Improve on Existing Technology

The iPhone was launched in 2007 and was originally created to reinvent the phone. Its size was perfectly suited for what Jobs believed was the original iPhone’s crowning achievement, making phone calls. 

Since 2007, Apple has adapted and changed the design of the iPhone a number of times, ditching the metal design for a plastic one with the iPhone 3G and 3GS, before moving to glass for the iPhone 4. It was back to metal with the iPhone 5, before glass made its comeback for the iPhone 8 models, iPhone X and the iPhone XS models. In 2020 we now have iPhones with 5G, upgraded cameras and much more.

Consumer Demand and Human Need

The iPhone has continually evolved based upon consumer demand and human needs. Screen size, weight, functionality and battery life have always been a concern for people when they are purchasing a phone. 

With each model released, Apple made sure they were catering for the consumers.

• iPhone 6 (2014) - Bigger Screen size and launch of the plus model

• iPhone 6s (2015) - made with aluminium to make it stronger 

• iPhone SE (2016) - Cheaper option

• iPhone X (2017) - OLED Screen and Portrait Camera

• iPhone 12 (2020) - Improved screen and more colour options.

The Global Community

The iPhone has drastically improved the way in which people communicate with one another, particularly despite geographical location. 

• In June 2010, Apple launched FaceTime with the iPhone 4 as a way of people communicating 'face-to-face' whilst being physically seperated. 

• This was inproved in 2018 with the capsbility of hosting 32 people through FaceTime, enabling the global community to become hihgly accessible.

Economic Benefit

The multiple functions of the iPhone has reduced the cost of individuals having to buy separate pieces of technology. It is a camera, phone, computer, browser and recording device all in one. However, overtime the cost of the iPhone has increased, which in turn can provide an equity and access issue for the community.

On the other hand, the iPhone is a huge source of income for Apple. From 2007-2017 apple sold 1.2 Billion iPhone's bringing in $738 Billion for the company (Forbes). As well as this, the App Store has proven to be very proftiable for Apple, making more more than $64 billion in 2020 (CNBC).

How has the iPhone emerged and developed overtime?

Apple vs. Android?

Age:

Age is one of the most obvious barriers for access and acceptance of the iPhone. 99% of 18-29 year olds own a smart phone (ABC). However, over the last 10 years the use of smartphones has dramatically increased across all age groups - not all are choosing the iPhone.

• 18-34 yrs - 58% use iPhone vs. 42% Android (Payments Journal)

• 35-54 yrs - 38% of use iPhone vs. 56% use Android (Payments Journal)

• 55+ yrs -  28% use iPhone vs. 47% (Payments Journal)

the trend is clear, older generations are not accessing the iPhone. This could be as a result of financial reasons as well as the lack of social pressure to conform.

Economic Status:

Economic status is perhaps the biggest barrier to access and acceptance of the iPhone. It is clear that the iPhone has steadily risen in price over the last 10 Years. The average iPhone owner earns $54,000 a year— $7,000 more personal income per year than the average Samsung smartphone owner (Roy Morgan). This provides a clear equity issue within the community. 

Disability:

People living with disabilities can find it extremely difficult to access the newest pieces of technology. This was the case for the early versions of the iPhone, with limited features that support people with disabilities. This changed in 2008 as apple launched the accessibility features for their products. In 2021, Apple have launched their most powerful accessibility features including:

• On Demand sign language interpreters (Supports those who are deaf)

• Assistive touch (Supports those with limited mobility) 

• Explore images with VoiceOver (Supports those who are blind)

• Made for iPhone Hearing aids (Supports those who are deaf)

Impact on Lifestyle:

Politically:

Smartphones have enabled countries to trade and world leaders to stay connected with each other and individuals in the countries they are serving. Smartphones have also enabled the instantaneous sharing of important messages and information and interactive media for political messages. Smartphones have increased people's awareness of global issues through news and social media.

E.g// Political parties sent out mass sms messages to campaign for the 2019 Federal election.

Economically:

Smartphones have a very large market share of all technology available on the market; smartphones are a big business and have created millions of dollars for developers and owners alike. 

• Advertisers have to fight for brand association

• Revenue is gained in accessories

• Constant updates have meant individuals want the latest version

• New jobs have arisen in research, development, production, selling, advertising and maintenance. 

In the first quarter of 2022, Apple gained US$71.63 billion through iPhone sales, which made up 58% of total revenue. (Apple, 2022)

Socially:

Smartphones have enabled individuals to stay connected through various social media and messaging platforms. As well as this they have enabled individuals to capture precious moments with family and friends. Features such as video and FaceTime have allowed individuals to interact closely, reducing the span of the global community. Lastly, contact lists have also been able to store important personal and business information.

However, the development of social media has decreased the amount of face-to-face communication within society and provided a barrier for authentic connection and relationships.

Impact on Wellbeing:

Social:

The iPhone has increased social activity online through connectivity - Global community. However, phone addiction has provided a barrier to authentic relationships and connections. 

(Positive and Negative.)

Physical:

The iPhone allows individuals to track their activity, set goals and increase their physical fitness. The 'Health' app is automatically counts your steps, walking and running distances. You can also enter information into a Health category or get data from any of your apps or devices that are compatible with Health. However, the increase of smartphone and ICT use has a correlation with decreased physical activity levels in adolescents. 1 in 4 (26%) children aged 5–12 and around 1 in 10 (8%) children aged 13–17 met the physical activity guidelines. (ABS, 2012)

(Positive and Negative)

Emotional:

The iPhone has allowed individuals with endless opportunities to increase productivity and organisation (Calender, reminders, Artificial Intelligence - Siri). This in turn, positively impacts an individuals emotional state through feelings of contentment and organisation. However, there has also been a correlation between social media and mental health issues. Based on a three-year observational study of almost 10,000 young people aged 13–16, findings suggest teenage girls who frequently use social media are at particular risk of mental health issues (The Lancet Journal, 2019).

(Positive and Negative)

Economical:

The iPhone provides economic support for the individuals who utilize its services. Storing data on the cloud, tracking spending, internet banking and working remotely all help to aid this economic impact. However, as we know the frequent updates and new products as part of the apple eco-system all come with an economic sacrifice. If you owned every part of the Apple Eco System it would cost you approximately $80,000 USD.

(Positive and Negative)

Cultural:

The iPhone provides individuals with the ability to share and enjoy cultural events whilst not being in attendance. FaceTime and social media allows for a stronger global community which is often broken up into different sub-cultural areas. In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, people were able to virtually attend Holi and Diwali events that are important to the Indian culture.

(Positive)

Spiritual:

The iPhone allows individuals to enhance their spiritual expression through various applications and services. People can listen to music that enhances this connection as well as applications available to guide you through meditation and prayer. Podcasts allow people to be encouraged and grow spiritually with all types of spiritual expressions available. During the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals were able to virtually attend spiritual services on a weekly basis.

(Positive)