) |
| RAM | 512 MB | 6 GB |
| Camera | 5 MP | 48 MP main |
| Video | 720p | 4K 60fps with HDR |
| Battery | 1420 mAh | 3349 mAh |
| Connectivity | 3G | 5G |
| Weight | 137g | 171g |
Conclusion
The iPhone 4 was a landmark device that revolutionized smartphone design and display technology (source: EveryMac). With its Retina display, premium glass and steel construction, and introduction of FaceTime, it set standards that influenced the entire industry (source: Computer City).
While no longer practical for everyday use in 2025 due to lack of software support and obsolete network technology, the iPhone 4 remains an iconic piece of technology history and a testament to Apple’s design philosophy.
Key Takeaways
- The iPhone 4 launched on June 24, 2010 after being announced by Steve Jobs earlier that month.
- Apple implemented a phased global rollout, reaching 88 countries by September 2010.
- The iPhone 4’s design elements and introduction of FaceTime created a lasting impact on smartphone development.
Anticipated Features of iPhone SE 4
The iPhone SE 4 represents a significant upgrade over previous models, combining premium features with a more accessible price point. This new model is expected to launch in early 2025 with several notable improvements.
Design Evolution from iPhone 4 to iPhone SE 4
The iPhone SE 4 marks a dramatic departure from the original iPhone 4 design language. While the iPhone 4 featured a 3.5-inch display with thick bezels, the SE 4 will likely adopt a modern 6.1-inch OLED display similar to current flagship models.
Apple is expected to implement the Dynamic Island design, replacing the traditional notch. This represents a major aesthetic upgrade from previous SE models that maintained older design elements.
The physical Home Button with Touch ID appears to be eliminated in favor of a full-screen design. Users will likely see either Face ID or an under-display fingerprint sensor for biometric security.
Advancements in Technology
The iPhone SE 4 will reportedly feature the powerful A18 chipset, bringing flagship-level performance to the budget line. This represents a significant leap in processing capability for the SE series.
Camera capabilities are expected to improve dramatically with a 48-megapixel rear camera, up from the 12MP setup in previous models. This should enable better low-light photography and higher-resolution images.
The device will include 5G connectivity standard, ensuring future-proof network compatibility. The Retina display is being upgraded to OLED technology, providing better contrast, deeper blacks, and improved power efficiency.
Apple Intelligence features will likely be included, bringing advanced AI capabilities to the more affordable iPhone option.
Battery and Power Efficiency
Battery life improvements are anticipated in the iPhone SE 4, with the larger body allowing for increased battery capacity compared to previous SE models. The move to OLED display technology should contribute to better power efficiency.
The A18 chip is expected to be manufactured using advanced process technology, improving energy efficiency during both intensive tasks and idle periods.
Fast charging capabilities will likely be included, though wireless charging specifications remain unclear. Apple’s focus on optimizing software-hardware integration should help maximize battery performance in daily use.
Power management features from flagship iPhones may be incorporated to extend battery life through intelligent charging patterns and usage analysis.
Market Impact and Apple’s Strategy
The iPhone 4 significantly transformed Apple’s market position and established new industry standards upon its release in June 2010. Its design and features revolutionized Apple’s approach to smartphone development.
Comparative Analysis With Previous iPhone SE Models
The iPhone 4’s impact on Apple’s product strategy can be seen in its influence on later budget-friendly devices like the iPhone SE line. While the original iPhone 4 featured a 3.5-inch display and the revolutionary Retina display technology, the first iPhone SE (released in 2016) adopted similar design elements but with updated internals.
The iPhone 4 established Apple’s reputation for premium build quality with its glass-and-steel construction. This design philosophy has carried through to modern budget options.
Unlike today’s iPhone SE models that typically reuse older designs with newer processors, the iPhone 4 was Apple’s flagship device with cutting-edge technology for its time. The A4 processor in the iPhone 4 set a precedent for Apple’s chip development strategy.
Projected Release Timeline and Consumer Expectations
The iPhone 4’s release pattern established Apple’s summer launch tradition that continued for several generations. Pre-orders began on June 16, 2010, with the official release on June 24 in major markets including the US, UK, France, Germany, and Japan.
Consumer response was overwhelming, with 600,000 pre-orders on the first day alone – a record at that time. This demonstrated Apple’s growing market power and consumer loyalty.
The iPhone 4 launch created the template for Apple’s modern product rollout strategy: announcement at WWDC, pre-orders shortly after, and availability within weeks. This approach continues to shape expectations for new Apple products.
Industry analysts noted how the iPhone 4’s success solidified Apple’s position as a market leader rather than just a competitor in the smartphone space.
Frequently Asked Questions
The iPhone 4 represented a significant milestone in Apple’s smartphone evolution. Many consumers still have questions about this iconic device’s history, features, and support lifecycle.
What was the original release date for the iPhone 4?
The iPhone 4 was officially released on June 24, 2010. Apple initially launched it in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan.
Following the initial release, Apple expanded availability to 88 countries by the end of September 2010. This global rollout included Australia, Austria, and numerous other countries by the end of July that year.
How did the price of the iPhone 4 compare to previous models at launch?
The iPhone 4 maintained Apple’s established pricing structure at launch. It was priced at $199 for the 16GB model and $299 for the 32GB model with a two-year carrier contract in the United States.
This pricing aligned with previous iPhone models, as Apple typically kept consistent price points while offering improved hardware. The unsubsidized price without a contract was significantly higher, around $599-$699 depending on storage capacity.
What were the primary improvements introduced with the iPhone 4?
The iPhone 4 featured a revolutionary “Retina Display” with 960×640 resolution, which was significantly sharper than previous models. It introduced a new glass and stainless steel design that was thinner than its predecessors.
The device included Apple’s A4 processor and improved camera capabilities with a 5-megapixel rear camera capable of recording 720p HD video. It also added a front-facing camera for video calls using the new FaceTime feature.
iOS 4 debuted with the iPhone 4, bringing multitasking capabilities to the iPhone for the first time. The hardware also featured improved battery life compared to the iPhone 3GS.
When did Apple officially discontinue the iPhone 4?
Apple officially discontinued the iPhone 4 in September 2013 when the iPhone 5S and 5C were announced. Before full discontinuation, Apple had transitioned to offering only the 8GB model as their entry-level option.
The device was considered obsolete by Apple several years after discontinuation, ending all hardware service options. The iPhone 4 had a total product lifecycle of approximately three years.
What were the key differences between the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S?
The iPhone 4S, released in October 2011, featured the dual-core A5 chip, delivering significantly faster performance than the iPhone 4’s A4 processor. The camera was upgraded from 5 megapixels to 8 megapixels with improved optics.
The 4S introduced Siri, Apple’s voice-activated personal assistant, which became a defining feature of iPhones. While maintaining the same exterior design as the iPhone 4, the 4S offered better antenna performance to address signal issues reported in the original model.
The iPhone 4S launched with iOS 5, whereas the original iPhone 4 shipped with iOS 4. The 4S also added 1080p HD video recording capabilities compared to the 720p on the iPhone 4.
How has the support for the iPhone 4 changed since its release?
Software support for the iPhone 4 ended with iOS 7.1.2, released on June 30, 2014. This meant the device could not receive newer iOS versions with their security updates and features.
Apple classified the iPhone 4 as obsolete several years ago, ending all hardware service options through Apple and authorized service providers. App compatibility has steadily decreased as developers focus on newer iOS versions.
Most modern apps and services no longer support the iPhone 4 due to its hardware limitations and outdated operating system. Security vulnerabilities remain unpatched, making the device increasingly unsuitable for everyday use.
