When Did the iPhone Become an Invention?
Nov 01 2007 
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I don’t understand why Times gave the iPhone the title "invention of the year." The iPhone is a cellphone and a very nice one that could fit one of Dictionary.com’s definitions of what an invention is (see end of post). Nevertheless, I still don’t think it’s an invention because the technology that the iPhone uses that has everyone ‘awwing’ and ‘oohing’ was out on the market or being tested in other ways well before the iPhone came out. The traffic light was an invention. The iPhone is an improvement (that definitely existed previously in a different manner). This is all just my own humble opinion though. Constructive criticism is encouraged from my audience. =) I just don’t consider it to be an invention because it’s a cellphone.
"Invention – U.S. Patent Law. a new, useful process, machine, improvement, etc., that did not exist previously and that is recognized as the product of some unique intuition or genius, as distinguished from ordinary mechanical skill or craftsmanship."
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Maybe it was because Apple tried to market it as a whole new thing, and a lot of people bought into that marketing. For example, they heavily advertised its ability to hold and play music. Although other phones could already do that, Apple really tried to portray it as a device that was a true combination of cell phone and music player. I agree with you that it probably shouldn't qualify as a “new” invention. This is just my best guess as to why other people don't see it that way.
Maybe it was because Apple tried to market it as a whole new thing, and a lot of people bought into that marketing. For example, they heavily advertised its ability to hold and play music. Although other phones could already do that, Apple really tried to portray it as a device that was a true combination of cell phone and music player. I agree with you that it probably shouldn't qualify as a “new” invention. This is just my best guess as to why other people don't see it that way.