June 19, 2009

iPhone 3GS released

Apple began selling the iPhoneApple's smartphone line — touch-first mobile computing and the App Store ecosystem since 2007. 3GS on June 19, 2009 — adding a faster processor, video recording, and voice control.

What it was for

IPhone 3GSThe 3GS refined the iPhoneApple's smartphone line — touch-first mobile computing and the App Store ecosystem since 2007. platform with substantially better performance and a 3-megapixel video camera. Developers gained headroom for richer games and media apps while mobile SafariApple's web browser — built on WebKit for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. improved with better JavaScript performance.

Companies

  • Apple

Why it's here

The 3GS proved Apple's 'S' year could deliver meaningful speed and camera upgrades without a redesign.

Why it mattered

Faster hardware made native iOSApple's mobile operating system — runs iPhone and iPad with a sandboxed app ecosystem. apps feel responsive enough for console-style games and video workflows.

What it solved

Early iPhones struggled with sluggish UIUser interface — the parts of software people see and interact with. and limited multimedia capture for mainstream users.

Media

  • IPhone 3GS
    ImageIPhone 3GS

    JoBot164, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

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