Everything Everywhere Daily · Friday, October 2, 2026
In 2006, New York Times tech writer David Pogue wrote that Apple would 'probably never' release a cell phone. Less than a year later, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer stated there was 'no chance' the iPhone would gain significant market share, calling it the most expensive phone by far.
“Everyone's always asking me when Apple will come out with a cell phone. My answer is probably never.”
“I cannot imagine Apple giving veto power to anyone over at Software Design. It just ain't gonna happen.”
“Right now, we're selling millions and millions and millions of phones a year. Apple is selling zero phones a year. In six months, they'll have the most expensive phone by far in the marketplace, and let's see how they do. But there's no chance the iPhone is going to get any significant market share.”