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The [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] '''iPhone''' is a next-generation [[cell phone]] built with [[internet|web]] capability in "true-web" fashion; rather than viewing "mobile" versions of web-pages, as is common on other mobile devices, it uses a [[touch screen]] panel, enabling the user to navigate a full-size [[web page]]. In the United States, the iPhone has been exclusive to the [[American Telephone and Telegraph|AT&T Mobility]] network, but the latest version was made available on the [[Verizon Communications|Verizon Wireless]] network in February 2011.   

The '''iPhone''' is a next-generation [[cell phone]] made by [[Apple Inc.]] built with [[internet|web]] capability in "true-web" fashion; rather than viewing "mobile" versions of web-pages, as is common on other mobile devices, it uses a [[touch screen]] panel, enabling the user to navigate a full-size [[web page]]. In the United States, the iPhone has been exclusive to the [[American Telephone and Telegraph|AT&T Mobility]] network, but the latest version was made available on the [[Verizon Communications|Verizon Wireless]] network in February 2011.   

== Other Applications ==

== Other Applications ==

Aside from cellular phone capabilities, and web-viewing, the iPhone also offers (through partnership with [[Google|Google Maps]]), a full-featured map application that users can use anywhere in the [[United States]], over AT&T's [[EDGE]] data network. Other standard [[Personal Digital Assistant|PDA]] capabilities were included, too, such as [[Microsoft Outlook]] synchronization capability.

Aside from cellular phone capabilities, and web-viewing, the iPhone also offers (formerly through partnership with [[Google|Google Maps]]), a full-featured map application that users can use anywhere in the [[United States]], over a data network. Other standard [[Personal Digital Assistant|PDA]] capabilities were included, too, such as [[Microsoft Outlook]] synchronization capability.

In 2008, with the release of the iPhone 2.0 operating system (later renamed to iOS 2.0), users were able to download applications via the App Store.  Applications distributed by Apple must adhere to several restrictions, which has led to much controversy, as well as several groups developing unofficial software that can be installed on an iPhone via "jailbreaking."

In 2008, with the release of the iPhone OS 2.0 operating system, users were able to download applications via the App Store.  Applications distributed by Apple must adhere to several restrictions, which has led to much controversy, as well as several groups developing unofficial software that can be installed on an iPhone via "jailbreaking."

== Release and Price Controversy ==

== Release and Price Controversy ==

The iPhone was released in the United States on 29 June 2007 to wide acclaim.  Upon release the iPhone was capable only of usage on the [[AT&T]] network, and retailed (depending on memory size) for $500 and $600. The pricing of the device rapidly made it a luxury and status symbol, although it restricted availability to most other users.

The iPhone was released in the United States on June 29, 2007 to wide acclaim.  Upon release the iPhone was capable only of usage on the [[AT&T]] network, and retailed (depending on memory size) for $500 and $600. The pricing of the device rapidly made it a luxury and status symbol, although it restricted availability to most other users.

Only 69 days after the release, though, on 5 September 2007, Apple slashed the prices of the device to $400 for the model formerly priced at $600, and discontinued selling the lower-capacity $500 model. This quick price cut - aside from being very uncommon in Apple's tradition of delayed price cuts - inflamed some so-called "early adopters," or those who had purchased the iPhone in the preceding two months, and now had no recourse against Apple's seemingly capricious price cut. Apple founder [[Steve Jobs]], conscious of his company's image, quickly offered a $100 credit to the [[iTunes]] Music Store to every early adopter who could not otherwise obtain price relief from a return or exchange.

Only 69 days after the release, though, on September 5, 2007, Apple slashed the prices of the device to $400 for the model formerly priced at $600, and discontinued selling the lower-capacity $500 model. This quick price cut - aside from being very uncommon in Apple's tradition of delayed price cuts - inflamed some so-called "early adopters," or those who had purchased the iPhone in the preceding two months, and now had no recourse against Apple's seemingly capricious price cut. Apple founder [[Steve Jobs]], conscious of his company's image, quickly offered a $100 credit to the [[iTunes]] Music Store to every early adopter who could not otherwise obtain price relief from a return or exchange.

Starting in 2008 with the release of the iPhone 3g, AT&T, and later Verizon Wireless, reduced the cost of the iPhone when a two year contract is signed.  In May 2011, AT&T released a version of the iPhone 4.0 that comes factory unlocked, although at a much steeper price<ref>[http://articles.cnn.com/2011-06-14/tech/unlocked.iphone.available_1_iphone-32gb-model-gsm-network?_s=PM:TECH Unlocked iPhone 4 now available in the U.S.] CNN.com, June 14, 2011</ref>.   

Starting in 2008 with the release of the iPhone 3G, AT&T, and later Verizon Wireless, reduced the cost of the iPhone when a two year contract is signed.  In May 2011, AT&T released a version of the iPhone 4 that comes factory unlocked, although at a much steeper price<ref>[http://articles.cnn.com/2011-06-14/tech/unlocked.iphone.available_1_iphone-32gb-model-gsm-network?_s=PM:TECH Unlocked iPhone 4 now available in the U.S.] CNN.com, June 14, 2011</ref>.   

== Notable Oversights ==

== Notable Oversights ==

In 2010, AT&T dropped support for unlimited data plans and began offering limited data plans to new customers<ref>[http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/06/att-adds-iphone-tethering-kills-unlimited-data-for-ipad-smartphones/ AT&T Adds iPhone Tethering, Kills Unlimited Data for iPad, Smartphones] Wired Magazine, June 2, 2010</ref>.  Users in large metropolitan areas, such as San Francisco, New York City, Chicago and Minneapolis have all reported extremely slow data speeds with AT&T, as AT&T has been unable to keep up with the demand of data usage by their customers.

In 2010, AT&T dropped support for unlimited data plans and began offering limited data plans to new customers<ref>[http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/06/att-adds-iphone-tethering-kills-unlimited-data-for-ipad-smartphones/ AT&T Adds iPhone Tethering, Kills Unlimited Data for iPad, Smartphones] Wired Magazine, June 2, 2010</ref>.  Users in large metropolitan areas, such as San Francisco, New York City, Chicago and Minneapolis have all reported extremely slow data speeds with AT&T, as AT&T has been unable to keep up with the demand of data usage by their customers.

At release, the iPhone sorely disappointed consumers because it lacked an [[Adobe]] Flash Player. Since November 2010 the Skyfire browser, which is available in iTunes app store for an additional charge, plays Flash. <ref>www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/11/skyfire-iphone-app/</ref>

At release, the iPhone sorely disappointed consumers because it lacked an [[Adobe]] Flash Player. Since November 2010 the Skyfire browser, which is available in iTunes app store for an additional charge, plays Flash videos (not Flash apps or games).<ref>www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/11/skyfire-iphone-app/</ref>