The first smart phone is the IBM Simon Personal Communicator, jointly launched by IBM and BellSouth. It went on public sale on August 16, 1994, making it the device that started the smartphone revolution.
What was the first smart phone?
The first smart phone is widely identified as the IBM Simon Personal Communicator. First announced in 1992, it was sold to consumers by BellSouth starting in 1994. This device combined a mobile phone with personal computing features in a handheld unit, setting the template for every smartphone that followed.
The groundbreaking features of the IBM Simon
The IBM Simon merged mobile phone functions with PDA capabilities. Its key features included:
- A touchscreen operated with a stylus
- Making and receiving cellular calls
- Sending and receiving faxes
- Email capability
- An address book
- A calendar and appointment scheduler
- A calculator
- A world clock
- A notepad
- Support for third-party applications
These features, combined in a single handheld device, were unprecedented at the time and laid the foundation for modern mobile computing. The IBM Simon could send and receive faxes, and it had a stylus for input.
Why the IBM Simon is considered the first
The IBM Simon is considered the first smartphone because it was the first device to combine cellular calling with personal computing and PDA functions in a handheld form factor. While the term "smartphone" was not coined until after the Simon's release, the device itself pioneered the concept. Some sources describe Simon as the first commercial smartphone, even though the word came later.
The commercial life of the Simon
Distribution of the IBM Simon in the United States ran from August 1994 to February 1995. The device was first announced in 1992, giving the public a two-year preview of what was coming. One source says the public-sale date was 16 August 1994. Despite its short commercial life, it holds the status of the first commercial smartphone and remains a landmark in technology history.
For anyone interested in cell phone facts and usage, the IBM Simon shows how early innovators combined calling with computing long before today's devices existed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the first smartphone?
The first smartphone is widely identified as the IBM Simon Personal Communicator, which went on public sale in 1994. It combined a mobile phone with personal computing features, setting the template for all smartphones that followed.
How did the concept of smartphones evolve?
The concept evolved from combining PDAs with cellular phones. The IBM Simon pioneered this in 1994, and later devices added internet connectivity, app stores, and advanced touchscreens, leading to the modern smartphones we use today.
When did Apple release their first iPhone?
Apple released their first iPhone on June 29, 2007. It revolutionized the smartphone industry with its multi-touch interface and app ecosystem.
Are all smartphones touch screen devices?
While the vast majority of modern smartphones use touch screens, some early smartphones and a few niche current models have featured physical keyboards. Today, touch screens are the standard interface.
What are some key features to look for in a smartphone?
Key features include a responsive touchscreen, long battery life, a high-quality camera, sufficient storage, fast processor, and access to a wide range of applications through an app store.
Was the IBM Simon announced before it went on sale?
Yes, IBM first announced the Simon in 1992, two years before it went on public sale in August 1994. This early announcement generated significant interest in the concept of a smartphone.
Why is the IBM Simon called the first smartphone if the term wasn't used then?
The device is recognized as the first because it performed all the core functions of a modern smartphone, cellular calling plus personal computing, even though the label came later. Historians and tech experts agree it was the first device of its kind.
How long was the IBM Simon available for purchase?
The Simon was sold from August 1994 through February 1995, a period of about six months. Its limited availability makes surviving units highly collectible.
Did the IBM Simon have apps like modern smartphones?
The Simon included built-in applications like a calendar, address book, and notepad, but it did not have an app store or support third-party software downloads as modern smartphones do.
