Apple shipped its 3 billionth iPhone

Here is a 178-word summary of the news article: Apple has announced that it has shipped its 3 billionth iPhone, a remarkable milestone for the tech giant. The iPhone was first introduced in 2007, and it took 9 years to reach 1 billion units sold. The pace has since accelerated, with the next billion sold in just 5 years and the most recent billion in only 4 years. This rapid growth is attributed to the strong preference for iPhones among young consumers. However, the article also notes that Apple's heavy reliance on iPhone sales could be a concern, as the company's senior executive Eddy Cue has admitted that iPhones may not be necessary in 10 years. Apple's other technology ventures, such as its AI features and the Apple Watch, have not had the same level of success as the iPhone. The article suggests that Apple may need to diversify beyond the iPhone to prepare for a future where phones are no longer the dominant mobile platform.