The iPhone is a popular and iconic device with a rich history and a number of lesser-known or hidden facts. Here are some interesting facts about the iPhone that you might not be aware of:
Secret Room for Testing: Apple has a secret room at its Cupertino headquarters known as the “Black Room.” This room is used for testing the iPhone’s camera capabilities under various lighting conditions.
Apple has reportedly been experimenting with Liquidmetal technology for its iPhones. this technology is a unique alloy known for its durability and lightweight properties. It may be used in future iPhone designs.
Sapphire Crystal Displays: Apple has used sapphire crystal, a highly scratch-resistant material, for some of its iPhone camera lenses and the Apple Watch. There were even rumors about sapphire screens for iPhones, but these plans didn’t materialize for mainstream models.
The First iPhone Price: The original iPhone, released in 2007, had a starting price of $499 for the 4GB model and $599 for the 8GB model with a two-year contract. It was criticized for being expensive at the time.
iPhone Prototype Disguises: During the testing phase of new iPhones, Apple engineers disguise them by placing them in bulky, unrecognizable cases to avoid leaks and to keep the design secret.
Cannibalization of iPod: The iPhone’s immense success led to the decline of the iPod, which was also an iconic Apple product. In essence, the iPhone cannibalized its own sibling product.
Apple’s In-House Chips: Apple began using its custom-designed A4 chip in the iPhone 4. Since then, it has continued to develop its own chips, including the A-series and now the M-series chips for iPhones and other devices.
Project Purple: Before the iPhone had an official name, it was known internally at Apple as “Project Purple.” The level of secrecy surrounding the project was so high that employees working on it had no idea what the end product would look like.
Accidental Release: An Apple engineer once left a disguised iPhone 4 prototype in a bar, leading to one of the most famous leaks in tech history. The device was sold to a tech blog, Gizmodo, for $5,000.
Health Features: iPhones have included health-monitoring features, including a pedometer and health data tracking, since iOS 8. These features laid the groundwork for the Health app and later health-related accessories like the Apple Watch.
Hidden Magnifying Glass: The iPhone has a built-in magnifying glass feature. To access it, go to Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier and turn it on. You can then triple-click the side or home button to use your iPhone as a magnifying glass.
Hidden Level Tool: The iPhone also has a hidden level tool. Open the Compass app and swipe to the left to reveal a level, which can help you make sure surfaces are flat and level.
These hidden facts and tidbits showcase some of the unique aspects of the iPhone’s development, design, and features, making it a continually evolving and fascinating device.