> I work as an iOS app developer, a role which didn't exist just three years ago.
I respectably counter your statement with the idea that the job category existed, just not the platform specialization.
> I wouldn't have a job now if I weren't for the iPhone
You could have been able to find a job. What was your background before iOS development? (or was iOS development your first job)
I'm not trying to disprove the fact that your source of income is iOS specialization. If you are indeed making the majority of your revenue from your own apps, big congratulations! My point is even though Apple created a tremendous ecosystem for independent developers, it may be a less than net zero gain (e.g. jobs in Visual Basic programming were lost and either there are much less new jobs in the new ecosystem and/or previously gainfully employed developers are unable to develop iOS competency and proficiency (no mean feat).
Well ok, technically the job category (smartphone app developer) existed, but it was insignificant compared to how important the role has become. Apple basically showed everyone else how to do it[1]. I've read that trying to launch an app on a platform like Symbian in the "old" days was an utter nightmare. You would have to deal with carriers and try to convince them to approve your app in some cases.
iPhone development was my first "proper" job after finishing a masters degree. I'm not currently making money from iOS apps, although I hope to once I gain a better understanding of iOS development. The company I work for is doing some pretty cool stuff with apps, I hope to be able to talk about a project we've going on here on HN in a few months.
I hear what you're saying about net zero gain from a few technology displacing old jobs. I think that's just a short-term phenomenon. If apps displace some jobs in more traditional industries (e.g. the apps in my company aim to replace paper-based product catalogs with iOS/Android apps that do the same thing, except faster, better, cheaper) then I think:
a) more jobs will be created in the app development space
b) the productivity gains, cost savings and perhaps new market opportunities offered by apps will allow the beneficiary company to become more profitable, leading to job growth in that company. This has a knock-on effect also for those who deal with the beneficiary company (e.g. suppliers getting more business, customers getting better prices, better service etc.)
I believe a and b will lead to net jobs gain in the longer term, rather than jobs lost overall by the printing company and related companies.
[1] They stumbled on the model of an app store by accident. Steve Jobs thought that all iPhone apps would be web-based rather than native apps when the iPhone launched in 2007. Luckily, Apple was smart enough to recognise the opportunity, creating a river of cash for Apple.
I respectably counter your statement with the idea that the job category existed, just not the platform specialization.
> I wouldn't have a job now if I weren't for the iPhone
You could have been able to find a job. What was your background before iOS development? (or was iOS development your first job)
I'm not trying to disprove the fact that your source of income is iOS specialization. If you are indeed making the majority of your revenue from your own apps, big congratulations! My point is even though Apple created a tremendous ecosystem for independent developers, it may be a less than net zero gain (e.g. jobs in Visual Basic programming were lost and either there are much less new jobs in the new ecosystem and/or previously gainfully employed developers are unable to develop iOS competency and proficiency (no mean feat).