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How many IQOS models are there?
Current official pages focus on six ILUMA models across two generations: ILUMA PRIME, ILUMA and ILUMA ONE from 2021, and ILUMA i PRIME, ILUMA i and ILUMA i ONE from 2024. Older blade devices such as IQOS 3 DUO and the ORIGINALS range also exist in some markets.
Which models are offered differs by country, so a model seen in Japan may not exist in Europe under the same name.
We cover the ILUMA models in detail because they are the ones most searched in English.
Model names differ slightly between markets, so the name on the box may not match an English web page word for word.
What is the difference between ILUMA and ILUMA i?
ILUMA i is the second generation, launched in Japan on 13 March 2024. Philip Morris International announced features such as a touch screen on the premium and standard models, Pause Mode and FlexPuff. The heating system and the TEREA sticks are the same in both generations.
See IQOS ILUMA i explained for the features one by one.
ILUMA i ONE, the one-piece model of the second generation, gained FlexPuff and Autostart but no screen.
What does ONE mean in an IQOS model name?
ONE marks the one-piece design. ILUMA ONE and ILUMA i ONE have no separate holder and pocket charger; the stick goes straight into the device, and IQOS says one full charge covers about 20 uses. The other models use a holder that recharges from a pocket charger.
One-piece devices can run sessions back to back until the battery is low, while holder models return to the charger between sessions.
The choice between the two designs is mainly about convenience: a single piece is smaller, while a holder and charger split the battery between two parts.
What makes the PRIME models different?
PRIME is the premium version of the holder-and-charger design. IQOS describes ILUMA PRIME with an anodised aluminium body and a textured wrap, and lists it at 171.5 g against 147 g for the standard ILUMA. Battery figures for the holder and charger are the same.
See IQOS ILUMA PRIME explained.
ILUMA i PRIME continues the premium idea in the second generation.
The materials used on PRIME models are the main reason for their higher weight, not additional hardware.
Which IQOS models use a blade?
Models before ILUMA, such as IQOS 3 DUO launched in 2019, use a heating blade and HEETS sticks. They need the blade cleaned and cannot use TEREA, which the manufacturer warns may damage them. ILUMA models have no blade at all.
The stick side is explained in HEETS vs TEREA.
Blade models and ILUMA models cannot share sticks, so knowing the family matters before anything else.
If a device has a visible blade inside the heating chamber, it belongs to the older family and uses HEETS.
How can I tell which IQOS model I have?
Check the name printed on the device and its box, then look at the design. One piece with no charger means a ONE model; a holder in a pocket charger means ILUMA, ILUMA PRIME or their i versions. A touch screen on the charger points to ILUMA i or ILUMA i PRIME.
IQOS Philippines publishes a short model comparison, listed in the sources.
If the name has worn off, the charger's shape and the presence of a screen are the quickest clues.
A PRIME model can be told apart from the standard model by its metal body and the wrap around the charger.
Do all ILUMA models charge the same way?
No. IQOS UK says ILUMA and ILUMA PRIME pocket chargers take about 135 minutes for a full charge, and the holder recharges in the charger between uses. ILUMA ONE charges directly by USB-C in about 90 minutes, according to IQOS Canada.
Step-by-step use is in how to use IQOS ILUMA.
Figures for the ILUMA i models are listed on the ILUMA i page.
Charging figures for the one-piece ILUMA i ONE are published separately on IQOS country pages and are not repeated here.
Can I use any IQOS model in Thailand?
No. Official travel advice says possessing or using a heat-not-burn device in Thailand is illegal, with no exception for tourists or personal use. That applies to every model, new or old, and to devices bought legally in another country. Older blade models are included.
These devices and sticks are illegal to possess or use in Thailand, according to official travel advice. See IQOS in Thailand.
Readers in countries where these devices are legal should follow the rules and age limits that apply there.
| Generation | Premium | Standard | One-piece |
|---|---|---|---|
| ILUMA (2021) | ILUMA PRIME | ILUMA | ILUMA ONE |
| ILUMA i (2024) | ILUMA i PRIME | ILUMA i | ILUMA i ONE |
| Sticks | TEREA | TEREA | TEREA |
Frequently asked questions
What is the newest IQOS model?
Is ILUMA ONE a different generation?
Do ILUMA i models use different sticks?
Which IQOS has a screen?
Are blade models still made?
Is any IQOS model legal in Thailand?
Sources
- IQOS ILUMA launch in Japan (18 Aug 2021) — Philip Morris International
- IQOS ILUMA i range launch (13 Mar 2024) — Philip Morris International
- How do IQOS models differ from each other? — IQOS Philippines
- How to charge IQOS ILUMA devices — IQOS UK
- IQOS ILUMA ONE kit — IQOS Canada
- IQOS 3 DUO launch (26 Sep 2019) — Philip Morris International
- Thailand travel advice: safety and security — GOV.UK
Read more
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Join the IQOS User Group (Thai-language LINE group)
A space for IQOS users to exchange information with each other — not a commercial channel of any kind. For readers aged 20+ only. Note: this is a Thai-language LINE group.
Join the IQOS User Group (Thai-language LINE group)