How far Apple's business has rocketed since the iPhone first launched
With Thursday marking the tenth anniversary of the day the iPhone first went on sale, it's a good time to look at exactly how important the landmark device has been for Apple as a company.
In short, as this chart from Statista shows, it's been like printing money.
Comparing its 2016 figures to those from 2006 - the year prior to the iPhone's launch - Apple's annual revenue was up 11x, its net income was up 23x, and it's altogether become the most valuable company in the world.
The iPad, Mac, and Apple's various services have played a role in that, of course, but the iPhone has been far and away the engine moving the money train. The company is already preparing for whatever the next big trend may be, but it'll be hard-pressed to come upon this kind of massive hit again.
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