Which version of the iPhone do you have?

There are now three generations of iPhones:

• The first generation iPhone (also called the 2G).
• The second generation iPhone (also called the 3G).
• The third generation iPhone (also called the 3G S).

It is very easy to distinguish the first generation iPhone from the second or third. Looking at the graphic below, and at the iPhone on the far left, you can see that not only is the back side of the first generation iPhone largely made of a brushed metal, but the lower portion has a black plastic cover protecting the phone's antenna.

The iPhones to the right are second generation models. They are distinguished by tapered ends at the top and bottom. The entire back of the phone is a black, or white plastic.




Since the iPhone 3G S is the same form-factor as the 3G, the easiest way to differentiate it from the 3G is by looking at the home screen. Do you have an application named Compass in your lower right corner as seen in the example? This program is only included by default on the 3G S. Note: the icon, and program must look the same, as other compass programs do exist.




Another way to check if you have an iPhone 3G S is by launching the Camera application. Do you see a slider in the bottom right corner of the application that toggles between still photos and video recording? If you do, then you have an iPhone 3G S.