The iPhone has a pretty fascinating history! It all started in 2007 when Apple’s co-founder, Steve Jobs, unveiled the first iPhone.
It was a revolutionary device that combined a phone, an iPod, and an internet communicator all in one.
The original iPhone had a 3.5-inch display, a 2-megapixel camera, and ran on iOS, Apple’s mobile operating system.
Over the years, Apple has released numerous iPhone models, each with upgraded features and improved technology.
Here’s a brief timeline highlighting key moments in the rise of the iPhone:
- January 9, 2007: Apple’s co-founder and then-CEO Steve Jobs unveils the first iPhone at the Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco. The original iPhone combines a phone, iPod, and internet communicator.
- June 29, 2007: The first iPhone was released in the United States. Long lines form outside Apple stores as eager customers wait to get their hands on the revolutionary device.
- July 11, 2008: The iPhone 3G is released, introducing 3G networking and the App Store. The App Store opens with 500 third-party applications.
- June 8, 2009: Apple launches the iPhone 3GS, featuring improved speed, a better camera, and video recording capabilities.
- June 24, 2010: The iPhone 4 is released, introducing the Retina display, a front-facing camera, and a stainless steel and glass design.
- October 4, 2011: Apple’s new CEO, Tim Cook, introduces the iPhone 4S, which includes the virtual assistant Siri.
- September 21, 2012: The iPhone 5 is released, featuring a larger 4-inch screen and a new Lightning connector.
- September 20, 2013: Apple launches the iPhone 5S and introduces the lower-cost iPhone 5C with colorful plastic casings.
- September 9, 2014: The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are unveiled, featuring larger screens (4.7 inches and 5.5 inches, respectively) and a redesigned body.
- September 25, 2015: The iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus are released, introducing 3D Touch and a 12-megapixel camera.
- September 7, 2016: Apple announces the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, removing the headphone jack and introducing water resistance.
- September 12, 2017: The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are revealed, featuring wireless charging and improved cameras.
- November 3, 2017: The iPhone X (pronounced “ten”) is released, marking the 10th anniversary of the iPhone. It introduces Face ID and an edge-to-edge OLED Super Retina display.
- September 12, 2018: Apple unveils the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, featuring improved cameras and a new Gold color option.
- September 20, 2019: The iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max are released, featuring a triple-camera system and Night mode.
- October 13, 2020: Apple introduces the iPhone 12 lineup, featuring 5G capabilities, MagSafe technology, and a Ceramic Shield front cover.
- September 14, 2021: The iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max are announced, featuring camera enhancements, improved battery life, and a smaller notch.
- September 7, 2022:Apple introduced iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, featuring two sizes — 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches
- September 12, 2023: Apple launched the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, featuring an industry-first color-infused back glass with a stunning, textured matte finish.
Each iPhone release has brought innovations, setting trends in the smartphone industry and influencing how we interact with technology.
The iPhone’s evolution over the years reflects advancements in technology, design, and user experience, solidifying its status as a cultural and technological phenomenon.
Read more on Tech Gist Africa:
Apple launched the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus
Apple breaks the record as the first company in the world to have a market valuation of $3 trillion