The most important inventions of the last 30 years

World-altering inventions like the internet and the iPhone have led to dozens of major technological breakthroughs in the last three decades.Many of these inventions have completely changed the way that we approach the world and people around us. Others have become luxuries that we've learned to take for granted.Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.The last 30 years have seen some of the most rapid technological advancements in human history, thanks to life-altering creations like the internet and the iPhone.The internet redefined how we search and share information with each other, breaking down the communication barriers between countries in the process. The iPhone changed how people relate to technology and consume information at a personal level, transforming the smartphone from a luxury item into an essential everyday tool.These two inventions have helped create a world where technology feels ever present, and the next major advancement feels like it's just around the corner. The last two decades have seen billion-dollar businesses like Uber, the ride hailing service, or Netflix, the video streaming service, depend on the ever-presence of internet and smartphones for their success.Understanding the influence of the internet and the constant spread of information is essential as we explore the most important innovations of the last 30 years.