Nokia’s 2007 Memo on the iPhone

This newly opened Nokia Design Archive Studio is full of undug diamonds that people started popping up. A newly revealed 2007 internal Nokia memo provides a unique glimpse into how the company reacted to the launch of the original iPhone. At the time, Nokia was the global leader in mobile phones, and Apple’s entry into the market was seen as a bold but uncertain move.

The memo, reportedly shared within Nokia shortly after Apple’s unveiling, highlights the company’s competitive analysis of the iPhone. Nokia acknowledged Apple’s user-focused design, noting the simplicity and innovation of the iPhone’s touchscreen interface. However, the company also believed its own hardware, pricing strategy, and extensive market reach gave it a competitive edge.

Interestingly, the memo identified potential weaknesses in Apple’s offering, such as the iPhone’s lack of physical keyboard and high price point, which Nokia predicted could limit its appeal. However, it also pointed out areas where Nokia needed to improve, particularly in software design and ecosystem integration—two factors that would later become crucial to mobile success. They aimed at Nokia 800 as a saviour combined with 3G phone, but at the end we got great, but unfinished (i am affraid to even say undeveloped), Nokia 5800 XM which I loved.

Nokia was seeing the disadvantages of S60 and seeing a potential in Maemo, which came too late, so the 5800 XM was a well calculated patch that should hold untill a better device emerges.

In hindsight, the memo reveals Nokia’s underestimation of how disruptive the iPhone would become. It’s a fascinating snapshot of a critical moment in tech history, offering lessons about the challenges of adapting to innovation, even for industry leaders.

What do you think Nokia could have done differently to respond to Apple’s challenge? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Find the presentation here.

Cheers spaha for the tip 😉