EOTO - The History and Impact of iPhone

    In the 21st century, the iPhone has taken over America. As of 2024, there are 120 million iPhone users in this country alone. With the iPhone 16 emerging, it is important to retrace the steps of Apple and fully understand iPhone's history. 

The Inital Creation of iPhone

    

    The very first iPhone was officially announced in 2007, created by the company Apple. April 1st, 1976, Apple was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. Apple originated with the iPod, a device that only played music. Apple knew that users carried both mobile phones and an iPod, they needed to start an initiative quickly for a device that had both functions. 

    Prior to 2007, Apple had been perfecting a mobile device for years in the making. Steve Jobs put all hands-on deck for project purple in 2006 after launching the idea in 2005. Project purple was an extremely private, even described as secretive, project that consisted of two teams. They worked aimlessly to create a prototype that matched Jobs's idea. Jobs was aiming to create a mobile device that had similarities to the tablet, a glass display and touch features. Project purple faced challenges like creating the right software and the right display. Last minute changes were even made like changing the screen from plastic to glass. 

    The first iPhone was used to run Apple's Mac OS X operating system. It looked like a small, smooth, glassy block, with a camera on the backside. The most revolutionary element of the new iPhone was its tactile display feature, users were able to use their fingers to navigate the screen. The iPhone featured picture, video playback, music browsing, and internet connection. The iPhone became so revolutionary because of it's accessibility, the interface was simple and user friendly. The first iPhone became revolutionary and the new standard for mobile devices. 

Impact

    The iPhone has become a standard for technology in today's world. This invention allowed Americans to have a compact device, that could be taken anywhere, that was capable of texting, calling, music streaming, internet connection, and a wide array for other possibilities. The creation of iPhone set a precedent for the possibilities of technology. People were now able to communicate through a smartphone that was simplistic and easy to understand. The new standard for communication was text and call, anyone could reach each other from anywhere at any time. 

    Although the iPhone has created immense positive change and progress for technology, the invention also has negative effects we still feel today. It is very obvious how invested in technology we all are today, it has become integrated into everyday life for all ages. CNN came out with an article in 2017 that projected how detrimental the iPhone is to humans.  One point that particularly stuck out to me was that we are always expected to be available for work. Today, work is forced to come home with us even after hours. Factors like email etiquette, and appropriate times for getting in contact, creating an environment that causes users to perpetually be bringing work home. The lack of separation between work and home can cause an increase in stress. 

    The idea of being constantly available can also create cyberbullying. Much like bringing work into a home environment, the iPhone allows many children to bring instances of bullying at school back into their homes and constant everyday lives. As children of younger ages become smart phone users, access to internet and social media is becoming possible from anywhere. This allows anyone to engage over text and other apps, allowing bullies to reach their victims instantaneously. A recent study in 2024 revealed that from 2018-2024, 59.9% of children ages 11-14 have been reported, by their parents to experienced bullying and one fifth of all bullying occurs online.

    The iPhone has made access to the internet and others so readily available that there is bound to be detrimental consequences. As a society, it is imperative that we work to create a social norm of respect, even if it is not face to face. This amazing invention has allowed us to reach amazing possibilities, yet it is important to remember the beauty in face-to-face contact.