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iPhone's 250-Year Nap: Will it Even Turn On?
7 Jul
Summary
- An iPhone was buried in a time capsule for 250 years.
- Experts doubt the phone will function due to battery degradation.
- Other artifacts include rosaries, constitutions, and photos.
An Apple iPhone, buried as part of an America250 time capsule, is unlikely to function when it's unearthed in 2276. Experts point to the inevitable degradation of lithium-ion batteries as a primary failure point. Additionally, Apple's historical practice of discontinuing support for older models could render the device inoperable, even if it physically survived.
The time capsule, set to be opened in 250 years, contains more than just the iPhone. It is also filled with photos, documents, a rosary from Puerto Rico, and a Pocket Constitution signed by Supreme Court Justices. While the physical hardware may fail, these items serve as valuable cultural artifacts offering a glimpse into our present time.
Experts caution that time capsules are an ineffective method for long-term information preservation, with groundwater and material decay often destroying contents. Despite these warnings, the practice continues, serving more as a historical mirror than a practical archival tool. This burial highlights a commentary on technological obsolescence and our perception of the digital age.
