Microsoft Called It Overpriced With No Keyboard - Apple Has Now Sold 3 Billion iPhones

When the first iPhone was introduced in 2007, not everyone in the tech world believed it would change the future of mobile technology. In fact, one of the most memorable reactions came from Steve Ballmer, the then-CEO of Microsoft, who openly laughed at the idea during an interview.

Ballmer famously criticized the device for being too expensive and lacking a physical keyboard, something that was considered essential for smartphones at the time. Many popular devices in that era relied on physical buttons, particularly models from companies like BlackBerry Limited, whose phones were known for their signature keyboards.

But nearly two decades later, history tells a very different story.

The device Ballmer once dismissed has gone on to become one of the most successful consumer products ever created. Apple has now sold 3 billion iPhones worldwide, a staggering milestone that highlights how dramatically the smartphone industry has evolved since the original launch.

The first iPhone was unveiled by Steve Jobs during a historic presentation in 2007. At the time, its touchscreen design, lack of physical keys, and high price point were seen by some critics as risky decisions. However, those same features soon became the standard across the entire smartphone market.

Today, nearly every major smartphone uses a full touchscreen design inspired by Apple’s approach. The iPhone helped transform phones into all-purpose digital devices—combining communication, entertainment, navigation, photography, and internet access into one product.

The success of the iPhone also reshaped the global tech industry. It helped Apple grow into one of the most valuable companies in the world and sparked an entire ecosystem of mobile apps, accessories, and services that billions of people rely on every day.

While Ballmer’s comments have since become a well-known moment in tech history, they also serve as a reminder of how difficult it can be to predict the impact of a groundbreaking product.

What was once laughed at on camera has now become a global phenomenon, with 3 billion devices sold and a lasting influence on how the world communicates, works, and lives in the digital age.