The First iPhone Goes on Sale

On June 29, 2007, Apple Inc. released the first-generation iPhone in the United States, introducing a touchscreen smartphone that combined a phone, an iPod, and an internet communicator. Its launch marked a pivotal moment in consumer technology, setting new standards for mobile devices and reshaping the industry.

Historical Context

In the mid-2000s, the mobile phone market was dominated by feature phones with physical keypads and limited internet capabilities. Apple, known for its Mac computers and iPod music players, entered the mobile space under CEO Steve Jobs, who envisioned a device with a revolutionary multi-touch interface. The development, codenamed 'Purple 2,' was kept secret and involved collaboration with AT&T (then Cingular) to create an exclusive partnership.

What Happened

The iPhone went on sale at 6:00 p.m. local time on June 29, 2007, at Apple and AT&T stores across the United States. Customers lined up for hours, and the 4GB model sold for $499 and the 8GB model for $599 (with a two-year contract). The device featured a 3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen, a 2-megapixel camera, and ran on iOS (then called iPhone OS). It lacked 3G support and third-party apps initially, but its Safari browser, visual voicemail, and pinch-to-zoom gestures drew widespread attention. Apple sold about 270,000 units in the first two days.

Significance & Legacy

The iPhone's launch catalyzed the smartphone revolution, leading to the decline of physical keyboards and the rise of app-based ecosystems. It established the template for modern smartphones, influencing competitors and spawning a multi-billion-dollar industry. The device also accelerated the shift to mobile internet, social media, and mobile photography, fundamentally changing communication, commerce, and entertainment worldwide.

Conclusion

The first iPhone was not the first smartphone, but its intuitive design and marketing made it a cultural phenomenon. Its success laid the groundwork for subsequent models and the broader mobile computing era, cementing Apple's role as a technology leader. The June 29, 2007, release remains a landmark date in the history of consumer electronics.