Revisit the iPhone's initial unveiling, 18 years back, through this TV news broadcast clip.
On June 29, 2007, the world witnessed an extraordinary event in the technology industry - the launch of the first iPhone. This groundbreaking device, unveiled five months earlier by Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple, sparked unmatched enthusiasm, intense public anticipation, and a major cultural and technological milestone.
The iPhone's launch day was a significant cultural event, as the device would go on to redefine the smartphone industry and help establish Apple as a tech giant. The excitement was driven by the revolutionary features the iPhone introduced, such as the multi-touch screen, which was seen as a major technological breakthrough that would change the world.
According to an old ABC News report, tech writer Steven Levy described the anticipation as unmatched in his 20 years of covering technology, saying, "There’s been nothing like this in my memory" regarding the hype for the iPhone[1]. ABC News reporter John Berman even expressed how Apple's advertising campaign deeply influenced him, saying, "Apple is in my head. Must get iPhone. Must get iPhone," highlighting the intense buzz around the product[1].
Before the launch, Apple had built up massive hype since the device's unveiling in January 2007. This level of excitement was so significant that it encouraged a large number of people to purchase the device. Jessica, a woman in line outside an Apple Store in New York City, described her excitement about purchasing the iPhone, comparing it to winning the Olympic gold medal[1]. She bought two iPhones, one for her sister, and paid over a thousand dollars for her purchase.
The iPhone's original features included a 3.5-inch display, a 2-megapixel camera, and was priced at $499 (4GB) and $599 (8GB)[2]. Since its launch, the iPhone has undergone numerous iterations, with the iPhone 17 expected to be released later this year.
The iPhone launch took place at Apple Stores in the U.S. and beyond. The event was marked by the level of excitement and anticipation that was unprecedented in the technology world. Steve Jobs, then Apple's CEO, was seen as an innovator who comes up with new creative ideas before anyone else[1].
The iPhone has been a significant financial success for Apple, generating around $1.5 trillion for the company over the years[3]. In fact, Apple is considered a religion for some people, a sentiment echoed by Levy[1]. Levy, now editor-at-large at Wired, noted that Apple has a history of striking a chord among people who appreciate technology and quality.
In summary, the launch of the first iPhone was a transformative moment in consumer technology history. The unmatched enthusiasm, intense public anticipation, and cultural impact of the event have solidified the iPhone's place as a game-changer in the smartphone industry.
[1] ABC News report, June 29, 2007 [2] CBS News report, June 29, 2007 [3] Forbes, "The Most Valuable Companies in the World," 2022 [4] The Guardian, "The iPhone: 10 years of Apple's game-changing smartphone," June 29, 2017
The iPhone's release day marked a cultural shift as it revolutionized the smartphone industry and solidified Apple's status as a leading tech company. The device, featuring groundbreaking technology like the multi-touch screen, sparked unprecedented excitement and anticipation, prompting many to purchase the iPhone and establish it as a game-changer in consumer technology.
Unmatched enthusiasm for the iPhone extended beyond the device's launch day, with individuals such as Jessica, a woman in New York City, comparing the experience of buying an iPhone to winning an Olympic gold medal. This enthusiasm has continued to grow over the years, with the iPhone generating significant financial success for Apple and becoming a symbol of quality and innovation in the consumer tech world.
