iPhone was used as an analogy and was not intended to draw direct parallels.

A new approach required new thinking about everything involved, including takeoff and landing. They didn't do that; that's why they ended up with the compromise of a hybrid. It was a sign, and they ignored it and went ahead. Imagine a design that requires - no traditional landing and takeoff, including no ATC; some electric planes are already built around that, but sadly not this one.