This photo of an Apple prototype home phone from way back in 1983 has been going around for a while now. I ran across it again and thought it was particularly timely with Apple’s recent iPhone touchscreen patents granted.
This shows that as frivolous as those touch patents Apple was granted seem, the company has been working on touch tech as far back as the 80’s. The on-screen keyboard in the photo looks a lot like the iPhone keyboard. That phone looks higher-tech than many on the market today.
The Visionary Design of the 1983 Apple Prototype
The device apparently stored contacts and had a stylus that was used for entering data. The phone never went into production and was designed by Hartmut Esslinger. He later started Frogdesign. This prototype is a testament to Apple’s forward-thinking approach and their commitment to innovation. The design included a touch-sensitive interface, which was revolutionary at the time. The stylus allowed for precise input, a feature that would not become mainstream until many years later with devices like the Palm Pilot and later, the Samsung Galaxy Note series.
The on-screen keyboard is particularly noteworthy. It bears a striking resemblance to the virtual keyboards we use today on smartphones and tablets. This early concept shows that Apple was already thinking about how to make technology more intuitive and user-friendly. The idea of replacing physical buttons with a touch interface was ahead of its time and paved the way for the development of modern touchscreens.
Impact on Modern Technology
The influence of this early prototype can be seen in many of Apple’s later products. The iPhone, iPad, and even the Apple Watch all owe a debt to this early experimentation with touch technology. The principles of design and user experience that were being explored in the 1983 prototype have become central to Apple’s product philosophy.
Moreover, this prototype highlights Apple’s long-standing interest in integrating technology into everyday life. The concept of a home phone with advanced features like contact storage and a touch interface was a precursor to the smart home devices we see today. Apple’s HomePod and other smart home products continue this legacy of innovation.
It’s also interesting to note that Hartmut Esslinger, the designer of this prototype, went on to found Frogdesign, a company that has been influential in the design of many iconic tech products. His work with Apple set the stage for a design language that emphasizes simplicity, elegance, and functionality.
In conclusion, this 1983 Apple prototype home phone is more than just a piece of tech history. It is a glimpse into the future that Apple envisioned, a future where technology is seamlessly integrated into our daily lives. The touch technology that seemed so futuristic in the 80s is now a standard feature in our devices, thanks in part to the groundwork laid by early innovations like this one.
via DigitalTrends
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
