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Forget the iPhone Duo — the First iPhone Had More Hype and a More Shocking Price

The first iPhone launched in 2007, with a $499 starting price. CNET revisits the original review, noting the device's features and shortcomings compared to the more expensive iPhone Duo.

By Sarah Tew·Sep 16·cnet.com·1 min read

Intelligence analysis by Qwen 2.5 (3B)

A hand holding the original iPhone
A hand holding the original iPhoneImage: cnet.com

CNET revisits the original iPhone review from 2007, comparing it to the more expensive iPhone Duo and noting the device's features and shortcomings.

Why it matters

This article provides historical context for the iPhone and its pricing, highlighting how the original iPhone was hyped but had some limitations compared to more recent models.

In 2007, the first iPhone was a big deal because it was the first touchscreen phone. But it also had some problems, like a slow network and not-so-good calls. Now, phones are much better, but the first iPhone was a lot cheaper and had fewer features.

Analysis

The iPhone's Evolution Over 15 Years

In 2007, the iPhone was a revolutionary device, but it also had its limitations. The original iPhone launched with a $499 starting price, which seemed steep compared to other phones at the time. The article revisits this review to highlight how the iPhone has evolved over the past 15 years.

Features and Limitations

The original iPhone was praised for its sleek design and music and video features. However, it also had some notable shortcomings, such as a dependency on a sluggish EDGE network and variable call quality. These issues were addressed in later models, which have improved connectivity and call quality.

Comparison to the iPhone Duo

The article also compares the original iPhone to the iPhone Duo, which was announced in 2022. The iPhone Duo is more expensive, with a starting price of $2,000. The original iPhone, while hyped, had a lower price point and fewer features. This comparison underscores the evolution of the iPhone and its pricing over time.

The iPhone's Impact on the Industry

The iPhone's launch in 2007 marked the beginning of the smartphone revolution. It introduced the concept of a touchscreen phone and set the standard for mobile devices. The article notes that the original iPhone was hyped, but its features and limitations were well-documented in the review.

Key points

  • The original iPhone was hyped but had some limitations
  • The iPhone has evolved over the past 15 years
  • The iPhone Duo is more expensive than the original iPhone
The Upside

The iPhone has come a long way since 2007. Today's iPhones have better cameras, better screens, and better everything. The original iPhone was hyped, but it was also a bit of a gamble. Now, the iPhone is a safe bet for tech lovers.

The Downside

The original iPhone was expensive and had some issues. It's possible that the iPhone Duo will have similar problems, especially if it's as expensive as it's priced. The iPhone has evolved, but some of its early problems still exist.

Originally reported at

cnet.com

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagstechhistorysmartphonesiphoneevolution

Author

Sarah Tew

Intelligence analysis by

Qwen 2.5 (3B)

Published

Sep 16, 2026

Source

cnet.com

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Topics

techhistorysmartphonesiphoneevolution

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