iPhone (original)

iPhone (original)
Name	iPhone (original)
Developer	Apple Inc.
Manufacturer	Foxconn
Family	iPhone
Type	Smartphone
Released	January 9, 2007
Discontinued	June 29, 2007 (U.S.); February 2008 (global)
Os	iPhone OS 1
Soc	Samsung 32-bit RISC ARM 1176JZ(F)-S
Memory	128 MB
Storage	4, 8, 16 GB
Display	3.5-inch 320×480 px, capacitive touchscreen
Camera	2 MP

iPhone (original)

The iPhone (original) was a smartphone introduced by Apple Inc. CEO Steve Jobs on January 9, 2007, at the Macworld Conference & Expo. It combined a multi-touch touchscreen display, mobile phone, and portable media player into a single device, integrating hardware and software developed by teams at Apple Inc. and components sourced from suppliers such as Samsung Electronics and Foxconn. The announcement catalyzed shifts in the telecommunications and consumer electronics sectors involving companies like AT&T and competitors including Nokia, BlackBerry Limited, and Microsoft Corporation.

History

Development of the device traces to projects within Apple Inc. such as the ‘‘Project Purple’’ effort and research into touchscreen interfaces influenced by work at Xerox PARC and technologies from companies like FingerWorks. The smartphone emerged amid industry developments including the rise of Symbian platforms, the expansion of GSM and 3G networks, and litigation between handset makers such as Nokia and Qualcomm. Public unveiling occurred at Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco, followed by a strategic partnership with AT&T for exclusive U.S. carrier distribution, which reshaped carrier relationships and regulatory discussions involving entities such as the Federal Communications Commission. The device’s launch also intersected with product strategies at Microsoft, Google, and Sony Ericsson.

Design

Industrial design was led by Jonathan Ive and teams at Apple Inc. and drew aesthetic lineage from devices like the iPod and the Newton MessagePad. The handset featured an aluminum and glass construction with a single front-mounted physical button and a multi-touch capacitive display influenced by research at University of Delaware and technologies from Synaptics. The interface employed direct manipulation gestures similar to those explored at Bell Labs and by innovators such as Don Norman. Packaging and retail presentation were coordinated with Apple Stores and executives like Phil Schiller to produce a distinctive product launch experience akin to earlier releases such as the iPod Mini.

Hardware

The original device used a Samsung-manufactured ARM-based system-on-chip, integrated flash memory from suppliers like Samsung Electronics and Toshiba, and a 2-megapixel camera module. Connectivity included quad-band GSM and EDGE radio hardware, Wi‑Fi compatible with IEEE 802.11b/g, and Bluetooth radio components. Sensors included an ambient light sensor and accelerometer technologies similar to parts used by Nintendo and other consumer electronics firms. The display was a 3.5-inch 320×480 pixel LCD with capacitive touch, supplied by manufacturers such as LG Display. Battery, power management, and antenna design involved collaborations with component partners and iterative testing in facilities linked to Foxconn and Pegatron suppliers.

Software

The device shipped with iPhone OS 1, integrating multimedia features from the iPod platform, a mobile-optimized version of Safari derived from WebKit, and email and calendar synchronization with services like Microsoft Exchange. Native applications were limited; Apple initially provided a curated set including Visual Voicemail and the iTunes-linked media player, while third-party software distribution later moved toward the App Store model introduced with subsequent devices. Security, user interface paradigms, and developer relations engaged stakeholders such as Adobe Systems (regarding Flash), Google (with applications like Maps), and enterprise customers running IBM-supported deployments.

Reception and impact

Critical reception combined enthusiasm from outlets like The New York Times and Wired with skepticism from industry analysts at firms such as Gartner and IDC. Coverage highlighted the device’s user interface innovations and the disruption posed to incumbents including Nokia, BlackBerry Limited, and handset makers like Motorola. The announcement and launch influenced policy discussions at bodies such as the Federal Trade Commission regarding carrier exclusivity and antitrust concerns involving platform control, and prompted shifts in carrier bundling practices among operators like Vodafone and Sprint Corporation.

Sales and market performance

After pre-announcement speculation and long lead times, the device launched in the United States on June 29, 2007, sold through Apple Store channels and AT&T retails, and generated significant sales momentum. Early sales figures and channel reports from firms like NPD Group indicated strong demand, driving rapid inventory depletion. International rollouts followed in markets served by operators such as O2 and Telstra, with sales patterns compared against competitors like Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics. Financial reporting by Apple Inc. showed the product contributed to revenue growth that influenced investor reactions on exchanges such as NASDAQ.

Legacy and influence on later models

The original device established design and software paradigms that informed later generations produced by Apple Inc., including hardware refinements, the introduction of the App Store, and transitions to faster cellular standards like HSDPA and LTE. Its integration of hardware and platform strategy shaped approaches at competitors such as Google with Android partners HTC Corporation and Samsung Electronics, and influenced manufacturing relationships with assemblers like Foxconn. The model is cited in academic and industry analyses alongside milestones such as the iPod and the launch of Android as pivotal in the evolution of the modern smartphone ecosystem.

Category:Apple products Category:Mobile phones introduced in 2007