No Apple device better represents Jobs' uncompromising vision than the first-generation iPhone.
Inspired by a multi-touch display that came his way in the early 2000s, the final product made pre-iPhone era handsets look like troglodytes in comparison. Instead of plastic, it used (mostly) aluminum for the chassis and glass for the touch screen, and users' own fingers replaced the cumbersome stylus for swiping, pinching and scrolling. The iPhone also introduced a new mobile operating system, iOS, which seems to be at the core of where Jobs sees mobile computing heading.
Of course, Jobs was involved in every step in the creative process. He also pushed for unprecedented control over the device's construction with Cingular (now AT&T) executives -- which is why the iPhone doesn't carry an AT&T (or Verizon) logo on it. Users also have Jobs to thank for Visual Voicemail, which chucked the standard voicemail system for a non-linear "push to listen" interface.
All this innovation isn't free, of course. According to one insider, initial development cost $150 million.
Then again, that's chump change, considering that more than 6 million first-gen iPhones were sold.
