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Apple, the company that introduced the venerated iPod music player, and began the home computer revolution thirty years ago, has remained a key player in the technology sector. Until recently however, Apple had stayed out of the mobile phone market. Now, Apple's revolutionary new cell phone, called the iPhone, is fast becoming one of the most popular and talked-about personal electronic devices available.

At the January 2007 MacWorld conference, Steve Jobs electrified the audience and the world with the announcement that the long-rumored Apple cell phone, dubbed the iPhone, was indeed in development. The iPod had already garnered widespread praise, and a large following. Folks were excited by the idea that Apple might do for the functional, but uninspiring cell phone design, what Apple did for portable music players with the iPod. The hype continued, and the rumors mounted, until the iPhone was finally released to the public on June 29, 2007. Consumers lined up for blocks outside Apple Stores in anticipation. By most accounts, the hype was in large measure justified as the iPhone has since garnered rave reviews from independent users and technology reviewers, while inspiring copycat designs from competitors. The iPhone, small enough to fit in a purse or large pocket, comes in three colors so far: white, black, and platinum. More colors and more features are no doubt in the iPhone's future.

Apple's iPhone is much more than just a device that makes and receives phone calls while being able to play music. Users of iPhones can also send text messages, find sites on the Internet, watch videos and movies, store iTunes, and receive and send emails. How does such a small gadget do all of these things? Many people don't care, so long it the iPhone works.

Ever since the widely anticipated release of the iPhone on June 29, 2007, it has been exclusively available through the Apple retail stores and through AT&T in the United States. Apple plans to release the iPhone outside the U.S. late in 2007. It was inevitable that Apple would enter the personal cell phone market. With its built-in customer loyalty and the excitement of a new product, Apple's decision has so far proven to be a good bet.