Version History: iPhone 4
The Vergecast
2025/12/28
Version History: iPhone 4
Version History: iPhone 4
The Vergecast
2025/12/28
The iPhone 4 wasn't just a smartphone—it was a cultural moment wrapped in glass and steel. Its launch was unlike any other, marked by espionage, scandal, and a design so sharp it seemed to cut through the status quo. This episode dives into the whirlwind surrounding Apple’s iconic device, from its unprecedented leak to its lasting influence on how we think about tech.
The iPhone 4 redefined smartphone design with its Retina display, FaceTime, and sleek stainless steel frame, becoming an instant icon despite early setbacks. A prototype accidentally left in a bar was sold to Gizmodo, triggering a media firestorm and an aggressive legal response from Apple, including a raid on a journalist's home—a moment that raised ethical questions about press freedom and corporate control. After launch, 'Antennagate' emerged as users reported signal loss when gripping the phone, leading Apple to issue a software fix and free bumper cases. Despite the controversy, the iPhone 4 became a commercial success, expanded to Verizon, and set new standards for industrial design. Its legacy endures not only in aesthetics but in the way it shaped tech journalism, product secrecy, and consumer expectations for years to come.
02:58
02:58
The iPhone 4's design was compared to a Leica camera by Steve Jobs.
22:07
22:07
Brian Lamb tried to bribe Steve Jobs to return the phone, a move he later admitted was a mistake.
24:49
24:49
Steve Jobs said he'd rather quit than compromise Apple's core values of secrecy and IP protection.
35:54
35:54
Steve Jobs advised users to 'avoid holding it that way' during Antennagate.
1:01:59
1:01:59
The headphone jack is the most desirable feature to bring back from the iPhone 4
1:07:44
1:07:44
Steve Jobs made beautiful design accessible in mass-market phones
