The first product that made Apple’s leap forward is the first iPhone. However, a photo showing what the first production line of the iPhone in 2007 would look like was shared on Twitter, drawing attention.
It was released on December 24 (local time) by former Apple engineer Bob Burrough. This photo was posted at the iPhone factory in 2007 and was taken at the Foxconn facility that subcontracts iPhone production.
This photo shows the final quality test scene, not the assembly process. The photos of iPhones connected to the test rack with wires show devices running test software, and the staff connects the iPhones one by one to the test equipment to check the operation.
Considering that Apple co-founder Steve Jobs announced the first iPhone in January 2007 and launched it in the United States in June of the same year, it is estimated that this photo was taken before and after Foxconn began production in earnest. At the time, as Apple couldn’t control the supply chain as much as it is now, it’s likely that assembly or shipping took much longer.
The engineer who posted the photo also expressed that in 2007, the Apple organization was like a pioneer in the West. It is explained that the project was prioritized over the organization and it was rewarding to engage in any issue regardless of role and position. He recalled the appearance at the time, saying Steve Jobs asked them to test all possibilities.