The history of the smartphone began with IBM's 1992 Simon Personal Communicator, the first device to combine a mobile phone with PDA functions and a touchscreen. The term "smartphone" became common in the 2000s, with the 2007 release of Apple's iPhone being a major turning point that shifted the focus to a user-friendly, full-internet experience for consumers. The launch of Google's Android operating system in 2008 further democratized smartphones and, along with iOS, created the modern app-driven ecosystem. 

Lets take a look at different phases in its history:

1. Early history
   1992: IBM introduces the Simon Personal Communicator, the first device that can be called a smartphone. It features a touchscreen, email, and fax capabilities, along with a calendar, address book, and notepad.
   1994: The Simon Personal Communicator becomes available for sale to the public, though it is bulky and expensive.
2. The rise of the "smartphone"
   Late 1990s/Early 2000s: The term "smartphone" becomes more common as devices like BlackBerry gain popularity, initially focusing on business users with features like push email.
   2007: Apple releases the first iPhone, which revolutionizes the industry with a full internet browser, multi-touch gestures, and a focus on a consumer-friendly experience.
   2008: Google launches the first Android smartphone, providing an alternative to iOS and helping to make smartphones more accessible to a broader market.
3. Modern era
   Post-2008: The development of the App Store and Google Play Store ushers in the era of mobile applications, turning smartphones into versatile, multi-functional devices.
   2010s: The technology continues to evolve with faster 4G networks, higher-resolution screens, and wireless charging.