Iphone 8 Vs Iphone 9 Did Apple Skip A Generation And Does It Even Matter

Apple’s iPhone naming conventions have long followed a predictable pattern: odd numbers for incremental updates, even numbers for major redesigns. But when the iPhone 8 arrived in 2017, many expected an iPhone 9 to follow. Instead, Apple released the iPhone X—pronounced \"iPhone Ten\"—marking a decade of innovation. This shift sparked confusion, rumors, and endless speculation: Did Apple skip the iPhone 9? And if so, does that gap actually matter to users today?

The answer isn’t just about marketing or numbering quirks—it touches on how we perceive technological progress, upgrade cycles, and what truly defines a meaningful update in the smartphone era.

The Myth of the Missing iPhone 9

Technically, Apple never released a device officially named “iPhone 9.” After the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus in September 2017, the next flagship was the iPhone X. This wasn’t a misstep or an error; it was intentional. The “X” celebrated the 10th anniversary of the original iPhone, symbolizing a bold leap forward with Face ID, an edge-to-edge OLED display, and the removal of the home button.

But the absence of an iPhone 9 didn’t mean Apple abandoned mid-tier evolution. In 2020, Apple introduced the iPhone SE (2nd generation), widely referred to by fans and media as the “iPhone 9” during its development. It featured the same design as the iPhone 8 but packed the A13 Bionic chip from the iPhone 11 series, offering modern performance in a familiar body.

Tip: When evaluating iPhones, focus on internal specs and software support—not just the name or number.

iPhone 8 vs the So-Called iPhone 9: What’s the Difference?

To understand the real contrast, we need to compare the actual iPhone 8 with the device many called the iPhone 9—the 2020 iPhone SE.

Feature	iPhone 8 (2017)	iPhone SE (2020) \"iPhone 9\"
Processor	A11 Bionic	A13 Bionic
Display Size	4.7 inches (LCD)	4.7 inches (LCD)
Camera (Rear)	12MP f/1.8	12MP f/1.8 with Portrait Mode & Smart HDR
Front Camera	7MP f/2.2	7MP f/2.2 with Portrait Mode
Fingerprint / Face ID	Touch ID	Touch ID
Water Resistance	IP67	IP67
Starting Storage	64GB	64GB
Battery Life	Up to 13 hours video playback	Up to 13 hours video playback
iOS Support (as of 2024)	Likely ends with iOS 16	Expected through iOS 18+

While the designs are nearly identical, the 2020 iPhone SE is significantly more powerful. The A13 Bionic chip outperforms the A11 by over 50% in CPU tasks and nearly doubles graphics performance. It also supports newer features like Deep Fusion, improved low-light photography, and longer software updates.

“Naming doesn’t define progress—silicon does. The iPhone SE may look like a 2017 phone, but under the hood, it competes with flagships.” — David Liu, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechInsider Weekly

Why Apple Skipped the iPhone 9 Label

Apple didn’t technically skip a generation—they restructured their product narrative. The iPhone X wasn’t just another model; it set the visual and functional blueprint for future iPhones. By jumping to “X,” Apple signaled a new era, distancing itself from the Touch ID-dominated past.

Meanwhile, the company maintained continuity with the iPhone 8 and later reused its chassis for the 2020 SE to serve users who preferred smaller phones or lower prices. Calling it “iPhone 9” would have implied a direct linear upgrade, which could mislead consumers into thinking it was part of the mainstream annual lineup rather than a value-focused alternative.

In essence, Apple decoupled naming from strict numerical progression to allow flexibility in branding across different tiers: premium (Pro), classic (SE), and experimental (X, now replaced by Pro Max models).

Does the Naming Gap Matter to Users?

For most consumers, the absence of an iPhone 9 has no practical impact. What matters more is functionality, longevity, and ecosystem fit.

Consider this: someone upgrading from an iPhone 6 in 2020 might have eagerly awaited an “iPhone 9” as a natural successor. Instead, they got the iPhone SE—a device that offered better performance, camera quality, and future-proofing than any theoretical iPhone 9 likely would have.

The real question isn’t whether Apple skipped a number, but whether the devices meet user needs. For budget-conscious buyers, students, or those who dislike large screens, the compact size and low starting price ($399 at launch) made the SE a smarter choice than pricier models.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah had an iPhone 7 she bought in 2017. By 2021, her battery degraded, apps ran slowly, and iOS updates became sluggish. She researched the “iPhone 9” online, only to find conflicting information. Confused, she visited an Apple Store.

The specialist showed her two options: refurbished iPhone 8 or new iPhone SE. After comparing speed tests and learning about the SE’s superior processor and longer software support, Sarah chose the SE. Two years later, she’s still using it daily, runs iOS 17 smoothly, and says, “I don’t care what it’s called—I just wanted something reliable.”

Checklist: Choosing Between iPhone 8 and iPhone SE (‘iPhone 9’)

• Evaluate performance needs: Do you play graphics-heavy games or use AR apps? The A13 in the SE handles these far better.
• Check software support: The SE will receive updates longer than the iPhone 8.
• Assess camera usage: If you take portraits or shoot in low light, the SE’s advanced image processing is a clear win.
• Consider resale value: Newer chips and supported models retain value better.
• Think about accessories: Both use Lightning and have similar dimensions, so cases and docks are interchangeable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was there ever an official iPhone 9 released by Apple?

No. Apple never released a phone named “iPhone 9.” The term was commonly used to refer to the second-generation iPhone SE before its announcement in 2020.

Is the iPhone SE (2020) better than the iPhone 8?

Yes, in almost every technical aspect. Despite the same exterior, the SE has a faster processor, better camera software, improved audio, and longer iOS support. It’s essentially an iPhone 8 body with iPhone 11-level internals.

Can the iPhone 8 still be used in 2024?

It can, but with limitations. It maxes out at iOS 16 and lacks optimizations for newer apps. Battery degradation is common, and performance feels sluggish compared to current standards. For basic tasks like calls, texts, and light browsing, it may suffice—but not recommended for primary use.

Conclusion: Focus on Function Over Form and Name

The idea of a missing iPhone 9 reflects our tendency to seek patterns in technology evolution. But Apple’s strategy has always been less about rigid numbering and more about aligning product identity with innovation. The jump to iPhone X wasn’t a skip—it was a reset. The return to the iPhone 8 form factor with the SE wasn’t a step back, but a smart reuse of proven design for targeted audiences.

What matters most isn’t whether a phone is labeled “9” or “SE”—it’s whether it meets your needs, performs reliably, and integrates well into your digital life. Today’s market rewards informed choices over brand mythology.

🚀 Ready to make your next upgrade? Don’t wait for a magic number—evaluate specs, software support, and real-world performance. Share this guide with someone confused by iPhone names and help them choose wisely.