For years, the iPhone and Android history was shaped by one decision from Steve Jobs. Mobile phones once revolved around iPhone, but a costly mistake changed everything. Apple gave away secrets that fueled its future rivals.
In 2005, Apple was leading but faced storage problems. Hard drives were heavy and slow. Jobs needed a fast and light solution. He met Chang-Gyu Hwang, a senior Samsung executive. Samsung had NAND flash memory, the perfect fit for the iPod. Apple signed a deal, and Samsung became the exclusive supplier. But Samsung also learned Apple’s design and user experience approach.
At the same time, Google’s CEO Eric Schmidt joined Apple’s board. Jobs thought Google was an ally. In reality, Google was quietly shaping Android to look like iPhone. Apple had unknowingly prepared two future competitors: Samsung with hardware insights, and Google with strategic direction.
When Jobs launched the iPhone, it shocked the world. It was a phone, iPod, and internet device in one. No keyboard, no stylus—just fingers. Google panicked. Andy Rubin rebuilt Android to follow iPhone’s model. In 2008, Android 1.0 was released with apps, touch screen, and slide-to-unlock.
Jobs was furious, calling it theft. But Google opened Android for all manufacturers. HTC launched the first Android phone, and Samsung soon embraced it. Galaxy phones made Samsung the face of Android. By 2012, Android powered 70% of the world’s smartphones.
The iPhone and Android history shows how allies can become rivals. A supplier can turn into a competitor. And open platforms can beat closed systems. Today, whether you use iPhone or Android, it all traces back to one mistake and one smart strategy.
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