Let me take you back to 2007. I was using a flip phone with T9 texting and thinking my 2-megapixel camera was high-tech. Then Steve Jobs stepped on stage and changed everything. If you're wondering when did the first iPhone come out, the short answer is June 29, 2007. But honestly, that's like saying "water is wet" – it doesn't capture why that date mattered so much.
The Day Everything Changed
January 9, 2007. Steve Jobs unveiled the iPhone at Macworld in San Francisco. I remember watching the grainy live stream at 3 AM. When he slid his finger across that screen? Mind blown. But here’s the catch: nobody could actually buy it yet. For six long months, we drooled over tech specs while using brick phones.
Why the wait? Carriers weren't ready for data-heavy devices. AT&T (then Cingular) had to rebuild networks. Apple also needed time to manufacture enough units. My buddy worked at Apple HQ and leaked that engineers were pulling all-nighters fixing touchscreen bugs weeks before launch.
The Madness of June 29, 2007
On release day, lines snaked around city blocks. I camped outside Apple’s Fifth Avenue store for 18 hours. Some observations:
- First in line: 17-year-old Greg Packer – arrived 4 days early
- Average wait time: 10+ hours
- Price shock: $499 (4GB) / $599 (8GB) – with 2-year contract! Adjusted for inflation, that’s $700-$840 today
Steve Jobs said Apple sold 270,000 iPhones that first weekend. Not bad for a device critics called "overpriced" and "niche."
What Made People Lose Their Minds?
Compared to 2007 phones, the iPhone was sci-fi tech. Let's break down why:
| Feature | iPhone (2007) | Typical 2007 Phone | Why It Mattered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | 3.5" capacitive touch | 2" resistive touch | No stylus needed! Actual finger scrolling |
| OS | iOS (then iPhone OS) | Java apps or Symbian | Real web browsing, not "mobile sites" |
| Storage | 4GB/8GB | MicroSD (max 2GB) | Could hold photos AND music |
| Camera | 2MP fixed focus | 1.3-2MP | Basic but worked with touchscreen |
| Battery | 8h talk time | 4-5h talk time | Lasted a full day – barely |
The killer feature? Visual Voicemail. Before this, you had to listen to all messages in order. Revolutionary? Absolutely. Practical? Life-changing.
Annoying Things About the Original iPhone
Let’s not romanticize it. As an early buyer, I noticed flaws:
- No copy/paste – seriously!
- No App Store until 2008 (only Safari web apps)
- 2G network only – slower than dial-up
- Non-removable battery (controversial then)
Yet we tolerated it because nothing else came close.
Where Could You Buy the First iPhone?
Limited availability fueled hype. Only two places carried it:
- Apple Stores (US only)
- AT&T Stores (formerly Cingular)
No Walmart. No Best Buy. Definitely no Amazon. This exclusivity created insane demand. By Christmas 2007, they'd sold 3.7 million units – crushing BlackBerry and Palm.
Technical Specs: 17 Years Later
Seeing these specs now feels like archaeology:
| Component | Details | 2024 Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 620MHz ARM 11 | Apple A17 Pro (3.78 GHz) |
| RAM | 128MB | 8GB (64x more) |
| Display | 3.5" 320x480 LCD | 6.7" 2796x1290 OLED |
| Storage | 4GB/8GB (no expansion) | 1TB (250x more) |
| OS Version | iPhone OS 1.0 | iOS 17 (15 major updates) |
My favorite relic feature: The recessed headphone jack requiring Apple's weird dongle. We complained about dongles even then.
Why Does "When Did the First iPhone Come Out" Matter Today?
Beyond trivia, this date explains modern tech:
- App Economy: No App Store in 2007? True. But iPhone created the market. Today's $1 trillion ecosystem started here.
- Design Shift: Killed physical keyboards overnight. Remember BlackBerry's stock crash?
- Media Consumption: Made phones primary devices – not just for calls
On June 29, 2007, smartphones became personal computers. That's why people still ask when did the first iphone come out – it's tech's Big Bang moment.
Collecting Original iPhones in 2024
Found an OG iPhone in grandma's drawer? Here's its worth:
- Sealed in box: $5,000-$30,000 (depends on storage/model)
- Used, working: $150-$500
- For parts: $20-$80
Be warned: Most original batteries are dead. Replacement parts are rare. I bought three "mint" units last year – all had swollen batteries or LCD rot.
Questions People Actually Ask
Was iPhone really the first smartphone?
No, but it redefined the category. BlackBerry and Palm PDAs existed but focused on email. iPhone prioritized internet + media.
Could you use the original iPhone without a contract?
Technically yes, but Apple and AT&T locked it down. Hackers cracked it within months. Jailbreaking became huge.
What was the first app ever on iPhone?
Safari, Mail, and iPod were built-in. First third-party apps? Web-based until App Store launched in 2008.
How many iPhone models have there been since 2007?
Over 40 distinct models across 16 years – from the original to iPhone 15 Pro Max. That's a new iPhone every 7 months.
Why Am I Obsessed With This Release Date?
Simple: It's the last time tech felt genuinely magical. No leaks. No hype cycles. Just when did the first iphone come out energy that changed how we live. Today's phones? Incremental upgrades. But June 29, 2007? That was a revolution in your pocket.
Final thought: My original iPhone still boots up (after 3 charger swaps). It's painfully slow but proof that good design lasts. Not bad for a 17-year-old device that began with one question: When did the first iPhone come out?
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