Steve Jobs unveiled the first iPhone on January 9, 2007, transforming the tech landscape.
Fifteen years ago today, the tech world witnessed a groundbreaking moment as Apple’s co-founder, Steve Jobs, introduced the first iPhone to the public. The iconic reveal took place on January 9, 2007, during a keynote address that left a lasting imprint on the history of technology.
In his keynote speech, Jobs described the iPhone as a “revolutionary and magical product” that was five years ahead of any other mobile phone at the time. The iPhone’s debut marked a significant shift in the tech industry, combining an iPod, a phone, and an internet communicator into a single device.
Although not without its challenges, the iPhone quickly became a cultural phenomenon, setting new standards for smartphones and reshaping the way people interact with technology. Over the years, Apple has continued to innovate and release new iPhone models, each iteration building upon the success of its predecessors.
As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the iPhone, it’s worth reflecting on the profound impact this device has had on our daily lives. From changing the way we communicate to revolutionizing photography, navigation, and entertainment, the iPhone’s influence is undeniable. Whether you’re a dedicated iPhone user or not, its legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of modern technology.
To commemorate the 15th anniversary of this iconic device, here are 15 notable facts about the iPhone and Apple:
- Apple’s Monumental Value: From a market capitalization of $174.03 billion in 2007, Apple has skyrocketed to a staggering $3 trillion on January 3, 2022, making it the most valuable company ever.
- Inaugural Aluminum Design: The original iPhone boasted a silver brushed aluminum finish. Presently, the iPhone 13 sports an aluminum frame, glass front and back, available in various colors.
- Inaugural Price Tag: The debut iPhone was priced at $499 for 4GB of storage, with an 8GB option for an additional $100. The latest iPhone 13 Pro Max, offering 256GB, costs $1,099, and the 1TB variant is priced at $1,599.
- Predecessor to Modern Apps: The iPhone predates the existence of major platforms like Instagram, Uber, TikTok, and more.
- Single Camera Setup: The original iPhone featured only one camera on the back. In contrast, the current iPhone 13 Pro boasts a sophisticated camera system with four lenses.
- Lack of Copy and Paste: Copy and paste functionality were absent from the original iPhone until it was introduced in 2009 with iPhone OS 3.
- Limited App Selection: Initially, the iPhone had only 15 built-in apps, including Calendar, Camera, Maps, and more. Currently, Apple offers a myriad of apps across 34 iPhone models.
- Video Recording Evolution: The original iPhone lacked video recording capabilities, while the iPhone 13 Pro now supports 4K 60fps video and ProRes at 4K 30fps.
- iPhone as a Filmmaking Tool: Several movies, including “Unsane,” “Tangerine,” and Lady Gaga’s “Stupid Love” music video, were filmed using iPhones.
- Texting Limitations: The original iPhone did not support Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) for sending photos and videos via text until iPhone OS 3 was introduced.
- 3.5-Inch Display: The inaugural iPhone featured a 3.5-inch screen. Today, the iPhone lineup includes varying sizes, such as the 5.4-inch iPhone 13 Mini and the 6.7-inch iPhone 13 Pro Max.
- Introduction of iMessage and FaceTime: iMessage debuted in 2011, while FaceTime was introduced in 2010.
- App Store Arrival: The App Store launched on July 10, 2008, initially offering 500 apps. Currently, the store houses a vast selection of 1.8 million apps.
- Staggering Sales: Apple sold its millionth iPhone on September 10, 2007, just 74 days after the initial launch. In 2018, Apple sold a remarkable 216.7 million iPhones, averaging approximately one million iPhones sold every 1.5 days.
The journey from the original iPhone to the present-day models reflects an unparalleled evolution, solidifying Apple’s place as a tech giant and the iPhone as a cultural and technological milestone.