Version History iPhone 4: You're holding it wrong
60 snips
Dec 14, 2025 
Nilay Patel, a renowned technology journalist at The Verge, and Walt Mossberg, a veteran tech columnist, delve into the dramatic history of the iPhone 4. They share how it was famously lost in a bar and leaked by Gizmodo, igniting a media frenzy. The discussion covers the phone's groundbreaking features like the Retina display and antenna issues that sparked the 'you're holding it wrong' meme. They also evaluate its legacy in smartphone design and culture, ultimately declaring it worthy of a Hall of Fame status for its profound impact.
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The Bar Stool Leak That Shook Apple
- Gizmodo acquired a preproduction iPhone found in a bar and paid $5,000 for it.
- The leak led to police involvement and a long legal battle that reverberated through tech media.
Disassembly, Raids, And Steve Jobs' Reaction
- Gizmodo disassembled the device and published internal photos which enraged Apple and prompted police raids.
- Steve Jobs publicly threatened legal action and pursued criminal reporting over the leak.
Jobs Turned A Leak Into A Stage Moment
- Steve Jobs acknowledged the leak but insisted seeing the device in person mattered.
- His presentation style turned the controversy into a masterful product moment that defused much of the outrage.
