Free Web NovelThe iPhone was unveiled to the world two years earlier than in my previous life.
It had been revealed faster—yet its level of completion was far higher than the early model I remembered.
Most likely, that was thanks to Dream High purchasing all the related patents and making them freely usable.
The developer tool released alongside it was also met with enthusiastic cheers from developers.
Using the tool, anyone could create applications compatible with the iPhone, and the App Store was launched simultaneously.
Although apps had to pass Apple’s review, the major advantage was that anyone could sell their creations through the App Store.
In my previous life, the iPhone had initially been neglected by users due to a lack of applications.
But this time, by quickly unveiling the developer tool and App Store, anticipation soared.
The success of a smartphone depends on how many applications it has. The more developers swarm to it, the more unstoppable the iPhone becomes.
Once the iPhone was revealed, every major media outlet rushed out related articles.
[Apple Unveils Revolutionary iPhone — A Game Changer for the Mobile Industry.]
[Steve Jobs Introduces the iPhone — A New Era of Communication Begins.]
[iPhone: Apple’s Latest Innovation to Redefine the Smartphone.]
The Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and the Washington Post all praised the iPhone as a revolution in their headlines.
Most reactions were positive, though negative articles occasionally appeared.
[Steve Jobs’ iPhone: A Grand Illusion.]
[Tech Experts Warn: iPhone Will Fail Due to Lack of Physical Keyboard.]
[Apple’s Expensive iPhone — Is It Worth the Price?]
But the overall atmosphere was overwhelmingly positive, and such negative pieces failed to attract much attention.
[The Developer Praised by Jobs — Who Is He?]
There were even articles speculating about the first person Jobs had called during the unveiling.
While the name “Charlie” was famous on Wall Street, linking him directly to iPhone development felt like a stretch, so speculation ran wild.
Ironically, the article came from a Murdoch-owned tabloid.
* * *
After the event ended, I left the venue and headed straight to the Apple campus.
I had visited several times before, yet each visit felt new.
The faces of Apple employees around campus were filled with excitement and anticipation.
Most of them probably hadn’t known about the iPhone’s existence, but now that it was public, it was only natural that every employee would receive one for testing.
“So you’re Charlie.”
Tim Cook greeted me, extending his hand. I shook it lightly.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Charlie.”
“Let’s head inside. Jobs will be here shortly.”
“Of course.”
Guided by Cook, I entered the conference room.
Several people were already gathered inside.
All eyes turned toward us. They stared at me as if assessing a competitor.
Cook spoke quietly enough that only I could hear.
“They’re from AT&T and Verizon.”
They must have come to negotiate supply contracts for the iPhone.
Do they see me as competition?
Cook led me to a seat opposite them.
The center seat was empty—clearly Jobs’ seat.
To the left of the center was my seat; to the right, Cook’s.
I sat down and looked around again.
Verizon, number one in the U.S. telecom industry, and AT&T, number two.
I already knew the outcome.
‘AT&T signed the exclusive deal, didn’t they?’
I didn’t remember the fine details of the contract, but in the U.S., AT&T had secured exclusivity.
Apple had partnered with second-ranked carriers to maintain leverage in product sales. They used similar strategies in France and the UK.
I wondered if they would pursue the same approach again.
As I recalled my past life’s memories, I opened a cookie from the tray.
‘Why are they staring at me like that?’
Every small action I made was being scrutinized by representatives from both companies.
I set the cookie down and offered a pleasant smile.
“Is there something on my face? You’re all staring rather intently.”
The first to respond was a man from Verizon.
“I’m Brian from Verizon. Sales Director.”
“Nice to meet you, Brian.”
“On what authority are you here?”
The others leaned in, clearly curious.
“I’m here as CEO of Dream High. We’re Apple’s major shareholder. So attending a meeting like this is only natural, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Ah. My apologies.”
I nodded casually at Brian’s apology.
Everyone knew Dream High was Apple’s major shareholder, so they seemed to understand why I was present.
I had only learned about this meeting after entering the room, but there was no need to mention that.
“Of course, the contract decisions will be entirely Jobs’. I’m just here to observe. Please don’t feel pressured.”
Cook glanced at me, but I pretended not to notice and smiled at Brian.
This was a matter for Apple’s CEO, Steve Jobs, and the man responsible for finances, Tim Cook.
At that moment, the door opened and Jobs entered, smiling broadly.
“Ah, everyone’s here.”
Taking his seat, he addressed them.
“So, what did you think of today’s presentation? Our iPhone.”
Before the question even finished, Brian answered.
“It was shocking. If it launches as demonstrated, it could write a new chapter in smartphone history.”
A woman from AT&T nodded, then pulled a BlackBerry smartphone from her handbag.
“This is my BlackBerry.”
Holding up the bulky device, she smiled.
“I used to think this was quite usable compared to other smartphones. But after seeing the iPhone today, my opinion has completely changed. This is trash.”
BlackBerry dominated the North American smartphone market.
Having witnessed the full evolution of smartphones in my previous life, I questioned whether it even deserved the name—but for now, it was still prestigious.
“Comparing that trash to our iPhone is insulting. They’re entirely different devices.”
At Jobs’ blunt remark, she hurriedly nodded.
“I wasn’t comparing them. I was just showing what’s currently considered the best smartphone.”
Afraid of offending him, she quickly added,
“But that will soon be outdated. The iPhone is a world-changing device beyond comparison.”
The praise was blatant, yet Jobs’ lips curled upward.
Naturally. He loved praise.
Clearing his throat, Jobs continued.
“I ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) arranged this joint meeting because of the iPhone supply agreement. Did both of you bring full authority?”
Brian nodded first.
“I represent Verizon with full authority. That’s why I came personally.”
Jobs’ gaze shifted.
“...I’m Chloe, CMO. Everything I say today represents our company.”
“So the Chief Marketing Officer herself. If both of you have full authority, this will be simple.”
Jobs signaled Cook, who pressed the call button.
An employee entered and placed prepared documents before both sides.
“Let’s review and discuss.”
Representatives from Verizon and AT&T began reading.
Only then did Jobs rest a hand on my shoulder and grin.
“So? What did you think today?”
His face was brimming with expectation.
I gave him a thumbs up.
“It’s far more advanced than I anticipated.”
“It was all your idea.”
The others stopped flipping pages and looked at me.
Their expressions said it all.
‘What? That guy came up with the iPhone idea? I thought he was just an investor.’
Curiosity, envy, admiration—I ignored them.
“My idea? I only described a fantasy. You were the one who made it real. Stop that. People will misunderstand.”
“It’s the truth. I know you don’t like the spotlight, but I won’t compromise on this.”
The stares grew more blatant.
I sighed.
“Fine. But I won’t step forward publicly. Just say that someone provided ideas. Nationality: Korean. That’s enough.”
“Good. That’s sufficient.”
Satisfied, he patted my shoulder again.
“But why insist on revealing that? You could just say it was entirely your idea.”
“I’m not a thug.”
I suppressed a laugh. Not a thug, my ass.
He might be smooth with me, but most people who knew him called him a tyrant.
He was Apple’s dictator. When he dug in, no one could stop him.
With the board effectively controlled by the two of us, there was no one who could restrain him.
Only Tim Cook could advise him, and even that was limited to finance and operations.
When it came to development, Jobs listened to no one.
“Understood. Let’s discuss that later. The supply contract comes first, doesn’t it?”
I subtly changed the topic.
Jobs shifted his gaze back to the two groups.
They resumed reading.
I began reading my copy as well.
What terms had made Verizon walk away in my previous life?
Why had Apple insisted on exclusivity?
The answers were in the documents.
‘They accepted this?’
As expected, the further they read, the darker their faces became.
Apple’s conditions were ruthless.
“Everything you see here is confidential. If any of it leaks, I will pursue legal action using every method available.”
Apple was infamous for secrecy.
“This is excessive.”
Brian closed the document.
“We’re not Apple’s subcontractor. There’s no reason for us to sign this.”
He flatly refused.
Chloe closed her file, frowning.
“I’ve never seen terms like these.”
In the U.S., carriers held overwhelming power over manufacturers.
Especially Verizon.
They demanded carrier-exclusive phones.
Forced certain technologies.
Pressured manufacturers for lower supply prices.
Even mandated pre-installed software.
Worst of all was forcing the carrier logo—often called the “fugitive mark”—onto devices, front and back.
“This means neither of you can accept our terms.” ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com
Jobs’ tone turned sharp.
He dropped formalities.
“I asked to meet both of you because together you control most of the U.S. market.”
They nodded.
Together, they held over 60%.
But Apple’s proposal effectively flipped the power dynamic.
“Hm. Then this meeting is over.”
Jobs stood firm.
Brian and Chloe looked visibly shaken.
They had likely intended to negotiate adjustments.
That didn’t work on Jobs.
“Timothy. Set up a meeting with T-Mobile tomorrow.”
“Understood.”
“Tell them we’re offering an exclusive deal. We’ll discuss detailed terms in person.”
He truly intended to walk away.
After issuing instructions, he turned back to them.
“You’ll regret rejecting our offer.”
Watching their faces stiffen was surprisingly satisfying.
