Flashback to 2008, the iPhone had just made its grand entrance onto the global stage, captivating the attention of millions, and one app stood out at the top of the iTunes charts.
It seems like it was only yesterday, but it’s been 18 years since the iconic iBeer app was introduced. Time flies, doesn’t it?
This particular entertainment app mimicked a glass of beer, along with other drinks, on your phone’s screen.
By tilting the phone, users could ‘drink’ the virtual beverage, shaking created foam, and a burp sound added to the illusion of sipping from the iPhone.
With over 120 million downloads, the app was once dubbed the ‘Best of iTunes’.
The creative mind behind this app is Swiss-born magician and physical comedian Steve Sheraton.
Prior to the iBeer’s success, Sheraton was a Magic Castle magician, performing in Las Vegas and Monte Carlo, according to his website.
The success of the app catapulted Steve into appearances on The Ellen Show, SNL, and even Sesame Street.
Many are curious about what the creator is doing now.
Steve once participated in a Reddit ‘Ask Me Anything’ session, inviting people to inquire about his life and the popular app.
One user inquired about the financial gains from iBeer and Steve’s current activities.
Steve was open about his experiences.
He responded honestly: “A few million dollars. Most of it went right back into other technology projects and lawyers.”
He also mentioned, “I live comfortably now.”
Given that the app was priced at $2.99 and achieved millions of downloads, his financial success isn’t unexpected.
“Currently I’m working on more specialty apps for professional magicians, something I’ve been doing since the Palm Pilot in the 1990s,” Steve added.
He detailed, “I usually work on multiple things (not just technology). Today, for instance I welded a prototype for gaffers to simplify hanging lights on non-permanent sets.”
He further discussed the app’s success and the potential for similar concepts today.
“Yes. So long as it (also) adheres to the oft cited law by Arthur C. Clarke: ‘Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic,'” Steve explained.
He continued, “When the iPhone came out people had NO idea what this thing was and what it could do. Fake-splaining it with ‘it makes beer’ hooked right into that.”
Nowadays, Steve resides in Spain, enjoying ‘a peaceful life on a farm’, according to Your Story.
It’s clear that he has found a fulfilling balance in life!