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Manila Bulletin devider Technews devider A look back at the original iPhone

A look back at the original iPhone

Published Jun 28, 2024 07:26 pm

At A Glance

  • On June 29, 2007, Apple launched the original iPhone, revolutionizing the smartphone industry with its innovative features and user-friendly interface.
  • Apple wasn't always in the phone business. They established themselves first with iconic laptops like the PowerBook and MacBook, known for design and performance.
  • After a brief departure, Steve Jobs' return to Apple in 1997 marked a turning point. His leadership led to groundbreaking products like the iMac, paving the way for future innovations like the iPhone.
  • The original iPhone stood out with a 3.5-inch touchscreen, multi-touch gestures, visual voicemail (though its relevance may vary by region), integrated iPod functionality, and mobile internet browsing with Safari.
  • The original iPhone, while lacking an App Store at launch, laid the groundwork for this revolutionary feature introduced in 2008. This opened doors for third-party apps and transformed the iPhone into a powerful and versatile tool.
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The date was June 29, 2007;  a significant date in tech history. The world had no idea that a device was about to change the course of smartphone technology. The 29th of June 2007 marks the launch of the original iPhone. Under the visionary leadership of Steve Jobs, Apple Inc. introduced a device that redefined the smartphone industry and reshaped the way we interact with technology.

 

The story of the original iPhone's features and innovations makes it clear why it was revolutionary and why its legacy was unforeseen at the time.

 

The Apple Journey: From Laptops to Phones

 

Most people are surprised to learn that Apple didn't always start in the smartphone business. Before venturing into the world of smartphones, Apple was a prominent player in the computer industry. Apple made its mark with laptops like the PowerBook and, eventually, the MacBook. These devices were renowned for their sleek design, robust performance, and user-friendly interfaces, embodying Apple's commitment to quality and innovation.

 

Apple's Renaissance

Like most journeys in the business world, the journey to the iPhone was paved with numerous challenges and pivotal moments, particularly involving the company's co-founder, Steve Jobs. Jobs was ousted from Apple in 1985. However, he returned to the company in 1997. His return marked the beginning of Apple's renaissance. Under his leadership, Apple underwent a remarkable transformation. He spearheaded the development of groundbreaking products like the iMac, revitalizing the company's image and financial health. This period set the motion for future innovations, including the iPhone.

 

The Features That Set the Original iPhone Apart

 

The original iPhone was a radical departure from existing mobile phones. Here's how its features made it stand out:

 

Touchscreen Interface

The 3.5-inch touchscreen was one of its most groundbreaking features. Unlike other smartphones of the era that relied on physical keyboards or styluses, the iPhone introduced a capacitive screen that responded to finger touches. This innovation made the user interface more intuitive and accessible, setting a new standard for mobile devices.

 

Multi-Touch Gestures

The iPhone's multi-touch capability allowed users to perform actions like pinching to zoom, which was a novel and intuitive way to interact with a device. This made navigation more fluid and user-friendly, enhancing the overall user experience.

 

Visual Voicemail

Apple's introduction of visual voicemail allowed users to see a list of their voicemail messages and choose which ones to listen to or delete without having to go through each message sequentially. This was a significant improvement in usability and convenience. Unfortunately, voicemail isn't huge here in the Philippines. Many users in the Philippines prefer text messaging and online messaging apps. Additionally, the cost and availability of voicemail services provided by local carriers have limited its adoption, making visual voicemail less relevant in the Philippine market.

 

Integrated iPod

The iPhone combined a phone's functionality with an iPod's media capabilities. Users could store and play music, watch videos, and view photos all in one device, eliminating the need to carry multiple gadgets.

 

Internet Connectivity

While it wasn't the first phone to offer internet access, the iPhone's Safari browser brought a desktop-like web experience to a mobile device. The ability to browse full websites was a significant leap from other phones' limited mobile internet capabilities.

 

App Ecosystem Beginnings

Although the original iPhone did not launch with the App Store, it laid the groundwork for the following app ecosystem. Developers were quick to see the potential of this new platform. By 2008, the App Store was introduced, opening the floodgates for third-party applications and transforming the iPhone into a versatile tool.

 

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