37 Apple iPhone Facts You Didn't Know—Until Now
- Thought your iPhone's history was boring? Think again—it's got a secret codename and a magical twist.
- Ever imagined a $2.7 million phone case? Yep, it exists, and it's as extra as it sounds.
- Your trusty iPhone might be tracking more than just your steps—let's peek behind the curtain
The iPhone has been a trailblazer since Apple introduced it in 2007. Not just a phone, it's a cultural phenomenon that has revolutionized the way we communicate, work, and entertain ourselves. With each iteration, Apple pushes the envelope in design and technology, making the iPhone a symbol of modern innovation. But how well do you really know your iPhone? Here are 37 fun and amazing facts that might surprise you.
1. The Original iPhone Almost Skipped the Touchscreen
Early designs of the iPhone heavily focused on a physical click wheel, much like the iPod. Imagine navigating your smartphone without a touchscreen!
2. "Purple" Was the Secret Codename
Apple referred to the first iPhone project as "Purple." The development team even worked in a dedicated area called the "Purple Dorm."
Photo via Apple Inc. // Apple's original iPhone, also known as the iPhone 1 and iPhone 2G. The original iPhone was called "Project Purple" during development.
3. Apple Ads Always Show 9:41 AM
Ever noticed that the time on iPhone ads is always 9:41 AM? It's a nod to the time Steve Jobs unveiled the first iPhone in 2007.
4. Samsung Manufactures Many iPhone Processors
In an ironic twist, Samsung—a fierce competitor—is also a key partner, manufacturing many of the processors for iPhones.
5. Early Prototypes Ran Mac OS X
Apple experimented with shrinking down its desktop operating system to fit on a phone. Talk about ambitious!
Photo via Reddit // A prototype of the early original iPhone. This prototype was caught on eBay selling for thousands of dollars.
6. A Magician Inspired "Slide to Unlock"
Greg Christie, the primary designer of the "slide to unlock" feature, collaborated with a magician to bring this iconic functionality to life.
7. Apple Patented Rounded Corners
Apple's legal team patented the rectangular shape with rounded corners, forcing early smartphone makers to rethink their designs.
8. Initially Exclusive to AT&T
For years, the iPhone only worked with AT&T in the U.S. It eventually expanded to other carriers, boosting its market share.
9. No App Store at Launch
The original iPhone didn't have an App Store! Apps were introduced in 2008, changing the way we use phones forever. Early hits included Angry Birds, Facebook, and Pandora.
10. Starting Price Was $599 for 4GB
The first iPhone cost $599 and offered just 4GB or 8GB of storage. Now, storage options reach into the terabytes!
11. Blue vs. Green Text Bubbles
In iMessage, blue bubbles mean you're texting another iPhone user, while green bubbles indicate that you're messaging with someone using the Google Android operating system or another service.
12. Not the First Smartphone
The iPhone wasn't the first smartphone; devices like BlackBerry and Palm Treo had been around for years.
Photo via Wikipedia // Smartphone competitors like Palm had been around for years by 2007 when the iPhone was announced, but Apple's original iPhone far surpassed them in terms of design and functionality. Palm no longer sells smartphones to everyday consumers.
13. Sketches on a Napkin
The first iPhone design sketch was by Apple's former chief designer, Jonathan Ive, who famously drew it on a napkin.
14. "Marimba" Ringtone Born in GarageBand
Dr. Gerhard Lengeling created the iconic "Marimba" ringtone and 24 others using GarageBand.
15. Over 2.4 Billion Sold
Apple has sold over 2.4 billion iPhones since 2007, making it the best-selling smartphone of all time.
16. A $2.7 Million iPhone Case
Designed by Alexander Amosu, the world's most expensive iPhone case costs over $2.7 million, made of gold and studded with diamonds.
17. Leading Platform for Internet Browsing
More people browse the internet from their iPhones than on any desktop computer.
18. The "i" Stands for More Than "Internet"
Originally, the "i" in iPhone stood for "internet." Now, it also represents "individual," "instruct," and "inspire."
19. Siri Was an Acquisition
Apple's Siri wasn't originally an Apple creation; it was a separate app acquired by Apple in 2010.
Photo via Dataconomy // New AI Apple Intelligence features are finally making Siri smarter. Coming to iPhone 15 Pro/15 Pro Max and all iPhone 16 models later this year and into 2025.
20. Hidden Level Tool
Need to hang a picture? There's a hidden level tool in the Compass app. Just swipe left!
21. Set a Timer to Stop Music
You can set a timer to automatically stop your music—perfect for falling asleep to tunes.
22. Emails Opened on iPhones
Over 28% of emails are now opened on iPhones, making it a top platform for email communication.
23. Medical Diagnostic Apps
Apps like WebMD, Epocrates, and Prognosis: Your Diagnosis can help you diagnose medical conditions. But always consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis!
24. Trillions of Photos Taken
Over 2.5 trillion photos have been taken on iPhones. That's a lot of memories!
25. Your iPhone Tracks Locations
Your iPhone tracks your frequently visited locations unless you turn this feature off in settings.
26. Adjustable Flashlight Intensity
You can customize the intensity of your iPhone's flashlight. Just press and hold the flashlight icon.
27. Time Magazine's "Invention of the Year"
In 2007, Time Magazine named the iPhone the "Invention of the Year."
28. Earbuds Became a Status Symbol
Apple's iconic earbuds were initially considered a design flaw but became a status symbol after release.
Photo via Apple Inc. // Apple's latest iPhone, the iPhone 16.
29. Secret Keyboard Shortcuts
Hold down certain keys for hidden symbols and punctuation. For example, hold the hyphen key for an em dash (—).
30. Type a Degree Symbol
Need to type "°"? Just hold down the "0" key on the keyboard.
31. Magnifying Glass Feature
Your iPhone can work as a magnifying glass. Enable it under Accessibility settings.
32. Shake to Undo Typing
Made a mistake while typing? Shake your iPhone to undo.
33. Hidden Backspace in Calculator
Swipe left or right in the Calculator app to delete the last digit.
34. Use Volume Button for Photos
You can use the volume buttons to take a photo, helping to steady your shot.
35. Bigger Keyboard Option
Turn your iPhone horizontally to make the keyboard bigger—great for easier typing.
36. Control App Permissions
You can control which apps have access to your camera, microphone, and location data in your settings.
37. Apple's First Mobile Phone Wasn't the iPhone
Before the iPhone, Apple collaborated with Motorola to create the Motorola ROKR E1 in 2005. It was the first phone to integrate iTunes, allowing users to play music purchased from the iTunes Store. However, due to its limited storage and sluggish performance, it didn't make a significant impact. This experience motivated Apple to develop its own phone—leading to the birth of the iPhone. Sometimes, initial setbacks pave the way for groundbreaking innovations!
Photo via Techformative (YouTube) // iPhone who? This is Apple's REAL first smartphone, a collaboration with Motorola in 2005, to develop what was commonly known as the "iTunes Phone."
The Evolution of the iPhone
From its humble beginnings to the technological marvel it is today, the iPhone has come a long way. Each new model brings cutting-edge features and improvements, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the smartphone industry.
The iPhone Ecosystem
The iPhone is more than just a device; it's part of a vast ecosystem of apps and services designed to work seamlessly together. This interconnectedness offers a comprehensive mobile experience that blurs the lines between a phone and a personal computer.
Unearthing More iPhone Secrets
Additional Fun Facts
- Sony Makes the Camera Sensors: The iPhone's camera sensor is actually made by Sony, one of Apple's biggest competitors.
- Global Demand Led to Smuggling: When the first iPhone launched exclusively in the U.S., people smuggled them into other countries, selling them at exorbitant prices.
- Touchscreen Tech from the '70s: The iPhone's touchscreen was inspired by technology developed in the 1970s at Xerox PARC.
- Siri Speaks Over 20 Languages: Your virtual assistant can understand and respond in over 20 languages. ¡Hola! Bonjour! Hallo!
- Filmmaking with iPhone: The camera quality is so good that entire movies and TV shows have been filmed using iPhones.
- Life-Saving Features: iPhones have saved lives with features like Emergency SOS and the Health app.
- Most Popular Camera: The iPhone is the most popular camera on platforms like Flickr.
- Recycling Leader: The iPhone is one of the most recycled electronic devices globally.
Hidden Features
- Back Tap Shortcuts: Set up actions by double or triple tapping the back of your iPhone. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.
- Live Text: Copy text from photos using the Live Text feature. Great for saving information on the go.
- Measure App: Turn your iPhone into a virtual tape measure using augmented reality.
- Level Tool: Need things straight? Use the hidden level tool in the Compass app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who invented the iPhone?
The iPhone was created by Apple Inc., under the guidance of co-founder Steve Jobs, who unveiled it in 2007.
Which iPhone models are water-resistant?
Starting with the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, Apple introduced water and dust resistance, rated IP67 or IP68.
What sets the iPhone apart from other smartphones?
The iPhone stands out for its iOS operating system, high-quality build, regular updates, and a strong ecosystem of apps and accessories.
Final Thoughts
It's amazing to reflect on how much the iPhone has evolved over the years. From revolutionizing the smartphone industry to becoming an integral part of our daily lives, the iPhone continues to surprise and delight us. Whether you're a longtime user or new to the Apple family, there's always something new to discover about this iconic device.
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