By 2010, the dawn of the iPhone era was well underway. Although smartphones were still evolving—remarkably, the iPhone had just introduced basic features like copy and paste—it was evident that these sleek, glass devices would revolutionize our everyday lives.

Apple had committed to a yearly release cycle, so anticipation for the next iPhone was high. Then, an unexpected twist occurred: an Apple employee inadvertently left a prototype in a bar. Gizmodo acquired it, disassembled it, and shared every detail, creating a sensation online. This is how the saga of the iPhone 4 began, even before its official release.

That was just the start of the intrigue! In this episode of Version History, we delve into the complete narrative of the iPhone 4, from its premature leak to its official unveiling, and the ensuing Antennagate controversy that was so intense it prompted Apple’s CEO, Steve Jobs, to hold a press conference. Join David Pierce, Nilay Patel, and renowned tech columnist Walt Mossberg as they recount the story, including Walt’s extensive conversations with Jobs and Nilay’s unexpected involvement as the story unfolded.

While debates may continue over whether the iPhone 4 was the greatest iPhone, its dramatic impact is undeniable. It might also be considered the most pivotal: the iPhone 4 marked the debut of Apple’s proprietary chips in its smartphones, was the first to break free from AT&T’s exclusivity, and set the standard design for smartphones for years.

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