On January 9, 2007, Apple CEO Steve Jobs, dressed in his uniform of black turtleneck T-shirt and jeans, unveiled the ‘revolutionary’ iPhone — a touchscreen mobile phone. Since then, the phone has earned cult status around the world, with thousands lining up outside stores to get their hands on one. Here’s what else happened on this day in the past
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Are you a history lover? Do you know what happened on January 9?
If you are fond of history and want a recap of the big events that took place on this day, Firstpost Explainers’ ongoing series,
History Today, is perfect for you.
On this day, back in time, a lot happened — in 1760, the Marathas were defeated by the Afghans led by Ahmad Shah Durrani in the Battle of Barari Ghat. In 1768, the first modern circus was staged andi n 2007, Steve Jobs introduced the iPhone.
The iPhone makes its debut
Today, the iPhone is considered as one of the most premium mobile phones in the world. However, it wasn’t even a reality until 2007. But on January 9, 2007, Apple Inc CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the iPhone — a touchscreen mobile phone — at the Macworld convention in San Francisco.
Jobs, dressed in his usual jeans and black mock turtleneck, called the iPhone a “revolutionary and magical product that is literally five years ahead of any other mobile phone.” When it went on sale in the United States six months later, on June 29, amidst huge hype, thousands of customers lined up at Apple stores across the country to be among the first to purchase an iPhone.
Today, the iPhone is a major player in the smartphone market, with some estimates saying it has nearly 29 per cent market share.
Mahmoud Abbas succeeds Yasser Arafat as PLO head
On this day in 2005, Mahmoud Abbas won the election to succeed Yasser Arafat as president of the Palestinian Authority.
Though he was elected to a four-year term, he remained in office for much longer, as elections for his replacement were repeatedly put off. He faced criticism throughout his term for his management of domestic affairs as well as his inability to advance the peace process with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
This Day, That Year
>> In 1768, Englishman Philip Astley stages the first modern circus in London. As part of his modern circus, he invited the public to see him wave his sword in the air while he rode with one foot on the saddle and one on the horse’s head.
>> Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in the history of California, takes his place on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors on January 9, 1978.
>> On January 9, 1982, Catherine Middleton, who married Prince William and became the duchess of Cambridge, was born in Reading, Berkshire, England.