I. R&D and Birth Background (Pre-2014)*
IQOS is a heat-not-burn (HNB) tobacco device produced by PMI (Philip Morris International), the world’s largest tobacco company. After the traditional cigarette market became saturated, PMI began exploring reduced-harm tobacco products. Its R&D inspiration partially stemmed from early e-cigarette technologies, such as the 2003 invention of "Ruyan" (which heated e-liquid via resistance wires) by Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik. However, IQOS adopted the HNB technology, which is closer to traditional cigarettes. This technology heats rather than burns tobacco, reducing the release of harmful substances like tar, aligning with the "harm reduction" trend.
IQOS heating devices evolved from the early Accord (1998) to the IQOS Iluma (2021).
II. Product Launch and Early Promotion (2014–2016)
2014: IQOS debuted in Japan and Italy as the world’s first commercialized HNB device. Its design resembled a power bank, with short tobacco sticks (HeatSticks) heated by built-in blades to produce nicotine-containing vapor.
(A)PMI IQOS charger, holder, and HeatSticks. (B)Holder schematic. (C) HNB HeatStick schematic.
Technical Features: Early models (e.g., IQOS 2.2) used blade-style ceramic heaters, requiring frequent cleaning due to residue buildup and fragility. Despite this, features like no open flame, minimal smoke, and cigarette-like taste quickly attracted users.
Market Strategy: Initially focused on Japan, later expanding to South Korea, Europe, and other regions.
III. Technological Iteration and Global Expansion (2017–2021)
2017 IQOS 2.4 Plus: Improved heating stability, added vibration alerts, faster charging, and became the mainstream model.
- The device comprised three components: HNB HeatSticks (HEETS), holder, and charger. It heated tobacco to 350°C (vs. 600°C in combustion), releasing nicotine vapor with significantly lower harmful chemicals.
2019 IQOS 3.0 Duo (renamed IQOS ORIGINALS DUO): Enabled two consecutive uses, shorter charging time, and customizable colors/accessories.
- Featured HEATCONTROL technology and a ceramic blade for uniform heating, claiming 95% fewer harmful chemicals vs. cigarettes.
2021 IQOS Iluma Series: Introduced electromagnetic induction heating, eliminating blade residue. HeatSticks now embedded with induction sensors for "contactless heating," raising technical barriers.
- A teardown revealed the replacement of blades with induction components (yellow cylindrical part).
来源：https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/jCyR9VO8c-WICbFV7HmVkw
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