Sometimes when you look around , you have that feeling that the moment you are going to take part in is going to become history. That’s what Steve Jobs confirmed exactly 8 years ago today, when the first iPhone was publicly presented at the Macworld Expo..

Dressed up simply, in jeans, a black blouse and sneakers, Steve Jobs wanted to point out the change in the type of the processors he used: he promised Intel processors, which were very different and considerably faster than the old ones, a transition that ended 5 months earlier than he estimated. As a consequence, people bought the new, fast and improved systems with a lot of enthusiasm. He thanked everybody and got a big round of applause. His humor got a lot a feedback, as he talked about Microsoft, Macs and their grand success throughout the world.

He then continued his speech by tricking the curious and well informed audience that Apple is launching three new products: and iPod with touch controls, a mobile phone and an internet communication device. Everyone was stunned, because the iPod had already had 6 years of full glory ahead that moment and Apple wasn’t very famous for mobile telephony – in fact, they were very inexperienced in this area, but it was expected.

Steve finally revealed the iPhone as being this 3-in-1 masterpiece, looking like an iPod with touchscreen apps. After presenting all apps and all their wonderful new possibilities, he pointed out Maps, showed everybody how to use it  not only for arriving at the given destination, but also by finding their contact number and using it to ask for information or order products that they sell. He used as an example Starbucks, one of the most famous brands we know today. Unfortunately, the “four thousand lattes” he ordered were part of the most famous telephone prank the audience took part of. Steve claimed he had the wrong number and hang up, while all his listeners hold their laughter.

Even if it was presented in January, the iPhone went on market six months later, in June, and it is still the most well sold product of Apple: there are more than 500 million iPhones sold until today. At present, iPhone has reached model iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, that are part of a new system, iPad and iPod Touch devices being also part of the team.
Image Source: Slash Gear