Apple CEO Steve Jobs stood on stage at the Macworld Expo event in San Francisco, California, USA, on January 9, 2007, 15 years ago, and gave the world its first look at the iPhone, which he describes as a “widescreen iPod with touch control,” a “revolutionary mobile phone,” and a “groundbreaking Internet communication device.” And the rest, as they say, is history. The iPhone became a “witness” to the entire phone industry’s transformation.
By today’s standards, the original iPhone featured a 3.5-inch LCD screen, which was quite small. It sports a 2-megapixel camera, an ancient Home button, a thick chassis, big bezels, and a 32-bit Samsung processor. However, it was unlike any other phone on the market at the time, whether it was from Nokia or BlackBerry.
Users were still used to phones with small screens and physical keys or styluses at the time (like the O2 series or phones using Windows Mobile operating system). Meanwhile, the iPhone boasts a multi-touch screen that is simple to use, as well as top-notch media functions, making it the ideal entertainment device.
“The iPod with touch control, a telephone, and a new internet communications device,” Jobs describes the iPhone as a three-in-one product. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for two and a half years,” Jobs said in his address, adding, “Today, Apple will redefine the phone.”
Following Apple’s announcement, rival technological companies mocked the iPhone. Nokia and BlackBerry, the current hardware monarchs, believe that users will not require a phone with no buttons. Their error stems from here, and it is this that eventually leads to the demise of these two formerly-branded individuals.
Unlike Nokia and BlackBerry, several other companies, such as Samsung and LG, soon recognized the iPhone’s pioneering nature. These businesses immediately adjusted their strategy in response to the new market trend ushered in by the iPhone. Touch ID, Face ID, a sleek design, and excellent camera technology, among many other features, have kept Apple competitive over the years.
iPhone is still the most popular smartphone brand in the world. Despite the fact that many companies have adopted Apple’s strategy, it is indisputable that the iPhone remains unique.
Apple announced in January 2021 that there were more than 1 billion active iPhones around the world, an astounding figure, and that the iPhone’s success had made Apple the first corporation in the world to achieve a $3 trillion valuation.
