The very first iPhone in the world (photo). IPhone of all generations (photos and comparison)
Hi all! New model The iPhone comes out every year and Apple strictly adheres to this rule. However, “once a year” is too vague a wording, don’t you think? Therefore, I propose to find out today the exact date exit of absolutely everyone existing models iPhone. To collect, so to speak, all these numbers in one place.
For what? Firstly, it is always interesting to track how much time passes from the moment of presentation to the start of sales in Russia and the world. Secondly, such a cheat sheet can be useful to many (for me, as the author of a blog about Apple, certainly :)). Thirdly, why not? The content, in my opinion, is useful - let it be. Go!
For a clearer understanding, all information is presented in the table. A little explanation:
- Start date of sales in the world - by “world” we mean the countries of the so-called “first wave” (USA, European countries, etc.)
- The start date of sales in Russia is the beginning of sales of certified (PCT) iPhones.
- The iPhone 2G was not sold “legally” in Russia, but was the first official iPhone in the Russian Federation there is a 3G model (a little more about this).
| Device model | Presentation date | Global sales start date | Sales start date in Russia |
| iPhone 2G | 09.01.2007 | 29.06.2007 | No |
| iPhone 3G | 10.06.2008 | 11.07.2008 | 03.10.2008 |
| iPhone 3GS | 08.06.2009 | 19.06.2009 | 05.03.2010 |
| iPhone 4 | 07.06.2010 | 24.06.2010 | 22.09.2010 |
| iPhone 4S | 04.10.2011 | 14.10.2011 | 16.12.2011 |
| iPhone 5 | 19.09.2012 | 21.09.2012 | 14.12.2012 |
| iPhone 5S, 5C | 10.09.2013 | 20.09.2013 | 25.10.2013 |
| iPhone 6 (Plus) | 09.09.2014 | 19.09.2014 | 26.09.2014 |
| iPhone 6S (Plus) | 09.09.2015 | 25.09.2015 | 09.10.2015 |
| iPhone SE | 21.03.2016 | 31.03.2016 | 05.04.2016 |
| iPhone 7 (Plus) | 07.09.2016 | 16.09.2016 | 23.09.2016 |
| iPhone 8 (Plus) | 12.09.2017 | 22.09.2017 | 29.09.2017 |
| iPhone X | 12.09.2017 | 03.11.2017 | 03.11.2017 |
| iPhone XS (Max) | 12.09.2018 | 21.09.2018 | 28.09.2018 |
| iPhone XR | 12.09.2018 | 26.10.2018 | 26.10.2018 |
As you can see, the increase in loyalty is very clearly visible Apple to our country. The timing of the appearance of gadgets in Russia, compared to the global start of sales, decreased every year. And by the time the “six” came out, they reached their apogee. The difference was only a week!
For comparison - official iPhone 3GS appeared in Russia after almost 9 months! At this time the whole world was already waiting for the “four” :)
And my opinion is that everything was heading towards Russia being included this year in the list of those countries where Apple devices appear first. However, this did not happen and we all know why:
- Dollar instability.
- Great prices.
- Low purchasing activity.
Well, let's wait and see and perhaps, specifically for the iPhone 7 model, a row with two identical numbers in the last two columns will be added to the table at the top :)
Updated! Well, with regards to the iPhone 7, miracles certainly didn’t happen, but Russia still got into the “second wave” of sales. In the Russian Federation, a brand new smartphone from Apple will appear only a week later than in the “first wave” countries. And this is very good! After all, the point is that starting with the iPhone 7S, our country should be among those who will receive it first.
Updated 2! Preliminary data (which are known immediately after the presentation) on iPhone release 8 and iPhone X have been added to the table. On this moment Opinions differ only about the G8 - will Russia be among the countries of the “first wave”? Or iPhone sales 8 in the Russian Federation will start a week later than in the rest of the world? Let's wait for more accurate information... We have waited. Still a week late. But Russia was included in the “first wave” of iPhone X sales - this is very cool!
By his appearance iPhone smartphone owes to the popular player from Apple - iPod, which since 2001 has gained enormous success among users all over the world. Director of the company Steve Jobs I have long been nurturing the idea of creating a device that would combine all the gadgets people wear, and it became the multifunctional iPhone smartphone.
Initially it was conceived as a tablet, but after the development of a touch screen and some other modules, the decision arose to create a smartphone, so Apple tablets became relevant only in 2010.
Prototype first iPhone became mobile phone Motorola ROKR, which was called the “failure of the year” in 2005 due to poor functionality and poor design. Taking into account the mistakes made, the company began creating a new smartphone in strict secrecy, which ultimately yielded amazing results.
First generation iPhone
The new smartphone was presented to the public in January 2007, and in the summer it already began to be actively purchased by users. Despite the support GSM networks, as well as the ability to use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, it was heavily criticized due to its lack of 3G support, which forced users to use low-speed ADGE technology to access the Internet.
In addition, in terms of communication security, it was noticeably inferior to some communicators, so it was not widely used in the corporate segment. In the first version, the model was equipped with built-in memory of 4 and 8 GB, but after some time a model with 16 GB of memory appeared.
Second generation - iPhone 3G
A year and a half later, in June 2008, Apple corrected the errors by adding a 3G module to the smartphone. The model was called iPhone 3G and, along with support for 3G networks, also supported GPS and A-GPS, if used Google app Maps.
The smartphone began to work under the operating system new version iPhone OS 2.0, and was equipped with 8 or 16 GB of built-in memory. Compared to the first modification, metal back cover was replaced by plastic panel white or black. Within a few months after the iPhone 3G went on sale, its distribution area expanded to 70 countries (including Russia).
iPhone 3GS – the third generation of smartphone
In June 2009, the third version of the device was released, which added the letter “S” from the word “speed” to the previous name. So Apple's way announced twice the speed of some applications (the most resource-intensive), which became possible thanks to the new processor and the latest operating system iPhone OS 3.0.
In appearance, it is almost no different from its predecessor, the same dimensions are 115.2x62.1x12.3 mm and weight is 133 grams, but the new display coating immediately attracts attention. If the previous model had to be wiped after every conversation, especially in the summer, and not with an ordinary napkin, but only with a suede cloth, then with the new product everything is different. The display glass is now protected from grease deposits and can be easily cleaned with a paper towel or shirt sleeve.
In the third generation, developers paid serious attention to the possibilities of adjusting playback when listening to audio files. For this iPhone headset The 3GS was equipped with a small control panel located directly on the headphone connecting cable. With its help, you can not only adjust the volume, but also the ability to rewind songs in both directions, stop and start them.
For the first time, a voice control function has been implemented, which successfully recognizes Russian speech when dialing a phone number, selecting a subscriber and controlling the audio player. This opportunity Available with or without a headset.
Depending on the model, the smartphone was equipped with a built-in memory of 16 or 32 GB, which is more than enough to store many music tracks and photos.
To increase operating time offline mode The phone was equipped with a new battery, but if you actively use the Internet, talk for a long time and listen to music, then it is better to purchase a case with additional battery. Specifically for charge control Apple battery introduced a new option for its percentage display, which made life much easier for most users.
For avid tourists and lovers of country walks, the device includes an electronic compass with the ability to switch to a map. In some difficult cases, a 3 megapixel camera can be used, which not only helps in orientation, but also makes high-quality photographs and videos.
Representative of the fourth generation – iPhone 4
In the summer of 2010, Steve Jobs introduced the fourth generation of smartphone - iPhone 4, which for the first time began to work on CDMA networks. Almost immediately after this, Apple begins official sales“unlocked” smartphones that can work with any operator. It was a bold and correct marketing move that maximized iPhone 4 sales.
What did the smartphone developers bring to the table this time?
Of course Retina screen With IPS matrix. Screen resolution raised to 960? 640 while maintaining a diagonal size of 3.5? – this is four times more than previous generations. I was also pleased with the dynamic contrast of the screen, which also improved 4 times and amounted to 800:1. dimensions left the same for ease of use with one hand.
The viewing angle of the display is simply amazing. Even with maximum rotation, the brightness of the picture drops only slightly. In addition, it does not “blind” in the sun, like most competitors, which is achieved through the use of a mirror substrate.
The front and back panels of the case are made of aluminosilicate glass with an oleophobic coating, which prevents fingerprints and makes it easy to remove greasy marks. The cases are presented in two colors – black and white.
The edge of the smartphone is made of steel and is divided into three sections that act as antennas: one for GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the second for GSM and the third for UMTS.
The new 5-megapixel camera is made using back-illumination technology and is equipped with a five-fold digital zoom and autofocus. It allows you to record HD video in 720p format and a frame rate of 30 frames per second. An LED flash is conveniently located next to the camera.
Like previous models, iPhone 4 uses a non-removable lithium ion battery, which, as the developers claim, provides more long work devices from one charge. In this case, the battery can be charged both from the mains power supply and from a computer, the difference is that in the latter case it will take a little more time.
The stated parameters look very optimistic: 7 hours of talk time on a 3G network, 14 hours of talk time on a 2G network and 300 hours of standby time. When using the Internet on a 3G network – 6 hours, and Wi-Fi – 10 hours. If you expect to watch movies for a long time, then the charge will last for 10 hours, and you can listen to music for as long as 40 hours. That is, practically, with average intensity of use, the charge should last for 2-2.5 days.
In this model, Apple applied new developments in the data protection system, which immediately attracted corporate clients.
iPhone 4S
The latest model in the 4 line, iPhone 4S, was introduced in October 2011 and significantly pleased users with its innovations. This is the new dual core Apple processor A5 ( clock frequency– 1000 MHz), updated iOS5 operating system and many other goodies, but first things first.
The body of the smartphone has not received any changes, except for a different location of the antennas, made in the form of a metal edging. Unlike the previous model, there are four of them, two of which are reserved for GSM communications. This is done in case the signal is poorly received at one antenna. The automation will simply switch the phone to the second one.
The latest model in the line, iPhone 4S, was introduced in October 2011 and significantly pleased users with its innovations.
The main camera has been noticeably improved, which can now take photos with a resolution of 8 megapixels. In addition, at a speed of 30 frames per second, you can record HD video in 1080p format. Activation of the camera is provided, both from the phone menu and from the locked state, which will allow you not to miss interesting shots. To stabilize the image when shooting video, the camera has a built-in gyroscope.
The iPhone 4S smartphone supports A-GPS and GLONASS, so Google's mapping service has become more useful than ever. Maps can be displayed in several types, so you can position yourself on the ground, plot the optimal path to the selected goal and choose the type of movement - by transport or on foot.
iPhone 5
Just 6 months after the announcement of the 4s, the line of the most famous brand Smartphones in the world have been replenished with another new generation model. Fresh iPhone 5 received an improved i6 processor, new diagonal 4-inch display with a resolution of 1136 x 640 pixels and updated version operating room iOS systems 6. Thanks to the increase in performance, the performance of the device while viewing multimedia and surfing the browser has increased up to two times. The design of the 2012 flagship has not undergone major changes, with the exception of small details and an update to the back cover.
Low-cost iPhone 5c
In case of iPhone 5c, Apple decided to move away from standard scheme release of the flagship of the new series and its modernized “S” version, diluting the line with a device of a new class. Initially, the model was positioned as a budget option iPhone, but after the start of sales the price was set at iPhone level 5. The new product is made of polycarbonate and has five color variations. The plastic body of the smartphone has become slightly thicker, and the weight has increased by 20 grams. From innovations to technically there is an operating system updated with cosmetic improvements and a battery with increased capacity. The rest of the hardware and characteristics are completely similar to the fifth version of the iPhone.
iPhone 5s
iPhone 5s is an expanded version of the basic model of the line with the addition of unique functions and characteristics. The hardware of the gadget has been significantly upgraded, the quality of the case has been improved and two new colors have been added: 5s is available in gold, gray and default color. On board the device is an Apple A7 processor and an upgraded camera that allows you to record video at a frequency of 120 frames/sec. at a resolution of 1280x720 and 30 frames/sec - at 1920x1080. Fingerprint scanning technology "Apple ID" also only available in latest model fifth episode.
iPhone 6 - a word of innovation and progress
September last year marked the start date of sales This time, the developers decided to move away from the usual format of compactness and ergonomics towards modernizing the technical part of the gadget. The new iPhone received a 4.7-inch display with a new 326 PPI matrix and a resolution of 1334x750 pixels. The heart of the device is a new dual-core A8 processor with a frequency of 1.6 GHz, 1 GB of RAM and a PowerVR-X6450 video adapter. The design caused heated discussions among supporters of the aesthetic component of the iPhone, which in the sixth model is clearly spoiled by the camera protruding beyond the body and plastic strips in place of the built-in antennas.
iPhone 6 Plus - Apple has the last word
iPhone 6 Plus- the first phablet in the legendary line of smartphones. Born from Apple's desire to follow technological progress without falling behind competitors. An interesting combination of former ergonomics, big screen and high iron characteristics. The model has an excellent 5.5-inch display with 1080x1920 pixels and a 401 PPI matrix. The improved 8-megapixel camera is capable of recording video at a frequency of 240 frames/sec. Otherwise, the filling is similar to the sixth version. Design issues also carried over to the iPhone 6. Both models can be purchased in three sizes hard drive– 16, 64 and 128 GB. For now iPhone evolution ends on this device, but judging by the activity of Yabloko, the emergence of another sensation is not far off.
For 16 GB model
The very first iPhone, oddly enough, received the official name iPhone 2G. It came out in 2007 in a shiny aluminum case. It had dimensions of 115.5 × 61 × 11.6 mm and weighed 135 g. The screen diagonal was 3.5 inches, the camera was 2 MP.
Undoubtedly cutting-edge, he was the first to present high-quality new level touch displays, based on multi-touch technology. In addition, it is equipped with a sensor that blocks the sensor when the display approaches the ear, and a light sensor that adapts the contrast of the display. 
It has 128 MB of RAM on board, and variations of 4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB of flash memory. 
Truly an iconic device!
3G
Next was the iPhone 3G. It was presented to the public in 2008. This is what it looked like in comparison with the “pioneer” (3G - on the right).
The diagonal remains the same - 3.5″, the other parameters have grown a little: 115.5 × 62.1 × 12.3 mm, and the weight has decreased - to 133 g, thanks to the lightweight plastic case. The RAM remained unchanged, but the flash memory became 8 and 16 GB.
Its streamlined lacquer body has two colors - black and white. 
Coincidentally, it was he who was endowed with the ability to support 3G networks. It also received an updated OS - iPhone OS 2, which presented users with a branded application store - App Store, from which you could download software directly to your iPhone.
One of the disadvantages is the inability to shoot video on camera.
3GS
By 2009, its improved modification, the iPhone 3GS, was released. 
Externally, the iPhone has not changed at all, but its “filling” has been thoroughly improved. It’s not for nothing that the prefix “S” appeared at the end - a derivative of the word speed (Speed, English). And it really “flyed” with the new processor from Samsung - Cortex-A8. The RAM has also expanded to 256 MB, and in the built-in memory a model with 32 GB has been added to the existing 8 and 16 GB.
The camera has also been improved - up to 3 MP, with video support and autofocus. The 3GS's screen has an oleophobic coating to reduce fingerprint smudges.
A new magnetometer sensor has been added - with it the gadget has a compass. It also appeared voice control teams.
i Phone 4
iPhone 4 was released in 2010. Its updated aluminosilicate body has become narrower and thinner than its predecessor (115.2 × 58.66 × 9.3 mm), although the diagonal remains unchanged - 3.5 ". 
Shiny stainless steel frame - "done" new image smartphone, and also served as an external antenna, which is why the weight increased to 137 g. 
Operating room with him iPhone system The OS was finally renamed to the now familiar iOS. The processor has been improved to A4, RAM has been expanded to 512 MB, and the camera has become 5 megapixels. For the first time, it became possible to make video calls
4S
The iPhone 4s, released in 2011, remained unchanged in appearance, but its hardware was improved. 
It received a dual-core A5 processor, which works faster in conjunction with 512MB of RAM. Siri appeared and wifi support- with the possibility of distributing it. Improvements also affected the camera - now it has become 8 MP, and remains so to this day.
This is the first iPhone presented without its ideological inspirer - S. Jobs - he died shortly after its presentation to the public.
5
«
Five" was released in 2012. It was with this that iPhones began to “grow”, picking up the worldwide trend. 
Now the diagonal is 4 inches, but overall it comes out flatter - 58.6×123.8×7.6 mm, and light - only 112 g. The iPhone case has again become aluminum and stylish.
It is the first to use a new, compact Lightning connector. Powerful processor A6 with 1 GB of RAM ensured the commercial success of the model. Although this did not stop Apple from discontinuing it a year later. The price started at $199 (with a contract) and $649 without it.
5C
It turned out to be the most controversial iPhone version 5C, released in 2013, an attempt to release a “budget” iPhone was not entirely successful.
Initially, the 5C was positioned as a bright youth version, with a plastic body, at an affordable price. However, the difference in price is 5 and 5 C, in basic versions, was only $100 ($549 versus $649 without a contract). But that didn't stop high levels sales in the first days after its release - it became a record holder among the company’s smartphones. 
It is millimeters thicker than its predecessor and 20 g heavier, due to the overall polycarbonate. In technical terms, I repeated the filling of the “five”. 
iPhone 5S
Released in the same 2013 - 5S - became a qualitatively different smartphone. The developers equipped it with an advanced 64-bit A7 processor, coupled with an M7 coprocessor. He partially relieved the A7 by taking over the work of all the built-in sensors. This allowed us to significantly increase the speed of processing transactions. 
This was also facilitated by the optimized iOS 7, with a new interface and a lot of additions. Touch ID and dual flash in the camera appeared for the first time. The price started at $199 with a contract and $649 without.
Almost 12 years have passed since its release. During this period, the Apple company managed to develop and release more than two dozen models of communicators. We invite you to recall together the chronology of releases of iPhone smartphones, noting characteristic differences each of the devices.
In contact with
iPhone 2G or which iPhone was released in 2007
In January 2007, Apple introduced its first communicator - iPhone 2G, - differs from competitors' products in its stylish design and powerful hardware and software content.
The work of the Cupertino team was appreciated - the Apple company's smartphone has achieved significant popularity in the mobile device market.
If you ever happen to come across this now-rare model, you will be able to identify it by the following features: the device has small dimensions, a 3.5-inch diagonal display, a black front panel and a silver metal cover with a black plastic insert. RAM This little miracle was only 128 MB, while the amount of flash memory depended on the configuration and ranged from 4 to 16 GB.
Legendary iPhone presentation 2G from Steve Jobs:
iPhone 3GS, or which iPhone was released in 2009
For the first time, a smartphone model with the mysterious letter “S” in the name is being released. Apple, wanting to maintain intrigue, refuses to give a decoding of the symbol, but after eight years we can assume that this mysterious “S” is an abbreviation for “Special” or “Second edition”. The iPhone 3GS model differs from the 3G mainly in hardware and software update and the appearance of a version with 32 GB of internal memory. You can distinguish the new product from its predecessor only by the markings on the back panel: the 2008 device has a matte marking color, while the 2009 gadget has bright white.
iPhone 4, or which iPhone came out in 2010
This year, the smartphone form factor was significantly redesigned for the first time. The iPhone 4 model was created in a new stylish design, received Retina display 3.5-inch and, according to tradition, was equipped with the latest hardware and updated software. The color scheme of the devices remained the same: gadgets were produced only in black and white.
iPhone 4 has become the latest smartphone Apple, which was introduced by Steve Jobs.
iPhone 4s, or which iPhone was released in 2011
In 2011, the iPhone 4s smartphone was released. This model is almost identical in appearance to the previous one, the gadgets differ only in the number of antennas for receiving signals and their location: the iPhone 4 has three of them, with one located on the upper end of the device, and the iPhone 4s has four of these elements and they are located symmetrically on the side edges. Also this year, a configuration with 64 GB of internal memory on board is available.
iPhone 5, or which iPhone came out in 2012
2012 was marked by the appearance of the iPhone 5. And again there was a change in design, the display increased from 3.5 to 4 inches, the back glass panel was replaced by a metal one, a Lightning connector was added and nano support SIM.
iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, or which iPhones were released in 2013
Contrary to tradition, two models are being released at once: iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s. Innovations in the first model are limited to hardware improvements to the iPhone 5, additional options colors and plastic case.
As for the iPhone 5s smartphone, its design has hardly changed compared to its predecessor, but an important element has appeared - the Touch ID fingerprint scanner built into the Home button.
iPhone 6, or which iPhone came out in 2014
This year, Apple management decided to release two smartphone models in parallel: a regular one and one with a larger screen diagonal. The presentation featured the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus. Changes were made to the design again, the features of the devices became softer, more streamlined, and new color options were added.
iPhone 6s, or which iPhone was released in 2015
In 2015, the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus were released. Externally, they can be distinguished from the previous year’s models only by the letter “S” engraved on the back panel. Among the seemingly inconspicuous, but important features of the new products, we can mention the presence of a screen with 3D Touch technology (sensitive to pressure).
iPhone SE, iPhone 7, or which iPhones came out in 2016
At the beginning of 2016, the iPhone SE smartphone unexpectedly appeared, the design of which was borrowed from the iPhone 5s, and the hardware from the iPhone 6s.
You can distinguish the new product from the 2013 model by the engraved “SE” sign on the back panel of the gadget.
In the fall of 2016, the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus were released. Externally, they are not particularly different from the previous year’s models, except that once again new colors have been added.
In addition, the iPhone 7 Plus received a main dual camera.
A characteristic feature of the new products is the absence of a 3.5 mm audio jack and the movement of the signal reception antennas to the ends of the devices. Plus, a configuration with 256 GB of internal memory has become available.
ON THIS TOPIC:
The event took place at the company's new headquarters. The heads of Apple divisions speaking on stage maintained the illusion of intrigue until the very end, and the audience tried not to yawn in anticipation of “One more thing.” However, Phil Schiller managed to attract the attention of those gathered to the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus from the first seconds of his speech.
The main feature of the G8 design was the glass back panel, which made it possible to implement the function wireless charging. Otherwise appearance smartphones have remained virtually unchanged compared to 2016, and only a rare case from the iPhone 6 will not fit the iPhone 8.
How does iPhone 8 differ externally from previous ones? iPhone models
In addition, the palette of cases was reduced from six to three colors - silver, gold and space grey.
The performance of the iPhone 8 / 8 Plus is ensured once again by an evolved processor own development Apple. The A10 Fusion was replaced by the 70% faster 6-core A11 Bionic, and the M11 Motion co-processor replaced the predecessor M10. The graphics chip has also been updated - the iPhone 8 uses the first GPU created by Apple engineers, which is 30% more efficient than the iPhone 7.
The screen, cameras and peripheral modules have changed minimally. We can highlight the technology already mentioned above, the 4-LED flash of the main camera, Bluetooth 5.0, the function, which is a system that adapts the screen glow to the ambient lighting.
Today the iPhone turns 10 years old. On January 9, 2007, Steve Jobs announced the first iPhone, and 10 years later years old iPhone generates more than half of the company's revenue.
In 2005-2007, the iPod for Apple was like the iPhone for Apple today, i.e. it accounted for most of the revenue. It was in 2005 that it began iPhone development. Initially it was planned to use the developments of the Purple 1 project, i.e. The iPod was supposed to act as the base of the iPhone.
Purple 1
In parallel with the development of the first iPod, Steve Jobs was haunted by the idea of creating his own phone. It was assumed that the iPod would serve as the basis, and the proprietary ClickWheel was supposed to be used to control the system.
The phone had to be completely devoid of the usual control buttons, which was unusual at that time. Judging by the patents, dialing should have happened like on the old ones wired phones. Interestingly, this option could well have a right to life. The most a big problem at such a decision- this is working with text. Scrolling the wheel to type the desired letter is not the best best idea, Apple understood this and suggested using hints as help, which would still be inconvenient. The project was closed in 2002.
What does the iPad have to do with it?
Few people know, but the idea of the touch screen in the iPhone was taken from the iPad. The idea to create your own tablet appeared before the idea iPhone creation. Here's what Steve Jobs said at the WSJ's D: All Things Digital conference in 2010:
“I’ll tell you a secret. Actually, I started with a tablet. I had the idea to get rid of the keyboard so that I could type directly on a glass multi-touch display. And I asked our guys if we could offer such a glass multi-touch display. Which you could type on, just put your hands on it and type. And six months later they invited me and showed me a prototype of such a screen. And I took it to one of our wonderful guys who does user interfaces. A few weeks later he called me - he had an inertial scrolling ready. When I saw the ribbon and the inertial scrolling and a couple of other things, I thought, “Oh my god, we can make a phone out of this!” And I put the tablet project on the shelf. Because the phone was more important. We spent the next few years working on the iPhone."
Purple 2
Development of the first iPhone began in early 2005. In February, Steve Jobs begins negotiations with AT&T. For release own phone the company needed to enlist the support of the operator. At the beginning of negotiations, Apple did not even have a prototype; the iPhone was then at the discussion stage. Negotiations dragged on for a year, but in the end the operator gave his consent. At the same time, the development of the telephone was underway. The first half of 2005 was a time of preparations: recruiting engineers, discussing ideas. Development itself begins at the end of 2005. The iPhone had to have a touch screen and a minimum of buttons. The idea of a touch screen is taken from the iPad. All the complexity was in the interface. Steve Jobs hated styluses, this is what he said about them: “If you offer a stylus, you’re dead.” The user had to interact with the phone using a finger. The company took two paths: P1 became the code name for a phone developed using a proprietary wheel iPod control, and P2 is an alternative new product using a multi-touch screen.
Development of P1 was stopped after six months. Tony Fadell, responsible for P1, admitted that he and his team could not find a simple dialing solution.
Recently, screenshots of the prototype of the first iPhone surfaced online. It is not clear whose prototype this is. On the one hand, the iPod scroll wheel, and indeed the entire iPod interface, is used as control, but this is all on touch screen. Perhaps this is still one of the prototypes of the P2 shell.
All efforts were devoted to the development of P2. In 2005 Apple year buys a small company, FingerWorks, which owned patents for multi-touch technology. Since the phone must be controlled with a finger, certain difficulties arose, for example, how to type text. Some employees suggested introducing a physical push-button or QWERTY keyboard, but Steve Jobs vetoed these ideas.
"The keypad seems like a simple solution, but it limits what we can do. Think of all the innovations we could do if we put a keyboard on the screen using software. Let's bet on that and then we'll find a way to make it work." .
The result was a device that could display different layouts depending on the task. Many solutions were new for 2007, such as the proximity sensor.
Design
Initially, they planned to install a plastic screen in the iPhone, but Jobs decided to make a glass screen, so the phone would seem more solid and elegant. Initial iPhone design Steve Jobs didn't like it and it was decided to completely change the design. I even had to change the location of the device's internals. The result was a smartphone with an elegant metal body and a metal frame that connected the screen and body.
iPhone OS
In the first iOS versions, Then more iPhone OS, the phone was inferior to its competitors in terms of functionality. What was so special about him? It was a pleasure to work with, all applications launched smoothly and ran quickly, and some familiar things were simplified. The operating system was completely closed, again at the initiative of Steve Jobs, he wanted to completely control the phone. There was not even an App Store; the ability to install applications appeared only in the iPhone 3G. Apple didn't know what to call theirs operating system, so they said "iPhone runs OS X". The specifications also specified OS X as the operating system.
Interesting Facts
- The development of the first iPhone, like the development of any new product at Apple, took place in the strictest secrecy.
Here's what Apple engineer Greg Christie said:
"Interim meetings on progress in smartphone development were held twice a month. Jobs personally listened to reports from his subordinates in a small windowless room."
Developer Terry Lambert, responsible for developing the core of iOS and OS X, recalls the following:
"I wrote about 6% of the Mac OS X kernel in lines of code over 8 years. That's about 100 thousand lines of code per year. iOS has the same kernel. I was not involved in Project Purple, but I was unofficially in touch with it since I was a great kernel debugger, and the kernel needs to be well debugged. At some point you have to give up because releasing a product is more important than maintaining excessive secrecy. Eventually I ended up in a zone where everything is covered in black cloth. Those who when -worked at Apple, they know that there are secret projects hidden under black fabrics. You have to pretend that you don't notice them. I will only be able to see the device for remote debugging, not the product, but it was obvious that work was being done on a system based on ARM If you want to make a witty Halloween costume at Apple, take a black sheet, cut out the eye holes and walk around like a "secret project" Understanding comes when you sign an NDA The code name is in the NDA You won't be able to see it until you agree not to disclose it. A more Apple tells different code names to different groups of workers. You and someone else may be working on the same project and not know it, or you may simply not be allowed to discuss it. After signing, you gain access to the “secret laboratory”. This is a laboratory within the main laboratory. Not everyone with access to the main laboratory has access to the “secret laboratory.” You have no way to see the form factor. Initial work is being done with plexiglass prototypes. Were there any special cables for communication with prototypes? Yes, they were purple.
"Almost all the rehearsals that the team held in Silicon Valley failed. Not once did Jobs manage to get through the entire hour and a half presentation without problems. The phone either lost connection or did not connect to the Internet. But Steve Jobs continued to insist on a public presentation and showered curses on his engineers for every failure."