9 January 2007 - Apple introduces iPhone

There are very few technological events in recent history that can rival the introduction of the iPhone by Apple on the 9th of January, 2007. Dubbing it the “reinvention of the phone”, the company claimed that it was a revolutionary product that was five years ahead of any other mobile phone. Starting at $499, this first-generation iPhone offered a 3.5-inch diagonal screen, had a 2-megapixel camera, and featured the then-new multitouch features. This device was marketed as a combination of three products - a mobile phone, a widescreen iPod, and a breakthrough internet communications device. The first iPhone sold 1.39 million units. Today, this device holds a major share in the global smartphone market revenue.

With every new line of iPhone introduced, this smartphone has gained loyal fans and become a highly popular brand. A few of the aspects that make the iPhone so uniquely desirable are as follows. This device was not the first to feature a multi-touch screen but it was the first to make using one highly intuitive and easy. Using an iPhone is a luxury experience since it is made from high-quality products. The design is extremely simple and minimalistic yet elegant, adding to the ease of use. The seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem offers greater security and better software optimisation. And of course, the extremely positive perception and image attached to this phone are almost unparalleled.

At the time of its release, critics did not foresee the iPhone performing well in the market due to its price range. Interestingly, since 2009, this product has been ranked among the top 5 smartphone vendors in the world. In the year 2020 alone, iPhone revenue was over $137.7 billion. In fact, this product is so revolutionary that it has separated the smartphone market into two categories - the iPhone and everything else.