iPhone（1）

The iPhone (pronounced /ˈaɪfoʊn/ EYE-fohn) is a line of Internet and multimedia-enabled smartphones designed and marketed by Apple Inc. The first iPhone was introduced on January 9, 2007(Sony Vaio VGN-FZ battery).

An iPhone can function as a video camera, camera phone with text messaging and visual voicemail, a portable media player, and an Internet client with e-mail, web browsing, and both Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity(Sony VGP-BPS8 battery). The user interface is built around the device's multi-touch screen, including a virtual keyboard rather than a physical one. Third-party as well as Apple applications are available from the App Store(Sony VGP-BPL9 battery), which launched in mid-2008 and now has well over 300,000 "apps" approved by Apple. These apps have diverse functionalities, including games, reference, GPS navigation, social networking, security and advertising for television shows, films, and celebrities(Sony VGP-BPS9 battery).

There are four generations of iPhone models, and they were accompanied by four major releases of iOS (formerly iPhone OS). The original iPhone was a GSM phone which established design precedents like screen size and button placement that have persisted through all models(Sony VGP-BPL11 battery). The iPhone 3G added 3G cellular network capabilities and A-GPS location. The iPhone 3GS added a compass, faster processor, and higher resolution camera, including video. The iPhone 4 has two cameras for FaceTime video calling and a higher-resolution display(Sony VGP-BPL15 battery). It was released on June 24, 2010. On January 11, 2011, Apple and Verizon together launched a CDMA2000 compatible iPhone 4 specifically for the Verizon network in the US, released on February 10, 2011(Sony VGN-FZ460E battery).

History and availability

Worldwide iPhone sales by quarter. Sales volume is in millions. Q1 is the holiday season.

Original iPhone

iPhone 3G

iPhone 3GS

iPhone 4

Worldwide iPhone availability(Sony VGP-BPS11 battery):

Original iPhone was available; now iPhone 4

iPhone 3GS and 4

Coming soon

Main article: History of the iPhone

See also: List of iOS devices(SONY Vaio VGN-FW31J Battery)

Development of the iPhone began with Apple CEO Steve Jobs' direction that Apple engineers investigate touchscreens. Apple created the device during a secretive and unprecedented collaboration with AT&T Mobility—Cingular Wireless at the time—at an estimated development cost of US$150 million over thirty months(SONY VAIO VGN-FZ4000 Battery). Apple rejected the "design by committee" approach that had yielded the Motorola ROKR E1, a largely unsuccessful collaboration with Motorola. Instead, Cingular gave Apple the liberty to develop the iPhone's hardware and software in-house in exchange for exclusive U.S. sales until 2011(Sony VGP-BPS10 battery).

Jobs unveiled the iPhone to the public on January 9, 2007 at Macworld 2007. Apple was required to file for operating permits with the FCC, but since such filings are made available to the public(Sony VGP-BPS13 battery), the announcement came months before the iPhone had received approval. The iPhone went on sale in the United States on June 29, 2007, at 6:00 pm local time, while hundreds of customers lined up outside the stores nationwide( Sony VGP-BPS3 battery). The original iPhone was made available in the UK, France, and Germany in November 2007, and Ireland and Austria in the spring of 2008.

On July 11, 2008, Apple released the iPhone 3G in twenty-two countries, including the original six. Apple released the iPhone 3G in upwards of eighty countries and territories(Sony VGP-BPS2 battery). Apple announced the iPhone 3GS on June 8, 2009, along with plans to release it later in June, July, and August, starting with the U.S., Canada and major European countries on June 19(Sony Vaio VGN-FZ21M battery ). Many would-be users objected to the iPhone's cost, and 40% of users have household incomes over US$100,000. In an attempt to gain a wider market, Apple retained the 8 GB iPhone 3G at a lower price point. When Apple introduced the iPhone 4, the 3GS became the less expensive model(Sony VGN-FZ150E battery). Apple reduced the price several times since the iPhone's release in 2007, at which time an 8 GB iPhone sold for $599. An iPhone 3GS with the same capacity now costs $49. However, these numbers are misleading, since all iPhone units sold through AT&T require a two-year contract (costing several hundred dollars), and a SIM lock(Sony VGN-FZ15 battery).

Apple sold 6.1 million original iPhone units over five quarters. Recorded sales have been growing steadily thereafter, and by the end of fiscal year 2010, a total of 73.5 million iPhones were sold(Sony VGN-FZ15L battery). The iPhone has by 2010/2011 a markedshare of barely 4 % of all cellphones, but Apple still pulls in more than 50 % of the total profit global cellphone sales generates. Sales in Q4 2008 surpassed temporarily those of RIM's BlackBerry sales of 5.2 million units(Sony Vaio VGN-FZ18M battery), which made Apple briefly the third largest mobile phone manufacturer by revenue, after Nokia and Samsung. Approximately 6.4 million iPhones are active in the U.S. alone. While iPhone sales constitute a significant portion of Apple's revenue, some of this income is deferred(Sony VGN-FZ15T battery).

The back of the original iPhone was made of aluminum with a black plastic accent. The iPhone 3G and 3GS feature a full plastic back to increase the strength of the GSM signal. The iPhone 3G was available in an 8 GB black model(Sony VGN-FZ480E battery), or a black or white option for the 16 GB model. They both are now discontinued. The iPhone 3GS was available in both colors, regardless of storage capacity. The white model was discontinued in favor of a black 8 GB low-end model(Sony VGN-FZ61B battery). The iPhone 4 has an aluminosilicate glass front and back with a stainless steel edge that serves as the antennae. It is available in black; a white version was announced, but has as of January 2011 not been released(Sony VGN-FZ31E battery).

The iPhone has garnered positive reviews from critics like David Pogue and Walter Mossberg. The iPhone attracts users of all ages, and, besides consumer use, the iPhone has also been adopted for business purposes(Sony VGN-FZ340E battery).

On January 11, 2011, Verizon announced during a media event that it had reached an agreement with Apple and would begin selling a CDMA2000 iPhone 4. Verizon said it would be available for pre-order on February 3, with a release set for February 10(Sony VGN-FZ180E battery).

Hardware

Screen and input

The touchscreen is a 9 cm (3.5 in) liquid crystal display with scratch-resistant glass. The capacitive touchscreen is designed for a bare finger(SONY Vaio VGN-FW31J Battery), or multiple fingers for multi-touch sensing. The screens on the first three generations have a resolution of 320 x 480 (HVGA) at 163 ppi, while that of iPhone 4 has a resolution of 640 x 960 at 326 ppi(Sony VGN-FZ18E battery).

The touch and gesture features of the iPhone are based on technology originally developed by FingerWorks. Most gloves and styluses prevent the necessary electrical conductivity; however, capacitive styli can be used with iPhone's finger-touch screen. The iPhone 3GS also features a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating(Sony VGP-BPL4 battery).

The top and side of the iPhone 3GS, externally identical to the iPhone 3G. The switches were black plastic on the original model. From left to right, sides: wake/sleep button, SIM card slot, headphone jack, silence switch, volume controls. Top: earpiece, screen(Sony VGN-FZ160E battery).

The iPhone has a minimal hardware user interface, featuring only four or five buttons, depending on the generation. The iPhone 4 features five buttons, due to the volume control being separated into two distinct buttons(Sony VGN-FZ15M battery); in the first three generations, the volume control could reasonably be counted as either one or two buttons. The only physical menu button is situated directly below the display, and is called the "Home button" because it closes the active app and navigates to the home screen of the interface(Sony Vaio VGN-FZ18G battery). The home button is denoted not by a house, as on many other similar devices, but a rounded square, reminiscent of the shape of icons on the home screen. A multifunction sleep/wake button is located on the top of the device. It serves as the unit's power button, and also controls phone calls. When a call is received, pressing the sleep/wake button once silences the ringtone(Sony VGN-FZ345E battery), and when pressed twice transfers the call to voicemail. Situated on the left spine are the volume adjustment controls. The iPhone 4 has two separate circular buttons to increase and decrease the volume; all earlier models house two switches under a single plastic panel, known as a rocker switch(Sony VGP-BPS14 battery). Directly above the volume controls is a silence button that mutes all sound when engaged. All buttons except Home were made of plastic on the original iPhone and metal on all later models. The touchscreen furnishes the remainder of the user interface(Sony PCGA-BP2E battery).

The display responds to three sensors. A proximity sensor deactivates the display and touchscreen when the device is brought near the face during a call. This is done to save battery power and to prevent inadvertent inputs from the user's face and ears(Sony VGN-FZ11S battery). An ambient light sensor adjusts the display brightness which in turn saves battery power. A 3-axis accelerometer senses the orientation of the phone and changes the screen accordingly, allowing the user to easily switch between portrait and landscape mode. Photo browsing, web browsing(Sony VGN-FZ17L battery), and music playing support both upright and left or right widescreen orientations. Unlike the iPad, the iPhone does not rotate the screen when turned upside-down, with the Home button above the screen, unless the running program has been specifically designed to do so(Sony VGN-FZ17G battery). The 3.0 update added landscape support for still other applications, such as email, and introduced shaking the unit as a form of input. The accelerometer can also be used to control third party apps, notably games. The iPhone 4 also includes a gyroscopic sensor, enhancing its perception of how it is moved(Sony VGN-FZ17 battery).

A software update in January 2008 allowed the first generation iPhone to use cell tower and Wi-Fi network locations trilateration, despite lacking GPS hardware. The iPhone 3G, 3GS and 4 employ A-GPS, and the iPhone 3GS and 4 also have a digital compass(Sony VGP-BPS18 battery).

Audio and output

One of two speakers (left) and the microphone (right) surround the dock connector on the base of the original iPhone. If a headset is plugged in, sound is played through it instead(Sony VGP-BPS15 battery).

The bottom of the iPhone sports a speaker (left) and a microphone (right) flanking the dock connector. One loudspeaker is located above the screen as an earpiece, and another is located on the left side of the bottom of the unit(Sony VGP-BPS12 battery), opposite a microphone on the bottom-right. The iPhone 4 includes an additional microphone at the top of the unit for noise cancellation(Sony VGP-BPL12 battery), and switches the placement of the microphone and speaker on the base on the unit—the speaker is on the left. Volume controls are located on the left side of all iPhone models and as a slider in the iPod application(Sony VGP-BPL7 battery).

The 3.5 mm TRRS connector for the headphones is located on the top left corner of the device. The headphone socket on the original iPhone is recessed into the casing, making it incompatible with most headsets without the use of an adapter(Sony VGN-FZ290 battery). Subsequent generations eliminated the issue by using a flush-mounted headphone socket. Cars equipped with an auxiliary jack allow for handsfree use of the iPhone while driving as a substitute for Bluetooth(Sony VGN-FZ29VN battery).

While the iPhone is compatible with normal headphones, Apple provides a headset with additional functionality. A multipurpose button near the microphone can be used to play or pause music, skip tracks(Sony VGN-SZ56 battery), and answer or end phone calls without touching the iPhone. A small number of third-party headsets specifically designed for the iPhone also include the microphone and control button. The current headsets also provide volume controls(Sony VGN-SZ55 battery), which are only compatible with more recent models. These features are achieved by a fourth ring in the audio jack that carries this extra information(Sony VGN-FZ220E battery).

The built-in Bluetooth 2.x+EDR supports wireless earpieces and headphones, which requires the HSP profile. Stereo audio was added in the 3.0 update for hardware that supports A2DP. While non-sanctioned third-party solutions exist(Sony VGN-FZ11Z battery), the iPhone does not officially support the OBEX file transfer protocol. The lack of these profiles prevents iPhone users from exchanging multimedia files, such as pictures, music and videos, with other bluetooth-enabled cell phones(Sony VGN-FZ11M battery).

Composite or component video at up to 576i and stereo audio can be output from the dock connector using an adapter sold by Apple. iPhone 4 also supports 1024x768 VGA output via a dock adapter. The iPhone did not support voice recording until the 3.0 software update(Sony Vaio VGN-FZ31M battery).

Battery

Replacing the battery requires opening the iPhone unit and exposing the internal hardware(Sony Vaio VGN-FZ31Z battery).

The iPhone features an internal rechargeable battery. Like an iPod but unlike most other mobile phones, the battery is not user-replaceable. The iPhone can be charged when connected to a computer for syncing across the included USB to dock connector cable(Sony VGN-FZ19VN battery), similar to charging an iPod. Alternatively, a USB to AC adapter (or "wall charger," also included) can be connected to the cable to charge directly from an AC outlet. A number of third party accessories (car chargers, portable chargers, battery cases, stereo dock chargers, and even solar chargers) are also available(Sony Vaio VGN-FZ38M battery).

Apple runs tests on preproduction units to determine battery life. Apple's website says that the battery life "is designed to retain up to 80% of its original capacity after 400 full charge and discharge cycles", which is comparable to iPod batteries(Sony Vaio VGN-FZ31S battery). The original iPhone's battery was stated to be capable of providing up to seven hours of video, six hours of web browsing, eight hours of talk time, 24 hours of music or up to 250 hours on standby. The iPhone 3G's battery is stated to be capable of providing up to seven hours of video(Sony VGN-FZ11L battery), six hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi or five on 3G, ten hours of 2G talk time, or five on 3G, 24 hours of music, or 300 hours of standby. Apple claims that the 3GS can last for up to ten hours of video, nine hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi or five on 3G, twelve hours of 2G talk time, or five on 3G, 30 hours of music, or 300 hours of standby(Sony VGN-FZ15G battery).

The battery life of early models of the iPhone has been criticized by several technology journalists as insufficient and less than Apple's claims. This is also reflected by a J. D. Power and Associates customer satisfaction survey, which gave the "battery aspects" of the iPhone 3G its lowest rating of 2 out of 5 stars(Sony VGP-BPS9/B battery).

If the battery malfunctions or dies prematurely, the phone can be returned to Apple and replaced for free while still under warranty. The warranty lasts one year from purchase and can be extended to two years with AppleCare(Sony VGN-FZ190 battery). Though the battery replacement service and its pricing was not made known to buyers until the day the product was launched,[59][60] it is similar to how Apple (and third parties) replace batteries for iPods. The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights(Sony VGN-FZ190E battery), a consumer advocate group, has sent a complaint to Apple and AT&T over the fee that consumers have to pay to have the battery replaced. Since July 2007 third party battery replacement kits have been available at a much lower price than Apple's own battery replacement program(Sony VGN-FZ18 battery). These kits often include a small screwdriver and an instruction leaflet, but as with many newer iPod models the battery in the original iPhone has been soldered in. Therefore a soldering iron is required to install the new battery(Sony Vaio VGN-FZ21E battery ). The iPhone 3G uses a different battery fitted with a connector that is easier to replace, although replacement by any besides Apple still voids the warranty(Sony Vaio VGN-FZ21S battery).

The iPhone 4 is the first generation to have two cameras. The LED flash for the rear-facing camera (top) and the forward-facing camera (bottom) are both unique to that model(Sony VGN-FZ230E battery).

Camera

The original iPhone and iPhone 3G feature a built-in Fixed focus 2.0 megapixel camera located on the back for still digital photos. It has no optical zoom, flash or autofocus, and does not support video recording (Sony Vaio VGN-FZ210CE battery) (iPhone 3G does support video recording via 3rd party App available on the App Store), however jailbreaking allows users to do so. Version 2.0 of iPhone OS introduced the capability to embed location data in the pictures, producing geocoded photographs(Sony Vaio VGN-FZ18S battery).

The iPhone 3GS has a 3.2 megapixel camera, manufactured by OmniVision, featuring autofocus, auto white balance, and auto macro (up to 10 cm). It is also capable of capturing 640x480 (VGA resolution) video at 30 frames per second(Sony VGN-FW11 battery), although compared to higher-end CCD based video cameras it does exhibit the rolling shutter effect. The video can then be cropped on the device itself and directly uploaded to YouTube, MobileMe, or other services(Sony VGN-FW11M battery)

The iPhone 4 introduced a 5.0 megapixel camera (2592x1936 pixels), also located on the back, which is equipped with a backside illuminated sensor capable of capturing pictures in low-light conditions(Sony VGN-FZ18L battery), as well as an LED flash capable of staying lit for video recording at 720p resolution, considered high-definition. In addition the iPhone 4 has a second camera on the front capable of VGA photos and SD video recording(Sony Vaio VGN-FZ31B battery).

Storage and SIM

An iPhone 3G with the SIM slot open. The SIM ejector tool is still placed in the eject hole.

The iPhone was initially released with two options for internal storage size: 4 GB or 8 GB. On September 5, 2007, Apple discontinued the 4 GB models(Sony VGN-FZ145E battery). On February 5, 2008, Apple added a 16 GB model. The iPhone 3G was available in 16 GB and 8 GB. The iPhone 3GS came in 16 GB and 32 GB variants and still is available in 8 GB. The iPhone 4 is available in 16 GB and 32 GB variants(Sony Vaio VGN-FZ31J battery ). All data is stored on the internal flash drive; the iPhone does not support expanded storage through a memory card slot, or the SIM card(Sony Vaio VGN-FZ21J battery).

GSM Models of the iPhone use a SIM card to identify themselves to the GSM network. The SIM sits in a tray, which is inserted into a slot at the top of the device. The SIM tray can be ejected with a paperclip or the "SIM eject tool" (Sony VGN-FZ32B battery) (a simple piece of die-cut sheet metal) included with the iPhone 3G and 3GS. In most countries, the iPhone is usually sold with a SIM lock, which prevents the iPhone from being used on a different mobile network(Sony VGN-FZ35 battery).

The GSM iPhone 4 features a MicroSIM card that is located in a slot on the right side of the device.

The CDMA model of the iPhone, like all CDMA phones, does not use a SIM(Sony VGN-FZ37 battery).

Liquid contact indicators

The iPhone is equipped with liquid contact indicators which change from white to red in color when they come in contact with water. These suggest whether water damage has affected the device(Sony VGN-FZ38 battery). The indicators on the iPhone include a small disc which is located at the bottom of the headphone jack and with the iPhone 3G and all later models an additional one is located at the bottom of the dock connector(Sony VGN-FZ340E/B battery). The indicators are often used by Apple employees to determine whether the device qualifies for a warranty repair or replacement. If the indicators show that the device was exposed to water, they may determine that the device is not covered by Apple(Sony VGN-FZ440N battery). However, the liquid contact indicators may be triggered through routine use, and if a device is worn while exercising, the sweat from an owner may dampen the indicators enough to indicate water damage. On many other mobile phones from different manufacturers(Sony VGN-FZ430E battery), the liquid contact indicators are located in a protected location, such as beneath the battery behind a battery cover, but the indicators on an iPhone are directly exposed to the environment. This has led to criticism of the placement of the indicators(Sony VGN-FZ11E battery), which may also be affected by steam in a bathroom or other light environmental moisture. In response to these criticisms, Apple made a silent change to their water damage policy in iPhones and other i-devices(Sony VGP-BPS13B/B battery). This new policy allows the customer to request further internal inspection of the phone to verify if internal liquid damage sensors were triggered(Sony VGP-BPS13A/B battery).

Included items

The contents of the box of an iPhone 4. From left to right: lid, iPhone 4 in plastic holder, written documentation, and (top to bottom) headset, USB cable, wall charger(Sony VGP-BPS13/S battery).

All iPhone models include written documentation, and a dock connector to USB cable. The original and 3G iPhones also came with a cleaning cloth. The original iPhone included stereo headset (earbuds and a microphone) and a plastic dock to hold the unit upright while charging and syncing(Sony VGP-BPS13/B battery). The iPhone 3G includes a similar headset plus a SIM eject tool (the original model requires a paperclip). The iPhone 3GS includes the SIM eject tool and a revised headset, which adds volume buttons (not functional with previous iPhone versions) (Sony VGP-BPS13AS battery). The iPhone 3G and 3GS are compatible with the same dock, sold separately, but not the original model's dock. All versions include a USB power adapter, or "wall charger," which allows the iPhone to charge from an AC outlet(Sony VGP-BPS13S battery). The iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS sold in North America, Japan, Colombia, Ecuador, or Peru include an ultracompact USB power adapter(Sony VGP-BPS13B/S battery).

Software

Main articles: iOS (Apple) and iOS version history

The default Home screen of iOS 4.2.1 shows most of the applications provided by Apple. Users can download additional applications from the App store, create Web Clips, rearrange the icons, and create folders(Sony VGP-BPS13A/S battery).

The iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad run an operating system known as iOS (formerly iPhone OS). It is a variant of the same Darwin operating system core that is found in Mac OS X. Also included is the "Core Animation" software component from Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard(Sony VGP-BPS21 battery). Together with the PowerVR hardware (and on the iPhone 3GS, OpenGL ES 2.0), it is responsible for the interface's motion graphics. The operating system takes up less than half a gigabyte(Sony VGP-BPS21B battery). It is capable of supporting bundled and future applications from Apple, as well as from third-party developers. Software applications cannot be copied directly from Mac OS X but must be written and compiled specifically for iOS(Sony VGP-BPS21/S battery).

Like the iPod, the iPhone is managed with iTunes. The earliest versions of the OS required version 7.3 or later, which is compatible with Mac OS X version 10.4.10 Tiger or later, and 32-bit Windows XP or Vista(Sony VGP-BPS21A/B battery). The release of iTunes 7.6 expanded this support to include 64-bit versions of XP and Vista, and a workaround has been discovered for previous 64-bit Windows operating systems. Apple provides free updates to the OS for the iPhone through iTunes(Sony VAIO PCG-5G2L battery), and major updates have historically accompanied new models. Such updates often require a newer version of iTunes — for example, the 3.0 update requires iTunes 8.2 — but the iTunes system requirements have stayed the same. Updates include both security patches and new features(Sony VAIO PCG-5G3L battery). For example, iPhone 3G users initially experienced dropped calls until an update was issued.

Interface

The interface is based around the home screen, a graphical list of available applications(Sony VAIO PCG-5J1L battery). iPhone applications normally run one at a time (not including iOS 4, which includes running applications in the background) , although most functionality is still available when making a call or listening to music. The home screen can be accessed at any time by a hardware button below the screen(Sony VAIO PCG-5J2L battery), closing the open application in the process. By default, the Home screen contains the following icons: Messages (SMS and MMS messaging), Calendar, Photos, Camera, YouTube, Stocks, Maps (Google Maps), Weather, Voice Memos, Notes, Clock, Calculator, Settings, iTunes (store) (Sony VAIO PCG-5K2L battery), App Store, and (on the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4) Compass. Docked at the base of the screen, four icons for Phone, Mail, Safari (Internet), and iPod (multimedia) delineate the iPhone's main purposes(Sony VAIO PCG-5L1L battery). On January 15, 2008, Apple released software update 1.1.3, allowing users to create "Web Clips", home screen icons that resemble apps that open a user-defined page in Safari. After the update, iPhone users can rearrange and place icons on up to nine other adjacent home screens, accessed by a horizontal swipe(Sony VAIO PCG-6S2L battery). Users can also add and delete icons from the dock, which is the same on every home screen. Each home screen holds up to sixteen icons, and the dock holds up to four icons(Sony VAIO PCG-6S3L battery). Users can delete Web Clips and third-party applications at any time, and may select only certain applications for transfer from iTunes. Apple's default programs, however, may not be removed. The 3.0 update adds a system-wide search, known as Spotlight, to the left of the first home screen(Sony VAIO PCG-6V1L battery).

Almost all input is given through the touch screen, which understands complex gestures using multi-touch. The iPhone's interaction techniques enable the user to move the content up or down by a touch-drag motion of the finger(Sony VAIO PCG-6W1L battery). For example, zooming in and out of web pages and photos is done by placing two fingers on the screen and spreading them farther apart or bringing them closer together, a gesture known as "pinching"(Sony VAIO PCG-7111L battery). Scrolling through a long list or menu is achieved by sliding a finger over the display from bottom to top, or vice versa to go back. In either case, the list moves as if it is pasted on the outer surface of a wheel, slowly decelerating as if affected by friction. In this way(Sony VAIO PCG-6W3L battery), the interface simulates the physics of a real object. Other user-centered interactive effects include horizontally sliding sub-selection, the vertically sliding keyboard and bookmarks menu, and widgets that turn around to allow settings to be configured on the other side(Sony VAIO PCG-7113L battery). Menu bars are found at the top and bottom of the screen when necessary. Their options vary by program, but always follow a consistent style motif. In menu hierarchies, a "back" button in the top-left corner of the screen displays the name of the parent folder(Sony VAIO PCG-7133L battery).

Phone

When making a call, the iPhone presents a number of options. The screen is automatically disabled when held close to the face(Sony VAIO PCG-7Z1L battery).

The iPhone allows audio conferencing, call holding, call merging, caller ID, and integration with other cellular network features and iPhone functions. For example, if music is playing when a call is received, the music fades out(Sony VAIO PCG-7Z2L battery), and fades back in when the call has ended. The proximity sensor shuts off the screen and touch-sensitive circuitry when the iPhone is brought close to the face, both to save battery and prevent unintentional touches(Sony VAIO PCG-8Y1L battery). The iPhone does not support video calling or videoconferencing on versions prior to the 4th generation, as there is only one camera on the opposite side of the screen. The iPhone 4 supports video calling using either the front or back camera over Wi-Fi(Sony VAIO PCG-8Y2L battery), a feature Apple calls Facetime. The first two models only support voice dialing through third party applications. Voice control, available only on the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4, allows users to say a contact's name or number and the iPhone will dial(Sony VAIO PCG-8Z2L battery).

The iPhone includes a visual voicemail (in some countries) feature allowing users to view a list of current voicemail messages on-screen without having to call into their voicemail. Unlike most other systems, messages can be listened to and deleted in a non-chronological order by choosing any message from an on-screen list(Sony VAIO PCG-8Z1L battery).

A music ringtone feature was introduced in the United States on September 5, 2007. Users can create custom ringtones from songs purchased from the iTunes Store for a small additional fee(Sony VAIO PCG-7112L battery). The ringtones can be 3 to 30 seconds long from any part of a song, can fade in and out, pause from half a second to five seconds when looped, or loop continuously. All customizing can be done in iTunes, or alternatively with Apple's GarageBand software 4.1.1 or later (available only on Mac OS X) or third-party tools(Sony VAIO PCG-6W2L battery).