Companies skip the number 9, especially in tech, for strong marketing, to signal major innovation, avoid compatibility issues (like Microsoft with Windows 95/98), or because 10 symbolizes completeness, as Apple did for the iPhone's 10th anniversary with iPhone X, creating buzz and a fresh start.
I've also heard that the number 9 is considered unlucky in China (something about the word for 9 sounding like word for ``cursed'') and so tech companies (who famously have their technology built in China) may choose to skip version 9 of things in order to appease superstitions in Chinese manufacturing plants.
Cultural and Superstitious Beliefs
In some cultures, numbers carry bad luck. In Japan, the number 9 (九, ku) sounds like “pain” or “suffering.” Similar to how many buildings skip the 13th floor in the West, some tech companies avoid unlucky numbers when marketing globally.
Skipping ``9'' was a deliberate mix of technical caution (avoid breaking legacy version checks), branding strategy (signal a major reset and unified platform), and product positioning (present a clear next generation after Windows 8).
Apple uses skipping a number to signify like a big jump for. Like going from the iPhone eight the iPhone nine doesn't seem like a big jump but going from the iPhone eight to the iPhone X seems massive.
Marketing & Branding • “10” sounds more futuristic and complete than “9.” • Skipping makes the product feel like a big leap forward rather than just another update. Apple wanted the iPhone X (Roman numeral for 10) to mark the 10th anniversary of the iPhone in 2017.
Apple will reportedly skip the iPhone 19 name for the iPhone 20 in 2027 This is due to 2027 marking the 20th anniversary of the iPhone Source: Omdia.
The naming of the iPhone X (skipping the iPhone 9 and iPhone 9 Plus) marked the 10th anniversary of the iPhone.
Although the reaction to its performance improvements, security enhancements, and improved support for touchscreen devices was positive, the new user interface was widely criticized as confusing and unintuitive, especially when used with a keyboard and mouse rather than a touchscreen.
In May 2021, Microsoft announced that 10X was cancelled, but new features and design changes would be integrated into other Microsoft products (such as Windows 11).
Experts suggest choosing a phone based on your specific needs. If you value customization and a wide range of hardware options, an Android phone might be the best choice. If you prefer a seamless user experience and tight integration with other devices, an iPhone could be the way to go.
The iPhone 8 runs on the A11 Bionic chip, which was powerful when launched but now struggles with modern apps and multitasking. Compared to newer budget options, it falls behind in: Speed and responsiveness, especially with multiple apps open. Camera quality, as it lacks Night Mode and advanced AI image processing.
In regards to Microsoft naming the new operating system Windows 10 instead of Windows 9, Terry Myerson said that "based on the product that's coming, and just how different our approach will be overall, it wouldn't be right to call it Windows 9."
The iPhone X was introduced to mark the 10th anniversary of the iPhone line, and Apple wanted to make a splash. By skipping the iPhone 9, Apple emphasised the value of the iPhone X as a groundbreaking redesign rather than just another upgrade.
Drivers written for Windows 9x are loaded into the same address space as the kernel. This means that drivers can by accident or design overwrite critical sections of the operating system. Doing this can lead to system crashes, freezes and disk corruption.
Support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025. Support for Windows 8 ended on January 12, 2016, and support for Windows 8.1 ended on January 10, 2023. Learn more. Support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020.
SuccessMicrosoft had a lot riding on the success of its newest operating system, Windows 7. With 90 million copies sold since its October 2009 release, and generally positive reviews for its user interface and features, Microsoft can judge Windows 7 a victory, at least in the short term.
Windows 8 was the one of the most hated windows of that time especially due to its missing start button (they brought in 8.1). Normal users had hard time navigating the metro-based start menu, and they introduced a lot of bloatware (that exists in Windows 11 to be honest).
Yes, an iPhone 18 lineup is expected, but Apple might split the release: high-end models (iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and a foldable iPhone) are rumored for Fall 2026, while the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e (low-cost) might be delayed until Spring 2027, following a new staggered launch strategy for different models.
To comply with mandates, the iPhone 14 models, along with the iPhone SE (third generation), were discontinued in the European Union in 2024, completing the iPhone's transition from a Lightning connection to USB-C. The iPhone 14 models alongside the iPhone SE (third generation) were later discontinued worldwide on ...
An iPhone reaching the $2,000 price point is now a reality, specifically with the iPhone 17 Pro Max 2TB variant, targeting power users needing massive storage for professional content creation, though standard iPhones remain much cheaper, with base models in the $1,000-$1,200 range. The original 2007 iPhone launched at $499 (4GB) and $599 (8GB) on contract, making the current high-end models significantly pricier, especially for those seeking top-tier features and storage.
An unopened, factory-sealed, first-generation 4GB iPhone from 2007 sold for over $190,000 (specifically $190,372.80) at a LCG Auctions auction in July 2023, becoming a highly prized collector's item due to its rarity and pristine condition, far exceeding its original price.
According to the "40-80 Rule", lithium-ion batteries, like the ones inside iPhones, work best when they are between 40% and 80% of their capacity. When they are too full or too low, they experience more wear and lose their ability to hold a charge over time.