General Question

misc's avatar

How many people are still rocking original iPhones?

Asked by misc (23points) April 14th, 2010

With Apple officially discontinuing support for my beloved 2G, I’m curious how many of these “antiques” are still in use. Even better would be a percentage breakdown for 2G, 3G, and 3GS.

I’m guessing the most authoritative source would be browser stats from somewhere like ComScore. Total sales figures would be interesting too, but of course they’d grossly overestimate the number of 2Gs in active use.

I’m especially curious about this because I’m starting to learn programming for the iPhone, and with all the attention focused on the iPad and the latest iPhones, I feel like there might be a real opportunity in catering to plucky old schoolers like me.

Thanks in advance!

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15 Answers

BabylonFree's avatar

I still got mine 1st gen iPhone , and untill it dies or the 2 yr contract is over I don’t need anything more, unless they will come up with a superfragilisticexpiralitosious iPhone .

toomuchcoffee911's avatar

I’ve got a 3GS.

loser's avatar

I still have an original!

mcbealer's avatar

I wound up with two 1st gen iPhones, one I use as a spare camera and iPod, the other is activated as my actual phone. Even though my contract expired, I am happy with the roll-over minutes capability and have no plans to upgrade since the data plan is $10 less per month than for 3G.

squirbel's avatar

I am one of those people who stand in line on zero day, so I had one at one point – but I sold it 2 weeks before the 3G came out for $350, and bought a 3G. :( Sad to hear they are discontinuing support.

I imagine there are MANY people who still have their first iphone, or have passed their old ones on. There are still many people able to benefit from your programming.

misc's avatar

Oh I love mine – especially since it’s jailbroken. (Multitasking? Pssh…) Yeah old school! Though I’m pretty sure I’ll finally break down and upgrade when the next models come out. I’m definitely pushing mine to the limit with photo apps and such, and I crave that speed boost. :)

hearkat's avatar

My son and I sold ours when the 3GS came out – like @squirbel, we were on line the day the first iPhone came out. I do know a few people who still use their originals, and who can not afford to upgrade and may be reluctant to spend money on Apps (if you’re considering charging for it).

I also know a number of people who gave their original iPhones to their kids – with no phone service – to use for the games and camera, etc. Some of these kids are toddlers! So demographically, you may want to consider something geared at kids.

Hexr's avatar

I never buy things on day one because I know they will come out with an improved model soon after. Therefore, I have a 3GS and love every bit of it. I would be disappointed if I had gotten a 2G because, although the differences are small, they add up and the wait is worth it

aadmin's avatar

The memorable of the things past
love classical things

Dog's avatar

We still have a fully functioning first generation iPhone. I like the feel of it over my newest one but having the video trumps the feel.

What kind of programming are you working on for the first gen?

Alo's avatar

I still have the 1st gen iPhone… no need to change by now

misc's avatar

Found the answer! http://modmyi.com/forums/iphone-news/708082-nearly-one-third-all-first-generation-iphones-remain-use.html

2% … that’s less than I thought. On the other hand, when you include iPhone 3G, which has basically the same specs aside from the 3G data speed itself, you get a respectable 22%.

Btw, at this point I’m starting to think the next iPhone may be my first Apple Store campout experience. It looks amazing, and I’m hearing rumors it will be released at WWDC, right in between my graduation and my birthday. Frankly, it’s got me more excited than either of those. The month of May is going to be torture!

—-

As for the specific app I’m working on – well right now, I’m just working on learning Objective C. I have a ton of ideas, but I think the first project I’m going to tackle will be something involving podcasts. Stay tuned. :)

Dog's avatar

YAY!

Do keep us informed.

I am curious as to how one could make an app that picks up wordpress posts daily… I do not even know where to start with that.

misc's avatar

“Picks up”? How do you mean?

Dog's avatar

Say you have a wordpress blog.
Each day you post.
I would love an app that would pick up new posts. Sorting by tags would be a plus

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