About 18 years ago, on January 9, 2007, Steve Jobs unveiled the original iPhone, which forever changed mobile communication and the tech sector.
Standing on stage at the Macworld Conference, Jobs announced a revolutionary product that combined three distinct functions: " an iPod with touch controls, a phone, and a breakthrough internet connection device." He emphasized, "These are not three separate devices. This is one device, and we are calling it iPhone."
With these words, Apple established a new benchmark of innovation.
The original iPhone defied industry standards with its elegant design. Its 3.5-inch multi-touch display eliminated the requirement for a physical keyboard and had an aluminum and plastic shell. It also had a 2-megapixel camera.
Powered by iPhone OS, the device offered functionality far beyond the capabilities of feature phones of its time. It combined many devices into one, providing a unified user experience that paved the way for modern smartphones.
Along with the iPhone, Apple also introduced the Apple TV, initially previewed as iTV. The set-top box, designed to bring iTunes content to televisions, included a 40 GB hard drive, supported 720p HD quality, and allowed wireless movie, music, and photo streaming.
The introduction of Apple TV marked Apple's expansion into Home entertainment. It also highlighted the company's transition from "Apple Computer Inc." to "Apple Inc.", a name change that signaled its diversification beyond computers.
The iPhone's influence went beyond its hardware. A year later, the App Store launched, opening up a world of possibilities for developers and customers.
Apple has continued to innovate, expanding its ecosystem with items such as Apple TV+ and, more recently, the Vision Pro headset.
The original iPhone was more than a phone; it was a cultural milestone that changed how people interacted with technology and laid the groundwork for the devices we use today.