10 charts that show how far the iPhone has come over the last 10 years

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Ten years ago today, Steve Jobs introduced the product that would reshape not only Apple, but also the world. That Macworld presentation will always be considered Jobs' greatest product introduction ever. In what now seems like common sense, Jobs noted that dynamic virtual buttons on a capacitive touchscreen enable endless flexibility and interface innovation, while "the bottom 40 [percent]" of all prior phones were occupied by physical buttons. Note that Apple wouldn't actually launch the device until June 2007, a rare instance of the company preannouncing a product.

A decade ago, mobile computing meant carrying your laptop around with you and hoping to find a Wi-Fi hotspot. Nowadays, it means having any number of cellular-equipped mobile devices always within reach, be it a smartphone or a tablet. Apple's turnaround had already taken shape circa 2006, and the company was on firm financial footing thanks to the iPod's success, but the iPhone catapulted Apple to becoming the world's most valuable company.

Here are 10 charts to celebrate the iPhone's 10th birthday.

1. Rising unit sales

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Last year marked the first time that Apple posted a year-over-year decline in iPhone unit sales. While the initial investor reaction was to fret, it's worth taking a moment to appreciate the incredible run.

2. A billion and counting

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Over the summer of 2016, Apple sold its billionth iPhone. Apple hosted an employee meeting to display the billionth unit (pictured above). Here's how it got there.

3. Soaring market capitalization

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I personally purchased shares of Apple for the first time in 2006, in July of that year for $60.83 (pre-split). Needless to say, buying Apple the year before the launch of the iPhone has been quite an investment. Shares are up 800% since the day of the unveiling.

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