Overview

The iPhone 5 is the sixth-generation model in the iPhone family, announced by Apple on September 12, 2012 and released on September 21, 2012. It updated the form factor used on prior models with a taller 4-inch Retina display, introduced the Lightning connector, and added broader cellular support including LTE. The device sat between the iPhone 4S and the later iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C in Apple’s product lineup.

Design and hardware

The iPhone 5 adopted a slimmer, lighter body built from aluminum and glass, moving away from the all-glass front-and-back of its predecessor. The 4-inch display increased vertical screen space while keeping the same pixel density as earlier Retina models. Internally it used Apple’s A6 system-on-chip for faster CPU and graphics performance, upgraded cellular radios for LTE, improved Wi‑Fi, and an 8-megapixel rear camera with enhancements to low-light capture and panorama functionality.

Software and reception

Shipping with iOS 6, the iPhone 5 supported features and services introduced at the time, including a new mapping service that attracted criticism for accuracy issues. Reviewers praised the phone’s speed, display size, and build quality, while some reported concerns about the availability of LTE on every carrier and the abrupt switch to the new Lightning connector, which replaced Apple’s 30‑pin dock connector.

Variants, accessories and market role

Apple offered the iPhone 5 in two main color schemes and multiple storage capacities. It also introduced redesigned in‑ear headphones called EarPods with the package. The phone remained a mainstream flagship until succeeded by the next generation, and its design language influenced later models.

Notable facts

  • The iPhone 5 was the first iPhone to use the Lightning connector instead of Apple’s 30‑pin plug.
  • It broadened LTE compatibility, helping accelerate adoption of faster mobile data on smartphones.
  • Its launch continued Apple’s yearly product cadence and established physical and software trends for subsequent models.

For official specifications and resources, see the product pages and historical archives: iPhone 5 product information and Apple’s company pages at Apple.