Just to be picky, I think the Internet went mainstream when they allowed its commercial use. I think it was until 1994 or 95 that the Internet was for non-commercial purposes and commercial purposes were forbidden.

I might be completely wrong, though. I can't remember my sources.

But Apple also is also hoping to demonstrate that UX can also command a premium unit price as well as improving volumes.

They are insisting this is a full price phone, and that it will not be subsidised, as phones normally are on mobile tariffs

They appear to have sold enough to prove their point.

The networks love it, because they don't have to subsidise.

And apple is extracting a kickback from the ARPU too - as part of their exclusivity deals. Which I doubt the networks love.

They argue that what the networks would have thrown away as subsidy they should give to apple -
of course, they can only do this because the handset demonstrably steals customers from other networks.

Hard to know if this model will outlast the initial enthusiasm.