Introduced in 2007, the iPhone has revolutionized the way we communicate, work, and live. Throughout so many years, millions of people have loved this smartphone. But even the most ardent fans might not know these interesting facts about the iPhone. Let’s dive into some of the most surprising incidents and stories behind Apple’s iconic device.
10 iPhone facts that you didn’t know about [Infographic]
1. The Jesus Phone
When Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone on the 29th of June 2007, the world saw it as nothing short of miraculous. It had revolutionary features, blending a phone, an iPod, and an internet communicator. Hundreds of customers had rushed to Apple Store across the country to buy the iPhone.
Following its huge success, a large section of media in the U.S. nicknamed iPhone – “The Jesus Phone.” It set the stage for modern smartphones and proved to be a transformative moment in tech history.
2. The first iPhone had a plastic screen
The initial prototypes of the iPhone featured a plastic screen like the iPod. The iPhone you see in the keynote video of January 2007 was also a plastic display. However, during testing of the prototype, Jobs noticed how easily the screens scratched from keys and other pocket items in just one day.
In a last-minute decision, he approached Corning and demanded chemically reinforced glass be used. This was a tough project with a tight deadline, as the iPhone was set to be shipped in June. Within six months, Corning produced the toughened glass, replacing the plastic screen. It also made the iPhone the first smartphone to feature Gorilla Glass.
You can watch the press conference below:Â
3. The first iPhone call was a Starbucks prank
During the Macworld 2007 keynote, Steve Jobs made the first public call to Starbucks, ordering 4,000 lattes as a joke. In the middle of the presentation, Jobs announced that the iPhone would have Google Maps. Although amusing now, Apple didn’t have a functional map feature at the time.
To demonstrate the feature, he looked for Starbucks shops nearby in the Google Maps app. He selected a Starbucks, retrieved their information, placed a call, and ordered 4000 lattes.
While the prank was harmless, it symbolized how the iPhone would integrate phone calls with internet capabilities. The incident also showcased Jobs’ playful side and remains one of the quirkiest moments in Apple’s history.
Here, you can witness the moment:
4. iPhone survived a 16,000-foot drop
In a jaw-dropping incident, an iPhone endured a 16,000-foot fall from an Alaska Airlines plane and still worked! During a flight, a door plug malfunction caused a passenger’s iPhone to get sucked out of the plane. Despite plummeting from such a staggering height, the device was later found intact and fully functional on the ground.
This incredible event highlights the iPhone’s durability and left fans in awe of its resilience. While not a feature Apple advertises, it certainly adds to the iPhone’s legendary status! If you want to know more about the incident, read the coverage at CBS News.
5. The first iPhone presentation almost crashed
During the 2007 unveiling, the iPhone OS was still in development and not fully functional. Apple engineers devised a “golden path” to keep the demo functional, while Jobs executed the presentation flawlessly. In the middle of the presentation, the clicker to change slides stopped working. However, Jobs covered it with his witty humor.
Moreover, the keynote concentrated on only the essential functions that were stable at the time. Moreover, many demos were pre-recorded. And the team, including Jobs, meticulously rehearsed the presentation to perfection.
You can read the behind-the-scenes stories of the original iPhone introduction from the former Apple engineer on a MacRumors blog.
6. The first idea for the iPhone was born in 1983
A renowned designer Hartmut Esslinger created a phone prototype in 1983 that featured a rotary dial like landline and touchscreen interface. The design included apps, a touch keyboard, and a stylus for navigation. Although it never saw the light of day, the concept laid the groundwork for the Apple phone.
On the contrary, it’s believed the idea of an Apple phone came from Jean-Marie Hullot. He was a software engineer who worked at NeXT and, later, Apple. Initially, Jobs didn’t favor making an Apple phone, but eventually, Hullot was able to convince him. Finally, the first iPhone development started in 2005.
7. Apple service document has unusual restrictions
Apple’s Global Trade Compliance agreement states that its devices cannot be used to create nuclear weapons, biological weapons, missiles, and technology in a few countries. They must obtain proper authorization from the U.S. Government to do so.
While this might sound bizarre, it’s a reminder of how Apple ensures its products are used ethically, even including such unlikely scenarios in their documentation.
Want to know which countries are whitelisted? Go through Apple Trade Compliance.
8. The iPhone that lasted only two months
The first iPhone, released in June 2007, had two variants: 4GB and 8GB. However, the 4GB one was discontinued by September of the same year. Apple replaced it with an 8GB version as users demanded more storage. Therefore, the 4GB variant remains a collector’s item!
9. 200 patents were filed for the first iPhone
Apple secured over 200 patents during the development of the first iPhone. These included innovations like multi-touch gestures, the sleek rectangular shape, and even the curved corners of the device.
10. Apple refused to unlock a terrorist’s iPhone
In 2016, the FBI requested Apple unlock an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino shooters. Apple refused, citing user privacy and security concerns. The case sparked a global debate on privacy versus security, solidifying Apple’s reputation as a company deeply committed to safeguarding customer data.
Later, Tim Cook wrote an open letter to the customers about the incident and Apple’s standpoint. Here, you can read the Customer Letter by Tim Cook.
Signing off…
From pranks to patents and survival stories, the iPhone’s journey is filled with intriguing moments. These interesting facts not only highlight the ingenuity behind iPhones but also reflect Apple’s vision, resilience, and principles as a company.
What’s your favorite iPhone story? Let us know in the comments below!
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