As Apple continues to gain popularity, there are many looking back on their success and the origins of the brand that so many people know and love today. Known for quality as well as the inventors of the smartphone, many see investment in their stock as a worthwhile investment. In this article, we will be looking into the history of the iPod to the iPhone that led them to become so popular.
The Beginning Of Apple
For many, the history of tech giant Apple is a story that every start-up strives to replicate but with many seeing Steve jobs as the only founder of the company co-founders Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne often fall by the wayside. But without Wayne there would be no sign of the iPhone or Macs that we have today. With technological developments such as the first Apple computer and the invention of the Macintosh, Apple and the technical geniuses behind the brand. Revolutionised the music industry with the invention of the Apple iPod.
The iPod Timeline
2001- The Launch Of The First iPod
With just 5G of space and a small LCD screen this was the product that helped put Apple on the map. With apple shares slowly beginning to rise and a number of companies looking to buy apple shares, this was a key point in their rise to being one of the biggest companies in the world. With the success of these ipods came an increase in Apple stock prices, with over 10 million units sold at this time, Apple stock was trading at $32.20 which is a sharp increase from years previous. With 6 generations of the first iPod, this was a big seller for the company and saw them begin to become a household name.
2004 - The iPod Mini Arrives
With only 2 generations of the iPod Mini, this was the smaller version of the original iPod. With a new and improved click wheel and same small screen, this USB device was available in a number of colours and appealed to the growing audience.
2005-2012 - The iPod Nano Revolution
Unlike the Mini, the Nano helped to create a device that you could take with you anywhere. With a total of 7 generations, the 6th and 7th generation saw the integration of a touch screen into the much sleeker design.
2005-2007- iPod Shuffle Makes Its Way Onto the Scene
During the Nano revolution, Apple showed no sign of slowing down as they began to create a total of 4 generations of iPod Shuffle. However, the success of this device was short-lived as it was discontinued in July of 2017.
2007- 2019 The iPod Touch
Following on from the success of all those that have come before, the iPod touch was the first of its kind to feature Wi-Fi a multi-touch interface, safari browser, Youtube and Wireless access to the iTunes Store and App Store.
Since its initial launch in 2007, the iPod touch has had a total of 7 generations. With USB capabilities as well as 256 Gb of storage on the final 7th generation, this was a natural progression for the company when looking to create the world's first "Smartphone"
The iPhone Revolution
2007 - The iPhone Is Released
With the launch of the iPhone in 2007 came a complete reinvention of the mobile phone as we knew it. With a 3.5-inch display as well as a 2-megapixel camera and multi-touch, touch screen, this was the beginning of the smartphone revolution. With 300,000 sold in the first weekend, this was the beginning of one of the biggest mobile phone brands around in present day. In the first year of the Apple iPhones release Apple stock only gained approximately 7 cents sitting at a comfortable $122.04, however, this increased by 15.9% in the second year with the price rising to $141.43 which was beneficial for the investors as well as the company.
2008- 2009 The iPhone 3G &3Gs
Following the initial success of the iPhone, the release of the 3G and 3Gs were a big success. With a total of 1 million sold in the first weekend, there was very little difference except for video capability.
2010 - The Reinvention Of the iPhone with the iPhone 4
In the words of Apple themselves, the iPhone 4 changed everything Again. Showcasing a brand-new shape as well as a front-facing camera with retina display and 3.5-inch display, the capability of the mobile phone was rapidly increasing.
2012 - The iPhone 5 Was Born
The biggest thing to happen to iPhone since the iPhone was then brought to life with the iPhone 5. Not only did it have a 4-inch display, but it now featured up to 64 GP of storage with an 8.0mp camera. In addition to this, Apple began to implement its lightning connector for a faster charging experience on every model moving forward.
2014 - The iPhone 6 and 6 plus
Though there was the release of the iPhone 5s and 5c in 2013 which introduced touch ID, the next major change came with the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus models. With an HD retina display, 4.7 inch and 5.5-inch display for the larger model as well as 128Gb of storage, this phone was bigger and better than those that came before.
Though there was the release of the 6S and 6S Plus in 2015 as well as the release of the SE, & and 7 Plus in 2016 the next major change to iPhones as we know it came in 2017 with the release of the iPhone 8
2017- iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
What set this phone apart from all of its predecessors is the implementation of wireless charging capabilities due to the full glass back. In addition to this, there was an improvement in the editing capabilities for video and images as well as a true tone display that helped to dramatically improve overall user experience.
2017 - iPhone X
Then in November of 2017 came the release of the highly anticipated iPhone X. With the signature notch causing apprehension among many die-hard Apple fans, there was the addition of yet another front-facing camera for the ability to take amazing selfies in Portrait mode.
Following the success of the iPhone X, there was the release of the XS, XS Max and XR in 2018 that saw the technology getting better and better with brand new changes.
2019 - iPhone 11, 11 Pro & 11 Pro Max
With a number of models released in September of this year, Apple has created a phone that is bigger than better than the iPhone X. With an additional camera at the rear for iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max users, there is the capability to take bigger and better photos and videos without the need for a traditional DSLR.
The Future Of Apple
With the number of iPhone under their belt and an ecosystem that is rapidly increasing Apple have surpassed Microsoft to become the most valuable stock at this time. With a current value of $239.74 USD, it is looking promising for Apple as they set to finish 2019 on a high. With profit rolling in from a number of iPhones as well as other products they have on the market, this tech giant is showing no signs of slowing down. In addition to this, the company currently holds approximately 50.4% of the tablet market share, making this tech giant one to compete with as their stock is now sitting at approximately $243.58
With this in mind, there is no denying that Apple has become a tech giant that is one of the leading manufacturers in the smartphone industry, but will this continue as Samsung begins to gain popularity? Only time will tell.
