The Apple iPhone has become both an economic and cultural phenomenon. (Photo : Apple)
This Friday will mark the fifth anniversary of the Apple iPhone. From its explosive launch to its everyday presence in our lives, the iPhone marks a landmark achievement in mobile computing. For Apple, it has meant an incredibly large and loyal consumer base, and incredible sales.
Strategy Analytics estimates that between June 2007 and June 2012, the iPhone has generated around $150 billion in cumulative revenues for Apple. And on top of that, 250 million iPhones have been shipped since its launch - that's almost 1 for every 30 people on this planet.
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"This is an impressive achievement and it illustrates just how popular the iPhone has become during the past five years," Neil Shah, senior analyst at Strategy Analytics, said in a statement.
But the road ahead for Apple will probably be tougher. Many phone carriers are getting tired of paying large subsidies to Apple, and some like Verizon, are more aggressively pushing Android 4G smartphones like the Motorola Droid Razr Maxx. Add the fact that Android handsets are becoming better and in some ways, technologically superior to the iPhone, and you can see how the competition is heating up.
This month, Samsung launched its Galaxy S3 smartphone to favorable reviews and incredible demand. Despite device shortages and pushed-back shipping dates, Samsung believes it will sell 10 million of the 4G device by next month.
Apple is also expected to release a new iPhone 5 this fall that will make up for its tech shortcomings with a larger screen, 4G and NTC capabilities, and its new iOS 6.
Either way, the iPhone may not be the hottest smartphone at the moment, but its impact and prominence are in a league of its own.
