History of the iPhone

In the early 2000s, the success of Apple's iPod, which dominated the digital music player market, prompted speculation among analysts about Apple's potential expansion into other portable devices, including a mobile phone.{{Cite news |last=Markoff |first=John |date=2002-08-19 |title=Apple's Chief in the Risky Land of the Handhelds |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/08/19/business/apple-s-chief-in-the-risky-land-of-the-handhelds.html |access-date=2025-05-01 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Jean-Marie Hullot, a senior software engineer who worked at NeXT and later Apple, said he urged CEO Steve Jobs to launch a mobile phone project in 2000.{{Cite web |title=Jean-Marie Hullot, from perforated cards to the iPhone {{!}} Inria |url=https://www.inria.fr/en/jean-marie-hullot-perforated-cards-iphone |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=www.inria.fr}}

An official project within Apple for developing the iPhone began with a request in 2004 from Jobs to the company's hardware engineer Tony Fadell, software engineer Scott Forstall and design engineer Sir Jonathan Ive{{cite magazine |last=Gladwell |first=Malcolm |author-link=Malcolm Gladwell |date=November 14, 2011 |url=http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2011/11/14/111114fa_fact_gladwell?currentPage=2 |title=The Tweaker: The real genius of Steve Jobs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308210758/http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2011/11/14/111114fa_fact_gladwell?currentPage=2 |archive-date=March 8, 2013 |magazine=The New Yorker |page=2}} to work on the highly confidential "Project Purple".{{Cite web|last=Merchant|first=Brian|author-link=Brian Merchant|date=June 13, 2017|title=The Secret Origin Story of the IPHONE. An exclusive excerpt from the book "The One Device: The secret history of the iPhone"|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/13/15782200/one-device-secret-history-iphone-brian-merchant-book-excerpt|access-date=|website=The Verge|page=|publication-date=2017|archive-date=August 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827040315/http://www.theverge.com/2017/6/13/15782200/one-device-secret-history-iphone-brian-merchant-book-excerpt|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Rowinski|first=Dan|date=August 7, 2012|title=4 Real Secrets We've Learned So Far About Apple|url=http://www.readwriteweb.com/mobile/2012/08/4-real-secrets-weve-learned-so-far-about-apple.php|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120808131222/http://www.readwriteweb.com/mobile/2012/08/4-real-secrets-weve-learned-so-far-about-apple.php|archive-date=August 8, 2012|access-date=October 25, 2012|work=Readwriteweb.com}}

While pitting two teams of engineers led by Fadell and Forstall, Jobs decided to investigate the use of touchscreen devices and tablet computers (which later came to fruition with the iPad).{{cite web |last=Cohen |first=Peter |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/183052/liveupdate-15.html |title=Macworld Expo Keynote Live Update |website=Macworld |date=January 9, 2007 |access-date=March 30, 2023}}{{cite web |last=Block |first=Ryan |url=https://www.engadget.com/2007/01/09/live-from-macworld-2007-steve-jobs-keynote/ |title=Live from Macworld 2007: Steve Jobs keynote] |website=Engadget |date=January 9, 2007 |access-date=March 30, 2023}}{{cite magazine |last=Grossman |first=Lev |url=https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,1576854,00.html |title=The Apple Of Your Ear |magazine=Time |date=January 12, 2007 |access-date=March 30, 2023}}{{cite news|last=Murtazin|first=Eldar|url=http://mobile-review.com/articles/2010/iphone-history3-en.shtml|title=Apple's Phone: From 1980s' Sketches to iPhone. Part 3|publisher=Mobile review|date=June 20, 2010|access-date=March 27, 2011|archive-date=May 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511134715/http://mobile-review.com/articles/2010/iphone-history3-en.shtml|url-status=live}} Jobs ended up pushing for a touch-screen device that many have noted has similarities to Apple's previous touch-screen portable device, the Newton MessagePad.{{cite web |last=Wilcox |first=Joe |url=http://www.microsoft-watch.com/content/desktop_mobile/apples_son_of_newton.html |title=Apple's Son of Newton |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120904150830/http://www.microsoft-watch.com/content/desktop_mobile/apples_son_of_newton.html |archive-date=September 4, 2012 |url-status=dead |website=eWeek Microsoft Watch |date=January 9, 2007 |access-date=February 1, 2007}}{{cite web |author-link=Leander Kahney |last=Kahney |first=Leander |url=http://blog.wired.com/cultofmac/2007/01/in_1998_steve_j.html |title=Apple Newton Versus iPhone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011184657/http://blog.wired.com/cultofmac/2007/01/in_1998_:Landon_j.html |archive-date=October 11, 2007 |website=Wired News |date=January 15, 2007 |access-date=February 1, 2007}}{{cite web |last=McCracken |first=Harry |url=http://blogs.pcworld.com/techlog/archives/003557.html |title=iPhone: It's a Newton! Sort of! |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930184829/http://blogs.pcworld.com/techlog/archives/003557.html |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |url-status=dead |website=PC World |date=January 13, 2007 |access-date=February 1, 2007}}{{cite web |last=Mortensen |first=Pete |url=http://blog.wired.com/cultofmac/2007/01/iphone_the_newt.html |title=iPhone: The Newton's Revenge |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011184703/http://blog.wired.com/cultofmac/2007/01/iphone_the_newt.html |archive-date=October 11, 2007 |website=Wired News |date=January 9, 2007 |access-date=February 1, 2007}} Like the MessagePad, the iPhone is nearly all screen. Its form factor is credited to Apple's Chief Design Officer, Jonathan Ive.{{cite web |last=Wilson |first=Greg |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/business/story/488512p-411422c.html |title=Private iCreator is genius behind Apple's polish |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070119123139/http://www.nydailynews.com/business/story/488512p-411422c.html |archive-date=January 19, 2007 |website=New York Daily News |date=January 14, 2007 |access-date=February 1, 2007}}

Jobs expressed his belief that tablet PCs and traditional PDAs were not good choices as high-demand markets for Apple to enter, despite receiving many requests for Apple to create another PDA. In 2002, after the iPod launched, Jobs realized that the overlap of mobile phones and music players would force Apple to get into the mobile phone business. After seeing millions of Americans carrying separate BlackBerrys, phones, and Apple's iPod MP3 players; he felt eventually consumers would prefer just one device.{{Cite magazine|last=|first=|date=|title=The Untold Story: How the iPhone Blew Up the Wireless Industry|url=https://www.wired.com/2008/01/ff-iphone/?currentPage=1|access-date=|magazine=Wired|publication-date=2008|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126100255/http://www.wired.com/2008/01/ff-iphone/?currentPage=1|url-status=live}}

Jobs also saw that as cell phones and mobile devices would keep amassing more features, they will be challenging the iPod's dominance as a music player. To protect the iPod new product line, which by the start of 2007 was responsible for 48% of all of Apple's revenue,{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title="Apple Reports First Quarter Results". Apple Press Info. January 17, 2007|url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/pdfs/q207data_sum.pdf|access-date=|website=Apple.com|archive-date=December 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207043304/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/pdfs/q207data_sum.pdf|url-status=live}} Jobs decided he would need to venture into the wireless world. So at that time, instead of focusing on a follow-up to their Newton PDA, Jobs had Apple focus on the iPod. Jobs also had Apple develop the iTunes software, which can be used to synchronize content with iPod devices. iTunes had been released in January 2001.{{cite web |author-link=Walt Mossberg |last=Mossberg |first=Walt |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB108716565680435835 |title=The Music Man |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006212526/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB108716565680435835 |archive-date=October 6, 2017 |url-status=live |url-access=registration |website=The Wall Street Journal |date=June 14, 2004 |access-date=February 1, 2007}}{{cite web |last=Kennedy |first=Niall |url=https://www.niallkennedy.com/blog/2004/06/walt-mossberg-i.html |title=Walt Mossberg interviews Steve Jobs |date=June 14, 2004 |access-date=March 30, 2023}}{{cite web |last=Chaffin |first=Bryan |url=https://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/steve_jobs_no_tablet_no_pda_no_cell_phone_lots_of_ipods |title=Steve Jobs: No Tablet, No PDA, No Cell Phone, Lots Of iPods|website=The Mac Observer |date=June 4, 2003 |access-date=March 30, 2023}}{{cite web |last=Howell |first=Denise |url=http://bgbg.blogspot.com/2003_05_25_bgbg_archive.html |title=D: Interview With Steve Jobs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111029115745/http://bgbg.blogspot.com/2003_05_25_bgbg_archive.html |archive-date=October 29, 2011 |url-status=live |website=Bag and Baggage |date=May 30, 2003 |access-date=February 1, 2007}}

Several enabling technologies made the iPhone possible. These included lithium-ion batteries that were small and powerful enough to power a mobile computer for a reasonable amount of time; multi-touch screens; energy-efficient but powerful CPUs, such as those using the ARM architecture; mobile phone networks; and web browsers. Apple approached glass manufacturer Corning in 2005 to investigate the possibility of a thin, flexible, and transparent material that could avoid the problem of metal keys scratching up phone screens. Corning reactivated some old research material that had not yet found an application to produce Gorilla Glass.{{cite podcast |url=https://think.kera.org/2017/07/27/what-siri-wont-tell-you/ |title=What Siri Won't Tell You |website=Think! |publisher=KERA |date=July 27, 2017 |access-date=August 3, 2021 |archive-date=August 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803193940/https://think.kera.org/2017/07/27/what-siri-wont-tell-you/ |url-status=live }}

In an effort to bypass the carriers, Jobs approached Motorola. On September 7, 2005, Apple and Motorola collaborated to develop the Motorola ROKR E1, the first mobile phone to use iTunes. Steve Jobs was unhappy with the ROKR, among other deficiencies, the ROKR E1's firmware limited storage to only 100 iTunes songs to avoid competing with Apple's iPod nano.{{cite news|last=Andreescu|first=Alex|date=September 27, 2005|title=iPod nano: The End of the Motorola-Apple Story – Ed Zander, Motorola CEO: "Screw the nano"|work=Softpedia|url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/iPod-nano-The-End-of-the-Motorola-Apple-Story-9409.shtml|access-date=June 5, 2010|archive-date=July 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701181902/https://news.softpedia.com/news/iPod-nano-The-End-of-the-Motorola-Apple-Story-9409.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Rojas|first=Peter|date=September 8, 2005|title=It's official: ROKR E1 iTunes phone can only store max. 100 tracks|url=https://www.engadget.com/2005/09/08/its-official-rokr-e1-itunes-phone-can-only-store-max-100/|access-date=March 23, 2017|work=Engadget|archive-date=May 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525225131/https://www.engadget.com/2005-09-08-its-official-rokr-e1-itunes-phone-can-only-store-max-100.html|url-status=live}} iTunes Music Store purchases could also not be downloaded wirelessly directly into the ROKR E1 and had to be done through a PC sync. Apple therefore decided to develop its own phone, which would incorporate the iPod's musical functions into a smartphone.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=June 29, 2018|orig-year=|title=The story of the original iPhone, that nobody thought was possible|url=https://appleinsider.com/articles/18/06/29/the-story-of-the-original-iphone-that-nobody-thought-was-possible|access-date=|website=Appleinsider|publication-date=2019|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128152408/https://appleinsider.com/articles/18/06/29/the-story-of-the-original-iphone-that-nobody-thought-was-possible|url-status=live}}

Feeling that having to compromise with a non-Apple designer (Motorola) prevented Apple from designing the phone they wanted to make,{{cite news|url=https://money.cnn.com/2007/01/10/commentary/lewis_fortune_iphone.fortune/index.htm|title=How Apple kept its iPhone secrets|last=Lewis|first=Peter|date=January 12, 2007|publisher=CNN Money|access-date=January 11, 2009|archive-date=December 10, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210110636/http://money.cnn.com/2007/01/10/commentary/lewis_fortune_iphone.fortune/index.htm|url-status=live}} Apple discontinued support for the ROKR in September 2006, and, after creating a deal with AT&T (at the time still called Cingular), released a version of iTunes that included references to an as-yet unknown mobile phone that could display pictures and video.{{cite web |last=Chen |first=Jason |url=https://gizmodo.com/itunes-7-0-1-has-buttloads-of-mobile-phone-mentions-203780 |title=iTunes 7.0.1 Has Buttloads of Mobile Phone Mentions |website=Gizmodo |date=September 27, 2006 |access-date=March 30, 2023}} This turned out to be the first iPhone (iPhone 2G).

On January 9, 2007, Steve Jobs announced the first iPhone at the Macworld convention, receiving substantial media attention.{{cite web |last=Mather |first=John |url=https://rrj.ca/imania/ |title=iMania |website=Ryerson Review of Journalism |date=February 19, 2007 |access-date=March 30, 2003}} On June 11, 2007, Apple announced at the Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference that the iPhone would support third party applications using the Safari engine. Third parties would be able to create Web 2.0 applications, which users could access via the Internet.{{cite press release |publisher=Apple Inc. |date=June 11, 2007 |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2007/06/11iPhone-to-Support-Third-Party-Web-2-0-Applications/ |title=iPhone to Support Third-Party Web 2.0 Applications |access-date=March 30, 2023}} Such applications appeared even before the release of the iPhone; the first of these, called OneTrip, was a program meant to keep track of users' shopping lists.{{cite web |last=Kim |first=Arnold |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2007/06/13/iphone-application-example-onetrip/ |title=iPhone Application Example: OneTrip |website=MacRumors |date=June 13, 2007 |access-date=March 30, 2023}}

On June 29, 2007, the first iPhone was released.{{cite web|url=https://www.packagor.com/iphone/|title=iPhone Archives – Packagor|access-date=July 30, 2017|archive-date=July 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729054647/https://www.packagor.com/iphone/|url-status=dead}} The iPod Touch, which came with an iPhone-style touchscreen to the iPod range, was also released later in 2007. The iPad followed in 2010.

When Apple announced the iPhone on January 9, 2007,{{cite news |url=http://www.macworld.com/article/54769/2007/01/iphone.html |title=Apple unveils iPhone |date=January 9, 2007 |access-date=March 14, 2011 |author=Honan, Mathew |work=Macworld |archive-date=April 15, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080415223141/http://www.macworld.com/article/54769/2007/01/iphone.html |url-status=dead }} it was sold only with AT&T (formerly Cingular) contracts in the United States. After 18 months of negotiations, Steve Jobs reached an agreement with the wireless division of AT&T{{cite web|url=https://www.attsavings.com/|title=AT&T Savings Division|access-date=March 8, 2021|archive-date=March 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309174920/https://www.attsavings.com/|url-status=live}} to be the iPhone's exclusive carrier. Consumers were unable to use any other carrier without unlocking their device.

Apple retained control of the design, manufacturing and marketing of the iPhone.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/gadgets/wireless/magazine/16-02/ff_iphonev|title=How the iPhone Blew Up the Wireless Industry | last=Vogelstein|first=Fred|date=January 9, 2008|magazine=Wired Magazine|access-date=May 3, 2011}} Since some customers were jailbreaking their iPhones to leave their network, AT&T began charging them a $175 early-termination fee for leaving before the end of their contract.{{cite web|last=Broache|first=Anne|url=https://www.cnet.com/culture/democrats-criticize-at-ts-exclusive-iphone-deal/|title=Democrats criticize AT&T's exclusive iPhone deal|publisher=CNET|access-date=March 30, 2023}}

{{Main|Apple Inc. litigation}}

File:Iphone back.jpg

Questions arose about the legality of Apple's arrangement after the iPhone was released.{{cite news |url=http://www.recong2.com/journal/does_apples_tightly_controlled_ecosystem_strategy_constitute_an_illegal_tying_arrangement |title=Does Apple's Tightly Controlled Ecosystem Strategy Constitute and Illegal Tying Arrangement? |date=July 6, 2007 |access-date=March 15, 2011 |author=Gonsowski, Laurie |archive-date=July 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715163849/http://www.recong2.com/journal/does_apples_tightly_controlled_ecosystem_strategy_constitute_an_illegal_tying_arrangement |url-status=live }} Two class-action lawsuits were filed against the company in October 2007: one in Federal court and the other in state court.{{cite journal|last=Defeo|first=Mark|title=Unlocking the iPhone: How Antitrust Law Can Save Consumers from the Inadequacies of Copyright Law|journal=Boston College Law Review|date=September 1, 2008|volume=49|issue=4|url=http://lawdigitalcommons.bc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2394&context=bclr&sei-redir=1|access-date=May 3, 2011}} According to the suits, Apple's exclusive agreement with AT&T violated antitrust law.{{cite news | url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2007/10/california-man-seeks-class-action-lawsuit-over-iphone-bricking-lock-in.ars | title=California man seeks class action lawsuit over iPhone bricking, lock-in | date=October 7, 2007 | access-date=March 15, 2011 | author=Chartier, David | work=Ars Technica | archive-date=December 20, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101220044235/http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2007/10/california-man-seeks-class-action-lawsuit-over-iphone-bricking-lock-in.ars | url-status=live }}

The state-court suit, filed by the law office of Damian R. Fernandez on behalf of California resident Timothy P. Smith, sought an injunction barring Apple from selling iPhones with a software lock and $200 million in damages.{{cite news | url=http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2007/10/california_resi.html | title=Apple Class-Action Suit Filed by California Man Over iPhone Bricking | date=October 5, 2007 | access-date=March 15, 2011 | author=Wolfe, Alexander | work=InformationWeek | archive-date=October 13, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013201324/https://www.informationweek.com/archives.asp?newsandcommentary=yes | url-status=live }} In Smith v. Apple Inc., the plaintiffs said that Apple failed to disclose to purchasers its five-year agreement with AT&T when they bought iPhones with a two-year contract and cited the Sherman Act's prohibition of monopolies.{{cite court |litigants=Smith v. Apple, Inc. |opinion= |pinpoint= |court=N.D.C.A. |url=https://www.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/021310applecacomplaint.pdf}}

The second case was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The plaintiff, Paul Holman, filed a complaint against Apple and AT&T Mobility that he could not switch carriers or change SIM cards without losing iPhone improvements to which he was entitled. Holman also cited a Sherman Act violation by the defendants.{{cite court |litigants=Holman et al v. Apple, Inc et al. |court=N.D.C.A. |url=http://dockets.justia.com/docket/california/candce/5:2007cv05152/196514/}} On July 8, 2010, the case was affirmed for class certification.{{cite web|title=Apple And AT&T Lose Bid To Dismiss Class In Ninth Circuit|url=http://www.antitrusttoday.com/2010/10/26/apple-and-att-lose-bid-to-dismiss-class-in-ninth-circuit/|work=Antitrust Today|access-date=May 3, 2011|date=October 26, 2010|archive-date=July 30, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730055800/http://www.antitrusttoday.com/2010/10/26/apple-and-att-lose-bid-to-dismiss-class-in-ninth-circuit/|url-status=live}} On December 9 the court ordered a stay on the case, awaiting the Supreme Court's decision in AT&T v. Concepcion (disputed whether the state's basic standards of fairness were met by a clause in AT&T's contract limiting complaint resolution to arbitration).{{cite web|last=Thompson|first=Alice|title=Supreme Court Decision Limits Workers' and Consumers' Rights in Pursuit of Claims Against Corporations|url=http://www.civilrights.org/archives/2011/05/1182-att-concepcion.html|work=The Leadership Conference|access-date=May 3, 2011|archive-date=May 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110504023120/http://www.civilrights.org/archives/2011/05/1182-att-concepcion.html|url-status=live}} On April 27, 2011, the Supreme Court ruled that AT&T met the state's fairness standards.{{cite court |litigants=AT&T Mobility LLC v. Concepcion |court=U.S. date=April 27, 2011|url=https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/10pdf/09-893.pdf}}

In 2017, Apple was sued after they admitted to slowing down older phone models. The plaintiffs, Stefan Bogdanovich and Dakota Speas, filed the lawsuit when their iPhone 6S was slower after an update. The plaintiffs were entitled to compensation due to the interferences and the economic damages they suffered.{{Cite news |date=2020-02-07 |title=Apple fined for slowing down old iPhones |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-51413724 |access-date=2023-03-31}}

File:Waiting for iPhones NYC.jpg, June 29, 2007]]

On June 28, 2007, during an address to Apple employees, Steve Jobs announced that all full-time Apple employees and those part-time employees who had been with the company for at least one year would receive a free iPhone. Employees received their phones in July after the initial demand for the iPhone subsided.{{cite news|url=http://daringfireball.net/linked/2007/06/28/allhands|title=Jobs Calls All-Hands Meeting for 11am Today|work=Daring Fireball|author-link=John Gruber|first=John|last=Gruber|date=June 28, 2007|access-date=October 17, 2008|archive-date=November 8, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111108075158/http://daringfireball.net/linked/2007/06/28/allhands|url-status=live}}

Initially priced at $499 ({{Inflation|US|499|2007|fmt=eq}}) and $599 ({{Inflation|US|599|2007|fmt=eq}}) for the 4 GB models and 8 GB models respectively, the iPhone went on sale on June 29, 2007. Apple closed its stores at 2:00pm local time to prepare for the 6:00pm iPhone launch, while hundreds of customers lined up at stores nationwide.{{cite news|url=http://www.mp3newswire.net/stories/7002/iphone-line.html|title=Steve iPhone: Hundreds Come, Lines Orderly|work=MP3 Newswire|date=June 29, 2007|access-date=June 29, 2007|archive-date=April 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408093309/http://www.mp3newswire.net/stories/7002/iPhone-line.html|url-status=live}}

In the US and some other countries, iPhones could be acquired only with a credit card, preventing completely anonymous purchases of iPhones.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/27/technology/27apple.html | work=The New York Times | title=Apple Limits Sale of iPhones: Two Per Person and No Cash | date=October 27, 2007 | access-date=May 4, 2010 | archive-date=December 11, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211171929/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/27/technology/27apple.html | url-status=live }}{{cite magazine | url=http://blog.wired.com/business/2007/10/the-iphone-cash.html | magazine=Wired | first1=Bryan | last1=Gardiner | title=The iPhone Cash Ban: It's Legal, and Here's Why | date=October 29, 2007 | access-date=May 16, 2008 | archive-date=March 27, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327031319/http://blog.wired.com/business/2007/10/the-iphone-cash.html | url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2007-10-27-apple-refusing-to-accept-cash-for-iphone-limits-em-to-two-per.html |title=Apple refusing to accept cash for iPhone, limits 'em to two per person |website=Engadget |date=October 27, 2007}} At the time, there was no way to opt out of the bundled AT&T data plan. At first, iPhones could not be added to an AT&T Business account, and any existing business account discounts could not be applied to an iPhone AT&T account. AT&T changed these restrictions in late January 2008.{{cite news|url=http://www.macworld.com/weblogs/editors/2007/06/iphone_act/index.php|title=iPhone activation disasters|work=Macworld|first=Jim|last=Dalrymple|date=January 29, 2007|access-date=June 30, 2007|archive-date=August 30, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070830102236/http://www.macworld.com/weblogs/editors/2007/06/iphone_act/index.php|url-status=live}}

The Associated Press also reported in 2007 that some users were unable to activate their phones because, according to AT&T, "[a] high volume of activation requests [was] taxing the company's computer servers."{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070701/ap_on_hi_te/apple_iphone|title=Some iPhone customers face delays|work=Yahoo!|first=May|last=Wong|date=July 1, 2007|access-date=July 1, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070703210448/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070701/ap_on_hi_te/apple_iphone |archive-date = July 3, 2007}}[http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it-old/iphone-delays-hit-customers/story-e6frgalx-1111113868095 theaustralian.com.au – iPhone delays hit customers] July 2, 2007{{dead link|fix-attempted=yes|date=March 2023}}

Early estimates by technology analysts estimated sales of between 250,000 and 700,000 iPhones in the first weekend alone, with strong sales continuing after the initial weekend.{{cite web|url=http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/07/07/02/amtech_iphone_to_become_fastest_selling_apple_product_in_history.html|title=AmTech: iPhone to become fastest selling Apple product in history|access-date=July 8, 2007|last=Marsal|first=Katie|date=July 2, 2007|work=AppleInsider|archive-date=July 6, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070706014726/http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/07/07/02/amtech_iphone_to_become_fastest_selling_apple_product_in_history.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/phones/2007-07-03-iphone-tech_N.htm|title=Up to 700,000 iPhones have sold|work=USA Today|first=Jefferson|last=Graham|date=July 3, 2007|access-date=July 3, 2007|archive-date=July 5, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070705212522/http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/phones/2007-07-03-iphone-tech_N.htm|url-status=live}} As part of their quarterly earnings announcement, AT&T reported that 146,000 iPhones were activated in the first weekend. Though this figure does not include units that were purchased for resale on eBay or otherwise not activated until after the opening weekend, it is still less than most initial estimates.{{cite news|last=Johnson|first=Steve|title=Apple, AT&T shares fall on fewer-than-expected iPhone subscriptions|work=San Jose Mercury News|date=July 24, 2007|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_6452729|access-date=July 24, 2007|archive-date=October 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006082112/http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_6452729|url-status=live}} It is also estimated that 95% of the units sold were the 8 GB model.{{cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-9738446-7.html|title=Piper Jaffray: 500,000 iPhones sold over the weekend|access-date=July 9, 2007|last=Krazit|first=Tom|date=July 1, 2007|work=CNET News|archive-date=July 29, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090729082531/http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-9738446-7.html|url-status=live}}

{{Main|300-page iPhone bill}}

Stories of unexpected billing issues began to circulate in blogs and the technical press a little more than a month after iPhone's heavily advertised and anticipated release.{{cite web

|url=http://www.coxwashington.com/hp/content/reporters/stories/2007/08/16/BC_IBILL16_COX.html

|title=A 300-page iPhone bill? Too much information, users say

|access-date=October 2, 2007

|author=Ho, David

|date=August 16, 2007

|work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

|publisher=Cox Newspapers

|page=C1

|quote=Internet message boards and blogs are buzzing with talk of paper iPhone bills dozens and even hundreds of pages long.

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071012173841/http://coxwashington.com/hp/content/reporters/stories/2007/08/16/BC_IBILL16_COX.html |archive-date = October 12, 2007 |url-status = dead}} The 300-page iPhone bill in a box received by iJustine on Saturday, August 11, 2007{{cite web

|url=http://tech.monstersandcritics.com/news/article_1344359.php/Thirty_thousand_text_messages_equal_a_forest_killing_300-page_phone_bill

|title=Thirty thousand text messages equal a forest killing 300-page phone bill

|access-date=August 19, 2007

|author=Ragan, Steve

|date=August 17, 2007

|work=Monsters and Critics

|publisher=WotR Ltd.

|quote=The box arrived last Saturday and inside it contained her first bill after she purchased Apple's iPhone.

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929111156/http://tech.monstersandcritics.com/news/article_1344359.php/Thirty_thousand_text_messages_equal_a_forest_killing_300-page_phone_bill

|archive-date=September 29, 2007

|url-status=dead

}}{{cite news | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/05/AR2007090500370.html | title = Sexy Portable Storage : The 300-Page iPhone Bill | quote = Justine Ezarik, a graphic designer from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, posted a 1-minute video on her blog that shows her opening up a 300-page iPhone bill from AT&T – which was mailed in a box. | access-date = October 2, 2007 | date = September 5, 2007 | author = Martin, James A. | newspaper = The Washington Post | archive-date = November 8, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121108041940/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/05/AR2007090500370.html | url-status = live }} became the subject of a viral video, posted by the following Monday, which quickly became an Internet meme.{{cite web

|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,136068/article.html

|title=A 300-page iPhone Bill? : iPhone owners rail at AT&T for paper waste with overly detailed bills.

|access-date=August 19, 2007

|author=Keizer, Gregg

|date=August 16, 2007

|work=Computerworld

|publisher=PC World Communications

|quote=One blogger, in fact, is in the middle of her 15 minutes of fame after posting a video that shows her unwrapping a 300-page AT&T bill.

|archive-date=September 30, 2007

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930180832/http://www.pcworld.com/article/id%2C136068/article.html

|url-status=dead

}}{{cite news

|url=https://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/phones/2007-08-14-iphone-bill_N.htm?imw=Y

|title=How many trees did your iPhone bill kill?

|access-date=August 19, 2007

|author=Graham, Jefferson

|date=August 15, 2007

|work=USA Today

|publisher=Gannett

|quote=Justine Ezarik, a Pittsburgh graphic designer and active Internet blogger, got her first bill on Saturday. She says it was so huge – 300 pages – it was delivered in a box.

|archive-date=May 24, 2008

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080524083705/http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/phones/2007-08-14-iphone-bill_N.htm?imw=Y

|url-status=live

}} This video clip brought the voluminous bills to the attention of the mass media. Ten days later, after the video had been viewed more than 3 million times on the Internet,{{cite news

|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/23/business/23bill.html?em&ex=1188014400&en=de1fe8dde56cab98&ei=5087%0A

|title=AT&T's Overstuffed iPhone Bills Annoy Customers

|access-date=August 23, 2007

|author=Hafner, Katie

|date=August 23, 2007

|work=The New York Times

|quote=Ms. Ezarik, 23, made a one-minute video that shows her flipping through the voluminous bill and posted it to YouTube and other video-sharing sites on Aug. 13. The video has since been viewed more than three million times,

|archive-date=June 13, 2013

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613102910/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/23/business/23bill.html?em&ex=1188014400&en=de1fe8dde56cab98&ei=5087%0A

|url-status=live

}} and had received international news coverage, AT&T sent iPhone users a text message outlining changes in its billing practices.{{cite web

|url=https://arstechnica.com/journals/apple.ars/2007/08/22/att-says-no-more-300-page-iphone-bills

|title=AT&T says "No more 300-page iPhone bills"

|access-date=August 22, 2007

|author=Cheng, Jacqui

|date=August 22, 2007

|work=Ars Technica

|quote=Surely due to the recent flurry over massively large iPhone bills, AT&T has begun sending text messages to its iPhone users assuring them that 50, or 75, or 300+ page iPhone bills will no longer be sent to their houses (unless they want them).

|archive-date=August 23, 2007

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070823122233/http://arstechnica.com/journals/apple.ars/2007/08/22/att-says-no-more-300-page-iphone-bills

|url-status=live

}}

On September 5, 2007, the 4 GB model was discontinued, and the 8 GB model price was cut by a third, from $599 USD to $399 USD.{{cite press release |publisher=Apple Inc. |date=September 5, 2007 |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2007/09/05Apple-Sets-iPhone-Price-at-399-for-this-Holiday-Season/ |title=Apple Sets iPhone Price at $399 for this Holiday Season |access-date=March 30, 2023}} Those who had purchased an iPhone in the 14-day period before the September 5, 2007, announcement were eligible for a $200 "price protection" rebate from Apple or AT&T. However, it was widely reported that some who bought between the June 29, 2007, launch and the August 22, 2007, price protection kick-in date complained that this was a larger-than-normal price drop for such a relatively short period and accused Apple of unfair pricing.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/07/technology/07apple.html?_r=1&oref=slogin | work=The New York Times | title=IPhone Owners Crying Foul Over Price Cut | first1=Katie | last1=Hafner | first2=Brad | last2=Stone | date=September 7, 2007 | access-date=May 4, 2010 | archive-date=May 3, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503043402/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/07/technology/07apple.html?_r=1&oref=slogin | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/06/AR2007090600581.html | newspaper=The Washington Post | title=Apple Stock Falls After IPhone Price Cut | first=May | last=Wong | access-date=May 4, 2010 | date=September 6, 2007 | archive-date=November 13, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113090026/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/06/AR2007090600581.html | url-status=live }}

In response to customer complaints, on September 6, 2007, Apple CEO Steve Jobs wrote in an open letter to iPhone customers that everyone who purchased an iPhone at the higher price "and who is not receiving a rebate or other consideration", would receive a $100 credit to be redeemed towards the purchase of any product sold in Apple's retail or online stores.{{cite web |url=https://www.apple.com/hotnews/openiphoneletter/ |first=Steve |last=Jobs |title=To all iPhone customers |website=Apple |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070908223628/http://www.apple.com/hotnews/openiphoneletter/ |archive-date=September 8, 2007 |url-status=dead}}

With the July 11, 2008, release of the iPhone 3G, Apple and AT&T changed the US pricing model from the previous generation. Following the de facto model for mobile phone service in the United States, AT&T would subsidize a sizable portion of the upfront cost for the iPhone 3G, followed by charging moderately higher monthly fees over a minimum two-year contract.{{cite web |url=http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/services/serviceDetails.jsp?LOSGId=&skuId=sku1160053&catId=cat1470003 |title=Get Started – Wireless from AT&T, formerly Cingular |website=AT&T Wireless |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013201337/https://www.att.com/wireless/ |archive-date=October 13, 2022 |url-status=dead}}

There had been ongoing speculation in the United States that Apple might offer a CDMA-compatible iPhone for Verizon Wireless.{{cite web |date=March 15, 2010 |title=Verizon iPhone: Release date may be summer-2010 | ShutterVoice: Latest Business, Technology News & Multimedia Reviews |url=http://www.shuttervoice.com/3005/verizon-iphone-release-date-may-be-summer-2010.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20100322191909/http://www.shuttervoice.com/3005/verizon-iphone-release-date-may-be-summer-2010.html |archive-date=March 22, 2010 |access-date=June 7, 2010 |publisher=ShutterVoice}} This speculation increased on October 6, 2010, when The Wall Street Journal reported that Apple would begin producing a CDMA-compatible iPhone, with such a model going on sale in early 2011.{{cite news |date=October 6, 2010 |title=Apple Making Verizon-Ready iPhone by Year End |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703735804575536191649347572?mod=WSJ_hpp_LEFTTopStoriesp |url-status=live |access-date=August 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007021222/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703735804575536191649347572?mod=WSJ_hpp_LEFTTopStoriesp |archive-date=October 7, 2017}}

On January 11, 2011, Verizon announced during a media event that it had reached an agreement with Apple and would begin selling a CDMA iPhone 4. The Verizon iPhone went on sale on February 10, 2011.{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fasterforward/2011/01/liveblog_the_verizon_iphone.html | newspaper=The Washington Post | title=Liveblog: The Verizon iPhone | access-date=January 11, 2011 | archive-date=July 18, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220718011021/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fasterforward/2011/01/liveblog_the_verizon_iphone.html | url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2011/01/11/132833078/its-official-verizon-has-iphone-4 |title=It's Official: Verizon Has The iPhone 4 : The Two-Way |first=Mark |last=Memmott |website=NPR |date=January 11, 201 |access-date=March 30, 2023}}){{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703791904576075681886276172?mod=googlenews_wsj | work=The Wall Street Journal | first=Shayndi | last=Raice | title=Verizon Unwraps iPhone | date=January 12, 2011 | access-date=August 3, 2017 | archive-date=October 6, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006212045/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703791904576075681886276172?mod=googlenews_wsj | url-status=live }} The CDMA version was a bespoke model, lacking a SIM slot and with a revised metal chassis, the design of which would be reused on the iPhone 4S.{{cite news |last=Grove |first=Jennifer Van |title=iPhone 4S: 4 Reasons to Upgrade |publisher=Mashable |date=October 4, 2011 |url=http://mashable.com/2011/10/04/iphone-4s-upgrade/ |access-date=October 23, 2011 |archive-date=September 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120918/http://mashable.com/2011/10/04/iphone-4s-upgrade/ |url-status=live }}

During Apple's official unveiling of iPhone 4S on October 4, 2011, it was announced that Sprint would begin carrying the reconfigured CDMA iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S in the US on October 14.{{cite web | url=http://blog.laptopmag.com/199-iphone-4s-vs-99-iphone-4-whats-the-better-deal | title=$199 iPhone 4S vs. $99 iPhone 4: What's the Better Deal? | publisher=LaptopMag | date=October 5, 2011 | access-date=October 5, 2011 | archive-date=October 6, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006173719/http://blog.laptopmag.com/199-iphone-4s-vs-99-iphone-4-whats-the-better-deal | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/apple-unveils-theiphone-4s-at-event-at-cupertino/story-e6frgakx-1226158624667 | title=Apple unveils the iPhone 4S at event at Cupertino | publisher=AustralianIT | date=October 5, 2011 | access-date=October 5, 2011 | archive-date=October 10, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111010084517/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/apple-unveils-theiphone-4s-at-event-at-cupertino/story-e6frgakx-1226158624667 | url-status=live }} Cricket Wireless announced on May 31, 2012, that it would become the first prepaid carrier in the US to offer iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, beginning June 22, 2012.{{cite news | title=Prepaid carrier Cricket leaps onto iPhone scene | url=http://www.macworld.com/article/1167036/prepaid_carrier_cricket_leaps_onto_iphone_scene.html | work=Macworld | first=Dan | last=Moren | date=May 31, 2012 | access-date=May 31, 2012 | archive-date=May 31, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531151135/http://www.macworld.com/article/1167036/prepaid_carrier_cricket_leaps_onto_iphone_scene.html | url-status=live }} A week later, Virgin Mobile USA became the second American prepaid carrier to offer iPhone 4 and 4S, announcing plans to release the phones on June 29, 2012.{{cite news | url=http://www.macworld.com/article/1167132/virgin_mobile_to_offer_iphone_beginning_june_29.html | title=Virgin Mobile to offer iPhone beginning June 29 | work=Macworld | first=Dan | last=Moren | date=June 7, 2012 | access-date=June 7, 2012 | archive-date=June 10, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610015608/http://www.macworld.com/article/1167132/virgin_mobile_to_offer_iphone_beginning_june_29.html | url-status=live }} T-Mobile USA's inability to provide iPhone to customers raised its subscription churn rate, decreased the percentage of lucrative postpaid customers, and contributed to parent Deutsche Telekom's decision to sell it to AT&T in March 2011,{{cite news | url=https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/03/21/how-the-iphone-led-to-the-sale-of-t-mobile-usa/?hp= | title=How the iPhone Led to the Sale of T-Mobile USA | access-date=March 21, 2011 | author=O'Brien, Kevin | date=March 21, 2011 | newspaper=The New York Times | archive-date=September 30, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930001324/http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/03/21/how-the-iphone-led-to-the-sale-of-t-mobile-usa/?hp= | url-status=live }} although AT&T canceled the deal in December 2011 because of antitrust concerns.{{Cite news |url=https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/12/19/att-withdraws-39-bid-for-t-mobile/ |title=AT&T Ends $39 Billion Bid for T-Mobile |last=de la Merced |first=Michael J. |date=December 19, 2011 |work=The New York Times |access-date=May 18, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=May 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518110240/https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/12/19/att-withdraws-39-bid-for-t-mobile/ |url-status=live }} T-Mobile began offering iPhone on April 12, 2013.

With the release of the iPhone 5 on September 21, 2012, Apple introduced a thinner and stronger design for the iPhone. This design included the availability of the colors: black, white. Gold was later introduced for the first time with the iPhone 5s. Sapphire materials were used for home button and the camera to help resist scratches and fingerprints, while anodized aluminum and ceramic glass were used for the phone's body. Support for 4G LTE internet was also added.{{Cite conference |last1=Li |first1=Zhenjian |last2=Pan |first2=Xingchen |date=2018 |title=Research on CMF Design and Charging Method in Smartphone-Centered on iPhone |conference=2018 2nd International Conference on Systems, Computing, and Applications (SYSTCA 2018) |url=https://webofproceedings.org/proceedings_series/ECS/SYSTCA%202018/SYSTCA027.pdf |access-date=March 31, 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200709051732id_/https://webofproceedings.org/proceedings_series/ECS/SYSTCA%202018/SYSTCA027.pdf |archive-date=July 9, 2020}}

With the iPhone 5, Apple abandoned the 30-pin dock connector in favor of the Lightning connector. This change was a surprise to business owners and consumers alike as this swap was unexpected.

With the release of iPhone 15, Apple switched from the Lightning connector to USB-C.{{Citation |title=iPhone 15 |date=2024-11-13 |work=Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPhone_15#:~:text=The%20iPhone%2015%20and%20iPhone%2015%20Plus%20use%20USB-C,to%20a%20new%20charging%20port. |access-date=2024-12-01 |language=en}}

The international release of iPhone was staggered over several months. Today, the iPhone is available in most countries.[https://www.apple.com/iphone/countries/iPhone around the world] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820182151/https://www.apple.com/iphone/countries/iPhone |date=August 20, 2014 }}

† iPhone offered by multiple carriers under contract from Apple (country not carrier-exclusive)

‡ iPhone offered without contract and without carrier lock

§ MVNO with O₂

{{Main|iPhone#SIM unlocking}}

Apple has filed more than 200 patent applications related to the technology behind the iPhone.{{cite news |last=Ishimaru |first=Heather |date=January 9, 2007 |title=Apple Options Not An Issue At Macworld |publisher=abc7news.com |url=http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/business&id=4920783 |url-status=dead |access-date=January 11, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206203752/http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news%2Fbusiness&id=4920783 |archive-date=February 6, 2009}}{{cite web |title=iPhone – Features – High Technology |url=https://www.apple.com/support/iphone/features/ |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707134750/http://www.apple.com/support/iphone/features/ |archive-date=July 7, 2015 |access-date=June 6, 2008 |publisher=Apple Inc.}}

LG Electronics claimed the design of the iPhone was copied from the LG Prada. Woo-Young Kwak, head of LG Mobile Handset R&D Center, said at a press conference: "we consider that Apple copied Prada phone after the design was unveiled when it was presented in the iF Design Award and won the prize in September 2006."{{cite news |last=Wright |first=Aaron |date=February 20, 2007 |title=The iPhone Lawsuits |work=Apple Matters |url=http://www.applematters.com/article/the-iphone-lawsuits/ |url-status=live |access-date=June 25, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418065252/http://www.applematters.com/article/the-iphone-lawsuits/ |archive-date=April 18, 2022}} Conversely, the iPhone has also inspired its own share of high-tech clones.{{cite web |last=Gikas |first=Mike |date=April 8, 2008 |title=Send in the iClones |url=http://blogs.consumerreports.org/electronics/2008/04/send-in-the-icl.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090609115114/http://blogs.consumerreports.org/electronics/2008/04/send-in-the-icl.html |archive-date=June 9, 2009 |access-date=June 10, 2009 |work=Consumer Reports}}

On September 3, 1993, Infogear filed for the U.S. trademark "I PHONE"{{cite web |date=January 12, 2007 |title=Trademark Applications and Registrations Retrieval, serial number 74431935 (I PHONE) |url=http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=74431935 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120630044408/http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial |archive-date=June 30, 2012 |access-date=June 6, 2008 |publisher=United States Patent and Trademark Office}} and on March 20, 1996, applied for the trademark "IPhone".{{cite news |last=Berlind |first=David |date=January 7, 2007 |title=On the eve of a new phone, Apple appears to want in on the Cisco "iPhone" trademark |url=http://blogs.zdnet.com/Berlind/?p=284 |url-status=dead |access-date=January 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070210041453/http://blogs.zdnet.com/Berlind/?p=284 |archive-date=February 10, 2007}} "I Phone" was registered in March 1998, and "IPhone" was registered in 1999. Since then, the I PHONE mark had been abandoned. Infogear trademarks cover "communications terminals comprising computer hardware and software providing integrated telephone, data communications and personal computer functions" (1993 filing), and "computer hardware and software for providing integrated telephone communication with computerized global information networks" (1996 filing).{{cite web |date=July 31, 2006 |title=Trademark Applications and Registrations Retrieval, serial number 75076573 (IPHONE) |url=http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=75076573 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120630044408/http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial |archive-date=June 30, 2012 |access-date=June 6, 2008 |publisher=United States Patent and Trademark Office}}

In 2000, Infogear filed an infringement claim against the owners of the iPhones.com domain name.{{cite web |date=April 13, 2000 |title=InfoGear Technology Corporation v iPhones |url=http://www.arb-forum.com/domains/decisions/94369.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000817014541/http://www.arb-forum.com/domains/decisions/94369.htm |archive-date=August 17, 2000 |access-date=June 6, 2008 |publisher=National Arbitration Forum}} The owners of the iPhones.com domain name challenged the infringement claim in the Northern District Court of California. In June 2000, Cisco Systems acquired Infogear, including the iPhone trademark.{{cite news |last=Kawamoto |first=Dawn |date=January 26, 2007 |title=Cisco faces iPhone trademark challenge in Canada |publisher=ZDNet |url=http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9595_22-6153865.html |access-date=June 6, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080424032521/http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9595_22-6153865.html |archive-date=April 24, 2008}} In September 2000, Cisco Systems settled with the owners of iPhones.com and allowed the owners to keep the iPhones.com domain name along with intellectual property rights to use any designation of the iPhones.com domain name for the sale of cellular phones, cellular phones with Internet access (WAP PHONES), handheld PDAs, storage devices, computer equipment (hardware/software), and digital cameras (hardware/software). The intellectual property rights were granted to the owners of the iPhones.com domain name by Cisco Systems in September 2000.

In October 2002, Apple applied for the "iPhone" trademark in the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, and the European Union. A Canadian application followed in October 2004, and a New Zealand application in September 2006. As of October 2006, only the Singapore and Australian applications had been granted.

In September 2006, a company called Ocean Telecom Services applied for an "iPhone" trademark in the United States, United Kingdom, and Hong Kong, following a filing in Trinidad and Tobago.{{cite web |title=Case details for Community Trade Mark E5341301 |url=http://www.ipo.gov.uk/tm/t-find/t-find-number?detailsrequested=C&trademark=E5341301 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20080911023553/http://www.ipo.gov.uk/tm/t-find/t-find-number?detailsrequested=C&trademark=E5341301 |archive-date=September 11, 2008 |access-date=June 6, 2008 |publisher=UK Intellectual Property Office}} As the Ocean Telecom trademark applications use exactly the same wording as the New Zealand application of Apple, it is assumed that Ocean Telecom is applying on behalf of Apple.{{cite web |date=October 17, 2006 |title=Apple filing for iPhone trademarks worldwide |url=http://10layers.com/2006/10/apple-filing-for-iphone-trademarks-worldwide/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070113014820/http://10layers.com/2006/10/apple-filing-for-iphone-trademarks-worldwide/ |archive-date=January 13, 2007 |url-status=usurped |access-date=January 28, 2007 |work=10layers.com}} The Canadian application was opposed in August 2005, by a Canadian company called Comwave who themselves applied for the trademark three months later. Comwave has been selling VoIP devices called iPhone since 2004.

Shortly after Steve Jobs' January 9, 2007, announcement that Apple would be selling a product called iPhone in June 2007, Cisco issued a statement that it had been negotiating trademark licensing with Apple and expected Apple to agree to the final documents that had been submitted the night before.{{cite news |last=Thomas |first=Owen |author-link=Owen Thomas (journalist) |date=January 9, 2007 |title=Apple: Hello, iPhone |publisher=CNN |url=https://money.cnn.com/2007/01/09/technology/apple_jobs/index.htm |url-status=live |access-date=January 27, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319075711/https://money.cnn.com/2007/01/09/technology/apple_jobs/index.htm |archive-date=March 19, 2022}} On January 10, 2007, Cisco announced it had filed a lawsuit against Apple over the infringement of the trademark iPhone, seeking an injunction in federal court to prohibit Apple from using the name.{{cite press release |url=http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/2007/corp_011007.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070112065035/http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/2007/corp_011007.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 12, 2007 |title=Cisco Sues Apple for Trademark Infringement |publisher=Cisco Systems |date=January 10, 2007 |access-date=June 6, 2008}} In February 2007, Cisco claimed that the trademark lawsuit was a "minor skirmish" that was not about money, but about interoperability.{{cite web |date=February 24, 2007 |title=Report: Cisco CEO calls iPhone suit 'minor skirmish' |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/report-cisco-ceo-calls-iphone-suit-minor-skirmish/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605224804/https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/report-cisco-ceo-calls-iphone-suit-minor-skirmish/ |archive-date=June 5, 2022 |access-date=March 23, 2017 |publisher=CNET}}

On February 2, 2007, Apple and Cisco announced that they had agreed to temporarily suspend litigation while they held settlement talks,{{cite news |last=Wong |first=May |date=February 2, 2007 |title=Cisco, Apple decide to talk over iPhone |work=The Seattle Times |agency=Associated Press |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2003552200_iphone02.html |url-status=live |access-date=June 6, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628193826/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2003552200_iphone02.html |archive-date=June 28, 2011}} and subsequently announced on February 20, 2007, that they had reached an agreement. Both companies will be allowed to use the "iPhone" name{{cite news |last=Wingfield |first=Nick |date=February 22, 2007 |title=Apple, Cisco Reach Accord Over iPhone |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB117211001262715655 |url-status=live |access-date=June 6, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319075709/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB117211001262715655 |archive-date=March 19, 2022}} in exchange for "exploring interoperability" between their security, consumer, and business communications products.{{cite press release |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2007/02/21Cisco-and-Apple-Reach-Agreement-on-iPhone-Trademark/ |title=Cisco and Apple Reach Agreement on iPhone Trademark |publisher=Apple Inc. |date=February 21, 2007 |access-date=March 30, 2023}}

On October 22, 2009, Nokia filed a lawsuit against Apple for infringement of its GSM, UMTS and WLAN patents. Nokia alleges that Apple has been violating ten Nokia patents since the iPhone initial release.{{cite press release |date=October 22, 2009 |title=Nokia sues Apple in Delaware District Court for infringement of Nokia GSM, UMTS and WLAN patents |url=http://www.nokia.com/press/press-releases/showpressrelease?newsid=1349562 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101002070443/http://www.nokia.com/press/press-releases/showpressrelease?newsid=1349562 |archive-date=October 2, 2010 |access-date=October 24, 2009 |publisher=Nokia}} This and further lawsuits by Nokia were eventually settled.{{cite web |last1=Carman |first1=Ashley |title=Apple and Nokia are fighting about patents again |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/12/21/14043260/apple-nokia-patent-infringement-lawsuit-smartphone |website=The Verge |language=en |date=21 December 2016}}{{cite web |last1=Statt |first1=Nick |title=Apple paid Nokia $2 billion to escape fight over old patents |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/28/16058868/apple-nokia-patent-dispute-settlement-2-billion-dollars |website=The Verge |language=en |date=28 July 2017}}{{cite web |title=Nokia renews patent license agreement with Apple |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/nokia-renews-patent-license-agreement-with-apple-2023-06-30/ |website=Reuters |language=en |date=30 June 2023}}

In December 2010, Reuters reported that some iPhone and iPad users were suing Apple Inc. because some applications were passing user information to third-party advertisers without permission. Some makers of the applications such as Textplus4, Paper Toss, The Weather Channel, Dictionary.com, Talking Tom Cat and Pumpkin Maker have also been named as co-defendants in the lawsuit.{{cite news |date=December 28, 2010 |title=IPhone and iPad users sue Apple over privacy issues |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6BR1Y820101228 |url-status=live |access-date=December 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220718014618/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6BR1Y820101228 |archive-date=July 18, 2022}}

In August 2012, Apple won a smartphone patent lawsuit in the U.S. against Samsung, the world's largest maker of smartphones;{{cite news |last1=Chen |first1=Brian X. |date=August 24, 2012 |title=A Verdict That Alters an Industry |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/25/technology/a-verdict-that-alters-an-industry.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617034613/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/25/technology/a-verdict-that-alters-an-industry.html |archive-date=June 17, 2022}} however, on December 6, 2016, SCOTUS reversed the decision that awarded nearly $400 million to Apple and returned the case to Federal Circuit court to define the appropriate legal standard to define "article of manufacture" because it is not the smartphone itself but could be just the case and screen to which the design patents relate.{{cite web |last1=Mann |first1=Ronald |date=December 6, 2016 |title=Opinion analysis: Justices tread narrow path in rejecting $400 million award for Samsung's infringement of Apple's cellphone design patents |url=http://www.scotusblog.com/2016/12/opinion-analysis-justices-tread-narrow-path-in-rejecting-400-million-award-for-samsungs-infringement-of-apples-cellphone-design-patents/#more-249662 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319195925/https://www.scotusblog.com/2016/12/opinion-analysis-justices-tread-narrow-path-in-rejecting-400-million-award-for-samsungs-infringement-of-apples-cellphone-design-patents/#more-249662 |archive-date=March 19, 2022 |access-date=December 14, 2016 |website=SCOTUS Blog}}

In Mexico, the trademark iFone was registered in 2003 by a communications systems and services company, iFone.{{Cite news |date=November 2, 2012 |title=Apple Losing The Battle Over The iPhone Brand Name In Mexico |work=AppAdvice |url=https://appadvice.com/appnn/2012/11/apple-losing-the-battle-over-the-iphone-brand-name-in-mexico |url-status=live |access-date=May 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319075710/https://appadvice.com/appnn/2012/11/apple-losing-the-battle-over-the-iphone-brand-name-in-mexico |archive-date=March 19, 2022}} Apple tried to gain control over its brand name, but a Mexican court denied the request. The case began in 2009, when the Mexican firm sued Apple. The Supreme Court of Mexico upheld that iFone is the rightful owner and held that Apple iPhone is a trademark violation.{{cite news |date=March 19, 2013 |title=Mexican Supreme Court upholds iFone ruling |newspaper=WIPR |url=http://www.worldipreview.com/news/mexican-supreme-court-upholds-ifone-ruling |url-status=live |access-date=November 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930114549/https://www.worldipreview.com/news/mexican-supreme-court-upholds-ifone-ruling |archive-date=September 30, 2022}}{{Subscription required}}

In Brazil, the brand IPHONE was registered in 2000 by the company then called Gradiente Eletrônica S.A., now IGB Eletrônica S.A. According to the filing, Gradiente foresaw the revolution in the convergence of voice and data over the Internet at the time.{{cite news |date=December 18, 2012 |title=STXNEWS LATAM-Brazil's IGB says registered brand 'IPHONE' in Brazil-filing |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/snippet-idUSL1E8NI2BR20121218 |url-status=live |access-date=February 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527145205/https://www.reuters.com/article/snippet-idUSL1E8NI2BR20121218 |archive-date=May 27, 2022}} The final battle over the brand name concluded in 2008. On December 18, 2012, IGB launched its own line of Android smartphones under the tradename to which it has exclusive rights in the local market. In February 2013, the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (known as "Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial") issued a ruling that Gradiente Eletrônica, not Apple, owned the "iPhone" mark in Brazil. The "iPhone" term was registered by Gradiente in 2000, seven years before Apple's release of its first iPhone. This decision came three months after Gradiente Eletrônica launched a lower-cost smartphone using the iPhone brand.{{cite news |last=Vergara del Carril |first=Marcos |author2=Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP |date=October 11, 2013 |title=Apple is Fighting Back in Brazilian Courts to Get its iPhone Trademark |newspaper=National Law Review |url=http://www.natlawreview.com/article/apple-fighting-back-brazilian-courts-to-get-its-iphone-trademark |url-status=live |access-date=November 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415035821/https://www.natlawreview.com/article/apple-fighting-back-brazilian-courts-to-get-its-iphone-trademark |archive-date=April 15, 2022}} In June 2014, Apple won, for the second time, the right to use the brand name in Brazil. The court ruling determined that the Gradiente's registration does not own exclusive rights on the brand. Although Gradiente intended to appeal, with the decision Apple can use freely the brand without paying royalties to the Brazilian company.{{cite news |title=Apple volta a vencer Gradiente em ação pela marca iPhone (English: Apple defeats Gradiente again in lawsuit for the iPhone brand) |newspaper=Veja |url=http://veja.abril.com.br/noticia/vida-digital/apple-vence-gradiente-na-justica-e-pode-usar-marca-iphone-no-brasil/ |url-status=dead |access-date=August 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414060613/http://veja.abril.com.br/noticia/vida-digital/apple-vence-gradiente-na-justica-e-pode-usar-marca-iphone-no-brasil |archive-date=April 14, 2015}}

In the Philippines, Solid Group launched the MyPhone brand in 2007. Stylized as "my|phone", Solid Broadband filed a trademark application of that brand. Apple later filed a trademark case at the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) against Solid Broadband's MyPhone for "confusingly similar" to the iPhone and that it may likely "deceive" or "cause confusion" among consumers. Apple lost the trademark battle to Solid Group in a 2015 decision made by IPO director Nathaniel Arevalo, who also reportedly said that it was unlikely that consumers would be confused between the "iPhone" and the "MyPhone". "This is a case of a giant trying to claim more territory than what it is entitled to, to the great prejudice of a local 'Pinoy Phone' merchant who has managed to obtain a significant foothold in the mobile phone market through the marketing and sale of innovative products under a very distinctive trademark", Arevalo later added.{{cite news |last=Beltran |first=Sam |date=June 3, 2015 |title=iPhone vs. MyPhone: Apple Loses in Trademark Case |work=When In Manila |url=http://www.wheninmanila.com/iphone-vs-myphone-apple-loses-in-trademark-case/ |url-status=live |access-date=June 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319195921/https://www.wheninmanila.com/iphone-vs-myphone-apple-loses-in-trademark-case/ |archive-date=March 19, 2022}}{{cite news |last=Gonzales |first=Yuji |date=June 2, 2015 |title=Apple Loses Trademark Case vs PH's MyPhone |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=http://technology.inquirer.net/42511/apple-loses-trademark-case-vs-phs-myphone |url-status=live |access-date=June 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319195921/https://technology.inquirer.net/42511/apple-loses-trademark-case-vs-phs-myphone |archive-date=March 19, 2022}}

• History of Apple Inc.
• History of mobile phones
• Timeline of Apple Inc. products
• Timeline of iPhone models
• Timeline of iOS devices
• {{portal-inline|Telephones}}

{{reflist}}

• {{cite book |title=The One Device: The Secret History of the iPhone |year=2018 |author=Brian Merchant |author-link=Brian Merchant |publisher=Back Bay Books |isbn=978-0-316-54624-9}}

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