The inception of the iPhone forever changed the face of portable communication. Since its release, Apple has virtually dominated the cellphone market with its super-capable smartphone and its regular expansion is continuous. It was four years ago today that the world saw the release of the so-called "Jesus Phone" that literally does everything.
Mashable explains the influence of the the iPhone: "When we look at the mobile industry, there is a very clear line between what happened before June 29, 2007, and what happened after. I would argue that every major smartphone that has gone into production since the iPhone’s release has, in some way, been a response to the iPhone itself." The iPhone infographic shows that Apple’s stock has nearly tripled over the past four years. The company market cap exceeds that of Microsoft and their revenues are now higher than Microsoft’s -- which was unfathomable just four years ago.
Implications - The release and continued expansion of the Apple iPhone saw an incredible response from consumers in the mobile industry. Cellular devices are no longer for simple communication, but for mapping, cooking, web browsing and virtually anything else fun or functional.
Smartphone Anniversary Infographics
The Happy Birthday iPhone Infographic Tracks its Progress
Trend Themes
1. Smartphone Revolution - The iPhone's unprecedented capability and influence on the market has sparked a smartphone revolution seen in today's diverse mobile landscape.
2. Tech Monopolization - Apple's constant expansion has led to significant growth in market share as they continue to outpace competitors, indicating potential for disruptive innovation in dominating the tech industry.
3. Diversification of Device Functionality - The iPhone's versatility as a device has led to a trend of such diversity in mobile devices, inspiring production of devices geared toward various uses such as cooking apps or GPS-equipped phones.
Industry Implications
1. Mobile Technology - The mobile industry has been disrupted by the iPhone's release as competitors scramble to keep up with its unprecedented features and technology.
2. Consumer Electronics - Apple's technological advances have made their products the market leader in consumer electronics, presenting opportunities for disruptive innovation in the industry.
3. Software Development - The iPhone's ever-expanding capabilities has led to a demand for software development in mobile apps, presenting opportunities for disruptive innovation in the market.