History of IPhone in Timeline
The iPhone, a smartphone created by Apple Inc., utilizes Apple's proprietary iOS mobile operating system. Former Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the inaugural iPhone on January 9, 2007. Apple has consistently released new iPhone models and iOS updates annually. Surpassing 2.2 billion units sold by November 1, 2018, the iPhone's popularity highlights its significant cultural impact.
1998: Meaning of "i" in Apple Products
In 1998, Steve Jobs explained that the "i" in Apple product names like "iMac" represents "internet, individual, instruct, inform, and inspire."
2004: Project Purple Begins
In 2004, Apple initiated the development of a smartphone under the codename "Project Purple."
January 9, 2007: First-generation iPhone Announcement
On January 9, 2007, then-Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced the first-generation iPhone at the Macworld 2007 convention.
June 11, 2007: Third-Party App Support Announced
At WWDC 2007, held on June 11, 2007, Apple announced that the iPhone would provide support for third-party Ajax web applications, designed to seamlessly integrate with the iPhone's interface.
June 29, 2007: First-generation iPhone Launch
The first-generation iPhone was released to the public on June 29, 2007, in the United States.
February 2008: Software Development Kit (SDK) Available
In February 2008, Apple fulfilled its promise by making the software development kit (SDK) available to third-party developers.
March 6, 2008: iPhone SDK Released
The iPhone SDK was officially unveiled and released to developers on March 6, 2008, marking a pivotal step in expanding the iPhone's app ecosystem.
July 11, 2008: iPhone 3G Release
Apple launched the iPhone 3G on July 11, 2008, expanding its availability to 22 countries and introducing faster 3G connectivity.
2008: iPhone's Initial Market Impact
Steve Jobs aimed for a 1% market share for the iPhone in 2008, and while it fell short of that goal in the broader mobile phone market, it quickly gained traction in the smartphone sector, particularly in North America.
2008: App Store Launch
The App Store launched in 2008, revolutionizing smartphone functionality and the mobile app industry.
June 8, 2009: iPhone 3GS Announcement
The iPhone 3GS was announced on June 8, 2009, at WWDC 2009, introducing video recording capabilities to the iPhone lineup.
2009: Apple Rejects "Newspapers" App
In 2009, Apple caused controversy by rejecting the "Newspapers" app from its App Store due to The Sun's inclusion of "obscene" topless content on Page 3.
2009: iPhone's Growing Popularity in the U.S.
In 2009, the iPhone secured the second position in the U.S. market share, trailing only BlackBerry, marking its rising prominence in the smartphone market.
June 7, 2010: iPhone 4 Unveiling
On June 7, 2010, Apple announced the iPhone 4, featuring a redesigned body, Retina display, and front-facing camera.
June 2010: iOS 4 Update Introduces Location Tracking File
An iOS 4 update released in June 2010 introduced the "consolidated.db" file, which logged iPhone user location data. Previous iOS versions stored similar data in a file named "h-cells.plist".
July 2010: Apple Admits to Collecting GPS Data
In July 2010, Apple admitted to collecting iPhone users' GPS coordinates and data on nearby Wi-Fi networks twice a day. This revelation came amidst a broader debate about user privacy and data collection practices. Interestingly, a Wall Street Journal investigation discovered that Google’s Android operating system sent this type of data much more frequently, "several times an hour".
September 2010: Unencrypted Location Tracking File Discovered
In September 2010, a hidden unencrypted file named "consolidated.db" was found on iPhones by forensic expert Christopher Vance. This file stored a record of the user's locations.
2010: Android Surpasses iPhone in Installed Base
Android surpassed the iPhone's installed base in 2010 according to the NPD Group, signaling the growing dominance of the Android operating system in the smartphone market.
2010: Jailbreaking Ruled Legal in U.S.
In 2010, a landmark legal decision in the U.S. deemed jailbreaking iPhones legal. Despite Apple's attempts to fight jailbreaking using the DMCA, the court ruling marked a significant moment for users who wished to have more control over their devices.
2010: iPhone 3GS Becomes Top-Selling Smartphone in the U.S.
In a significant achievement, the iPhone 3GS became the best-selling smartphone in the U.S. in 2010, marking the first time an iPhone model reached the top spot in that market.
April 20, 2011: "Locationgate" Controversy Erupts
On April 20, 2011, The Guardian newspaper brought to light research by Alasdair Allan and Pete Warden that exposed a serious privacy concern dubbed "Locationgate". The research revealed that anyone with physical access to an iPhone could potentially access a detailed log of the owner's location and movements spanning the past year.
April 27, 2011: Apple Responds to "Locationgate"
On April 27, 2011, in response to the growing "Locationgate" controversy, Apple issued a statement. Apple claimed that the collected location data was used to cache nearby Wi-Fi hotspots and cell towers, arguing that this practice was intended to improve the speed and accuracy of location services.
October 4, 2011: iPhone 4s Launch with Siri
The iPhone 4s was released on October 4, 2011, introducing the Siri virtual assistant, A5 processor, and improved camera.
2011: iPhone becomes Apple's bestselling product
By 2011, the iPhone had become Apple's top-selling product and helped establish the company as one of the world's most valuable publicly traded entities.
2011: Pegasus Spyware Use Begins
Evidence emerged indicating that the Pegasus spyware had been in use as early as 2011, highlighting the long-standing nature of this threat.
2011: Apple Diversifies Manufacturing
In 2011, Tim Cook, Apple's new CEO, initiated a diversification of the company's manufacturing partners, moving away from solely relying on Foxconn.
2011: Apple Becomes Largest Mobile Phone Vendor by Revenue
In 2011, driven by strong iPhone sales, Apple became the world's largest mobile phone vendor by revenue, surpassing Nokia, which had long held the leading position.
September 12, 2012: iPhone 5 Debuts with Larger Screen
Apple unveiled the iPhone 5 on September 12, 2012, with a larger 4-inch display, 4G LTE connectivity, and a slimmer design.
2012: Pegatron Joins iPhone Manufacturing
The iPhone 4s, released in 2012, marked the beginning of Pegatron's involvement in iPhone manufacturing alongside Foxconn.
September 10, 2013: iPhone 5s and 5c Introduction
On September 10, 2013, Apple announced the iPhone 5s, featuring the first 64-bit smartphone processor and Touch ID, alongside the more affordable iPhone 5c.
October 2013: 60 Billion App Downloads
By October 2013, Apple announced a significant milestone: 60 billion app downloads from its App Store.
2013: Pegatron's Role Expands
Pegatron's role in iPhone production increased in 2013 when they manufactured part of the iPhone 5c line.
2013: Apple Offers Trade-in Discounts
Starting in 2013, Apple introduced a trade-in program, allowing iPhone buyers to receive discounts on new iPhones purchased directly from Apple.
July 2014: China Calls iPhone Tracking a "National Security Concern"
In July 2014, a report on China Central Television, a state-owned media outlet, raised concerns about iPhone tracking, labeling it a potential "national security concern".
September 9, 2014: iPhone 6 and 6 Plus Unveiled
Apple launched the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus on September 9, 2014, introducing larger screen sizes and Apple Pay.
2014: iOS 8 Introduces File-Based Encryption
A significant change came with the release of iOS 8 in 2014: the introduction of file-based encryption. Before this, iPhones stored a significant amount of user data—including messages, media, contacts, and call history—in an unencrypted format, making it easily accessible to law enforcement.
2014: Pegatron Produces 30% of iPhone 6 Units
In 2014, Pegatron's contribution to iPhone production rose further as they manufactured 30% of iPhone 6 devices.
September 9, 2015: iPhone 6s and 6s Plus Release
Apple released the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus on September 9, 2015, with a stronger aluminum frame and a 12-megapixel camera capable of 4K video recording.
2015: FBI-Apple Encryption Dispute Begins
A high-stakes legal battle unfolded between Apple and the FBI in 2015, centered around encryption and user privacy. The dispute stemmed from the FBI's attempts to compel Apple to help unlock an iPhone 5c belonging to one of the San Bernardino attackers.
2015: iPhone Upgrade Program Launches
In 2015, Apple unveiled its iPhone Upgrade Program, a 24-month leasing agreement. This program was seen as a shift in how iPhone owners interacted with mobile carriers, according to Fortune magazine.
March 21, 2016: First-generation iPhone SE Launch
The first-generation iPhone SE, a budget-friendly option with hardware similar to the iPhone 6s in an iPhone 5s body, was released on March 21, 2016.
July 27, 2016: Apple Sells One Billionth iPhone
On July 27, 2016, Apple announced the sale of its one billionth iPhone, marking a significant milestone in the company's history and the global smartphone market.
September 7, 2016: iPhone 7 and 7 Plus Announcement
Apple announced the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus on September 7, 2016, featuring improved cameras, water and dust resistance, and the removal of the headphone jack.
September 2016: 140 Billion App Downloads
Apple celebrated another milestone in September 2016, surpassing 140 billion app downloads from its App Store.
2016: FBI-Apple Encryption Dispute Continues
In 2016, the legal standoff between Apple and the FBI over iPhone encryption intensified. The FBI sought access to data on an iPhone 5c used by one of the San Bernardino attackers, while Apple resisted, citing user privacy concerns.
2016: Pegasus Spyware Discovered
The cybersecurity world was shaken in 2016 with the discovery of Pegasus, a sophisticated suite of exploits designed to target both iOS and Android devices.
January 2017: 2.2 Million Apps Available
By January 2017, the Apple App Store hosted over 2.2 million apps specifically designed for the iPhone, indicating the growing app ecosystem.
September 12, 2017: iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X Launch
On September 12, 2017, Apple unveiled the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and the groundbreaking iPhone X at the Steve Jobs Theater. These models marked a shift in design with a return to a glass back, introduced wireless charging, and featured the powerful A11 Bionic chip. The iPhone X stood out with its bezel-less OLED display, Face ID, and a stainless steel frame, but came with a hefty price tag of US$999.
September 12, 2018: iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max Launch
September 12, 2018, saw the release of the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max. These models boasted the "Smart HDR" photography system and an improved "Neural Engine". The XS Max stood out with its larger 6.5-inch screen, while the XR provided a lower-cost option with a 6.1-inch LCD and a variety of colors.
November 1, 2018: iPhone Sales Milestone
By November 1, 2018, Apple had sold over 2.2 billion iPhones, marking a significant milestone in the product's history.
2018: Tumblr Removed from App Store
In 2018, Apple removed the social media platform Tumblr from the App Store. Apple cited illegal content as the reason for the removal, which resulted in Tumblr banning all adult content from their platform.
September 10, 2019: iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max Launch
On September 10, 2019, Apple released the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max. These models introduced an ultra-wide lens for greater photography capabilities and came equipped with larger batteries for extended usage.
2019: Investigation into Foxconn Practices
Apple initiated an investigation into Foxconn's manufacturing practices in 2019 following reports of rejected parts being used in iPhone assembly.
April 17, 2020: iPhone SE (2nd Generation) Launch
Apple launched the second-generation iPhone SE on April 17, 2020, offering a budget-friendly option. This model combined the newer A11 chip with the design of the iPhone 8, retaining the home button and Touch ID.
October 13, 2020: iPhone 12 Series Launch
The iPhone 12 series, including the 12 Mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max, debuted on October 13, 2020. These models marked the introduction of 5G connectivity, the MagSafe system, and a flat-edged design. The 12 Pro models further incorporated a LiDAR sensor for advanced AR experiences.
January 27, 2021: One Billion Active iPhones Worldwide
During an earnings call on January 27, 2021, Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, revealed that there were one billion iPhones actively used worldwide, indicating the device's massive global reach.
April 2021: App Tracking Transparency Introduced
In April 2021, Apple introduced App Tracking Transparency (ATT) as part of iOS 14.5. ATT mandates that apps must obtain explicit user permission before tracking their activity across other apps and websites.
August 2021: Apple Announces Plans to Scan iCloud Photos for Child Abuse Content
In August 2021, Apple revealed plans to implement a controversial feature: scanning iCloud Photos for child abuse imagery using an algorithm called "NeuralHash." Apple also planned to filter explicit images shared by children using iPhones, a feature termed "Conversation Safety." These plans sparked immediate backlash.
September 14, 2021: iPhone 13 Series Launch
Apple released the iPhone 13 series, comprising the 13 Mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max, on September 14, 2021. These models featured enhanced camera sensors, longer battery life, and a smaller notch. Notably, the 13 Pro models introduced a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate display and improved optical zoom.
2021: iPhone Achieves Highest Brand Loyalty
In 2021, the iPhone achieved the highest brand loyalty among all smartphones, reflecting its strong appeal to consumers.
March 8, 2022: iPhone SE (3rd Generation) Launch
On March 8, 2022, Apple launched the third-generation iPhone SE. This iteration incorporated the A15 chip from the iPhone 13 while retaining the design and features of the second-generation SE.
July 2022: Pegasus Spyware Still in Use
Even by July 2022, the Pegasus spyware remained an active threat, illustrating the persistent challenge of sophisticated cyberattacks.
September 7, 2022: iPhone 14 Series Launch
September 7, 2022, marked the arrival of the iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max. These models introduced emergency satellite calling functionality. The 14 Plus offered the large 6.7-inch screen in a more affordable package, while the 14 Pro models boasted a 48MP main camera, an always-on display, and the innovative "Dynamic Island" replacing the notch.
December 2022: Apple Abandons Photo Scanning Plans
In December 2022, Apple backtracked on its controversial plan to scan iCloud photos for child abuse content. The decision came after months of criticism and concerns from privacy advocates.
2022: Self-Service Repair Program
In 2022, Apple launched a self-service repair program, marking a significant step towards greater user autonomy. This initiative enabled users to purchase parts, rent repair tools from Apple, and access official repair manuals.
2022: Satellite Communication Added to iPhone
The year 2022 marked a significant step for iPhone functionality as Apple introduced satellite communication capabilities with the release of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro.
September 12, 2023: iPhone 15 Series Launch
On September 12, 2023, Apple launched the iPhone 15 series, featuring the 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max. In a significant shift, all models adopted USB-C charging, replacing the Lightning connector. They also incorporated the Dynamic Island and a frosted glass back. The 15 Pro models further distinguished themselves with an "Action" button replacing the mute switch (15 Pro) and titanium edges (15 Pro Max).
2023: Record iPhone Sales for Apple
Apple achieved record-breaking iPhone sales in its 2023 financial year, selling 223 million units and highlighting the continued strong demand for the company's smartphones.
2023: Chinese Government Bans iPhone Use for Government Officials
In 2023, the Chinese government prohibited government civil servants from using iPhones. This action was widely perceived as an attempt to reduce reliance on foreign technology and bolster cybersecurity.
August 2024: App Store Reaches 2 Million Apps
As of August 2024, the Apple App Store offered nearly 2 million applications, demonstrating the vastness of the app economy fostered by the iPhone.
