As if it didn't own the world already, Apple has taken another critical step toward attaining cultural ubiquity by selling its 500 millionth iPhone, according to Forbes. Back when it debuted, Steve Jobs aimed for a total of 10 million total units to be sold in 2008. This is a number that industry expert Edward Snyder found improbably especially given the slow sales figures at the beginning of that year (when the device was selling an average of 600,000 units a month.
“They're going to have a difficult time” reaching Jobs' projection of 10 million devices sold, Snyder told The New York Times.
And to Snyder's credit, Jobs did end up being wrong about the 10 million figure. The device sold more than 13 million units in 2008.
As with all Apple products, iPhone debut began with Jobs on stage
To Apple enthusiasts and ordinary civilians alike, the sight of Steve Jobs mounting a stage among fervent whispers and eager anticipation should trigger one thought: a new Apple product is being introduced. And in January 2007, that is exactly what happened when Jobs took the floor at MacWorld to unsheathe Apple's smartphone for the first time.
“Every once in a while a revolutionary product comes around that changes everything,” Jobs told the audience. “Apple's been very fortunate. It's been able to introduce a few of these into the world,” before promising the crowd that “Today Apple is going to reinvent the phone.”
And with those bold words, he unveiled the device. Back then, the multi-touch interface was still a remarkable new thing, and Jobs told the crowd how that technology would be central to the iPhone's functionality. For industry experts and consumers, the future of the phone had arrived.
The history of the iPhone is not complete without injuries
Despite always seeming to be one step ahead of the competition, Apple products are as susceptible as any to damages, which can result in a trip to a cell phone repair shop. According to LifeHacker, some of the most common problems with the iPhone involve battery replacement needs, and issues with the dock connector and home button. While some of these repairs can be handled in a do-it-yourself fashion, others – such as replacing the display – should likely be taken to a cell phone repair shop unless you are an exceedingly adept handyman.
Reports place next iPhone debut in September
By now the iPhone has gone through many different iterations, and with each new model customers prepare themselves for a device that will improve on its predecessor. After all, Apple has never been a company to rest on its laurels. Therefore, industry speculation abounds about the supposedly looming debut of the next iPhone. CNET is reporting that a factory in Taiwan has opened up to start the initial building phase, though Apple is declining to comment.
One thing about the iPhone is certain: No matter how innovative, it won't eliminate the need for the occasional iPhone repair.