The iPhone was almost called the Telepod or other odd names, says former Apple exec

iPhone?...How about Telepod

iPhone is the most recognizable brand in smartphones, but Apple almost went with other names for the 2007 device that led to a string of popular successors. Had things not fallen into place, you might be downloading apps on an Apple Telepod, not an Apple iPhone. Ken Segall, who worked on Apple's advertising campaigns leading up to the launch of the iPhone, says that Apple faced "legal issues" with their chosen branding because Cisco owned a trademark on the name "iPHONE" for its IP phone system. Apple then tossed around other names that could be used for its new smartphone product:

- Mobi: a shortened version of the word "Mobile"
- Tripod: to represent three main features - music player, telephone, and internet
- Telepod: a combination of a phone and iPod
- iPad: before there was a tablet, Apple considered this name as well

Apple and Cisco eventually came to terms that allowed Apple to use the iPhone name. Had they not reached an agreement, internet flame wars might have centered on Android vs. Telepod discussions instead of the names we know today.