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iPhone

(1) (InternetPhone) See IP phone and softphone. (2) A smartphone from Apple that integrates cellphone, iPod, camera, text messaging, e-mail and Web browsing. Data and applications can be sent...

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Definition: iPhone

(1) (InternetPhone) See IP phone and softphone.

(2) A smartphone from Apple that integrates cellphone, iPod, camera, text messaging, e-mail and Web browsing. Data and applications can be sent to the phone wireless or via Apple's iTunes software, which is used to organize music, videos, photos and applications (see iTunes).

iPhone and iPhone 3G
Introduced in the U.S. in 2007 exclusively from AT&T, it also became available from Verizon in 2011. The first iPhone was superseded by the iPhone 3G in 2008, which added higher data speed and GPS. However, more significantly, the 3G was introduced with an application platform that made the iPhone a general-purpose mobile computer, turning the smartphone industry upside down. The 3G also debuted in Canada and other parts of the world (see SIM lock).

iPhone 3G S and iPhone 4
In 2009, the 3G S was introduced with a faster processor, video camera, voice phone dialer and improved battery life. The iPhone 4, which debuted in 2010, added multitasking, higher display resolution and FaceTime video calling (see iPhone 4). Version 4 of the OS added multitasking to the iPhone 4 and 3G S.

Quite a Frenzy
The iPhone's touch screen interface was greatly anticipated, and no phone in the history of the cellular industry ever created so much buzz. People actually camped out overnight to be first in line. AT&T stores closed early Friday, June 29, 2007 to set up the displays, reopening at 6pm and staying late to accommodate customers. Considering more than 200 million devices using the iPhone's iOS operating system were purchased in the following four years, the enthusiasm was justified.

Specifications and Network Speeds
The iPhone is a GSM or CDMA phone with music and video playback, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and still and video cameras. Powered by an ARM processor, it uses a custom version of the Mac OS X operating system. The maximum flash storage started out at 8GB, increasing to 16GB and 32GB in subsequent models.

Often called the "2G," the first AT&T iPhone used only the EDGE cellular data network, while the AT&T iPhone 3G, 3G S and 4 support both EDGE and the faster HSDPA 3G. The Verizon iPhone 4 uses the EV-DO data network. Although EDGE/HSDPA and EV-DO service is generally available and Wi-Fi hotspots are not, Wi-Fi still provides the fastest data transfer (see Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi hotspot).

One inconvenience is that, like the iPod, the iPhone has a sealed battery and must be sent to Apple or to a third-party company for replacement if not under warranty. There is also no memory card slot for expansion. See iPod, iPod touch, iPad, iBricking and iClone.


iPhone

The Home Screen
Pressing the only physical button on the front of the unit displays the home screen, which is the main menu to all operations. (Image courtesy of Apple Inc.)



iPhone

Beautiful Presentations
The iPhone set a precedent for attractive screen presentations and clever functions. The weather panels of selected cities are scrolled horizontally with the finger.



iPhone

The iTunes App Store
In 2008, Apple launched the App Store with the 3G, turning it into a general-purpose mobile computer. The 3G was also aimed at corporate users with its Exchange mail support. Later that year, this encyclopedia became available on the iPhone.





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