When Did Vapes Come Out?

by SKE on Mar 27th, 2025 10:02 AM

Vaping has become a global phenomenon, but its origins date back further than most people realize. From early conceptual designs to modern disposable vapes, the industry has undergone significant transformations. Understanding when vapes came out provides insight into the evolution of vaping technology and its impact on the world today.
Early Concepts of Vaping
The idea of vaping is not new. In 1927, Joseph Robinson filed a patent for an electronic vaporizer, though there is no evidence that it was ever manufactured. This early attempt laid the groundwork for future innovations.
The Birth of Modern Vaping: 1960s-1980s
In 1963, Herbert A. Gilbert patented a smokeless, non-tobacco cigarette, which used heated, flavored air instead of burning tobacco. However, it never reached commercial production, mainly due to the dominance of traditional cigarettes and the lack of supporting technology at the time.
The First Commercial Vape: 2003
The modern e-cigarette as we know it was invented in 2003 by Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik. Lik, a former smoker, developed the device as a safer alternative to combustible cigarettes. His invention used a lithium battery, an ultrasonic atomizer, and a nicotine-laced liquid to create vapor. The product was introduced in China in 2004 under the brand Ruyan before expanding to international markets in 2006.
The Rise of E-Cigarettes and Vape Mods (2010s)
By the early 2010s, vaping gained popularity worldwide. Companies introduced vape pens and mods, allowing users to customize their vaping experience with different flavors, nicotine strengths, and coil resistances. Sub-ohm vaping, which produces larger vapor clouds, became a trend around 2014.
During this period, regulations and debates about vaping emerged. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory bodies worldwide began examining the health effects of vaping and implementing restrictions.
The Disposable Vape Boom (2020s)
With advancements in vape technology, disposable vapes became a dominant trend in the 2020s. Brands such as Puff Bar, Elf Bar, and other single-use devices gained popularity due to their convenience and high nicotine content. At the same time, many governments enacted stricter laws on flavored e-liquids and marketing practices to curb underage vaping.
Conclusion
The history of vaping dates back to early conceptual designs in the 1920s, with the first electronic cigarette patent filed by Joseph Robinson. However, it wasn't until 2003 that modern vaping truly emerged when Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik developed the first commercially viable e-cigarette. Since then, the industry has evolved rapidly, from vape pens and mods in the 2010s to the rise of disposable vapes in the 2020s. As vaping technology advances, regulations continue to shape the market. Understanding when did vapes come out provides valuable insight into the industry's transformation and future direction.