Apple took several bold steps this year, proving that it's one of the most influential companies in the technology and media worlds.

Presumably you've heard of the iPhone. Apple's first attempt at cracking the mobile phone market was received with almost unprecedented coverage from both the technology and mainstream media. The iPhone was first introduced in January at Macworld, and made its debut on a balmy June night to lines of customers all over the country. We, along with hundreds of our colleagues, were there as iPhone madness swept the country for a day.