GoKawiilAn Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max that's been buried as part of an America250 time capsule is unlikely to work when it's time to unearth it. America's Time Capsule, due to be dug up in 2276, includes an iPhone with a Notes app featuring "digital artifacts" for future readers.
America's Time Capsule includes physical artifacts, archival documents, and digital records from all 50 states. America250
However, a Forbes report suggests that the iPhone will be unusable for future generations. The battery is a "fundamental failure point" because lithium-ion batteries degrade over time. The report also suggests that Apple's "restrictive practices," such as dropping support for older models, would prevent the phone from being unlocked at all, even if it survives.
That's assuming humans will even be using wall outlets, chargers and the same kinds of energy supply and voltage in 250 years -- and that Apple servers will still be active.
America Innovates is an event co-hosted by Forbes and America250. It's unclear whether including Apple's device was intended as a commentary on the company's "planned obsolescence" business strategy, where products are designed with a limited lifespan.
Representatives for America Innovates did not respond immediately to CNET's request for clarification.
This was state-of-the-art technology...
Burying technology in a time capsule may be functionally useless for preservation, but still valuable as a cultural mirror. Sure, the hardware will fail long before two centuries pass, but it serves a historical purpose rather than a practical one.
Still, it's probably useful to include a disclaimer that we honestly believed we were living in the ultimate digital age when the capsule went underground. That state-of-the-art technology will probably be glorified, nonbiodegradable plastic trash in 250 years.
The pocket constitution is included inside America's Time Capsule. America250
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