Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

> Apple disrupted the market by redefining the smartphone

Apple invented the smartphone. The fact Nokia didn't understand that shows why it failed.



No, they made a smartphone with UI/software first approach and thereby _matured_ it.

The 2002 SonyEricsson p800 (and the p900, p910 followups) kinda sniffed on the form-factor (it was basically the same if you disconnected the numpad) and software had all the features incl a "proper" browser (but not nearly the same polish).

Sadly it seems it was an isolated "enterprise" group that seems to have been hamstrung later (the followup phones made the form factor worse and the UI improvement was marginal compared to the leap the iPhone took).


Apple should get the credit for making the smartphone industry what it is today but there's no need to rewrite history.




Consider applying for YC's Winter 2026 batch! Applications are open till Nov 10

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: