 "History Today: Apple launched its first iPhone and began the smartphone era")
June 29 is a day to remember for many.
It was on this day in 2007 that Apple released the first-ever iPhone, giving rise to the smartphone era and setting the foundation for a company that would go on to become the world’s most valuable tech giant.
If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers’ ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events.
It was also a big day for football fans. Back in 1958, Brazil won its first FIFA World Cup title, setting the stage for what would later become a football powerhouse.
Here’s what all happened on this day.
Apple launched its first iPhone
On June 29, 2007, Apple released the first iPhone , a product that would go on to completely change how people used technology in their daily lives.
When Steve Jobs first introduced the iPhone earlier that year, he described it as a device that combined three things: a mobile phone, an iPod, and an internet browser.
It had no physical keyboard, just a touchscreen, which felt new and futuristic at the time. At launch, it came in 4GB and 8GB models, priced at $499 and $599.
The original iPhone also offered web access through Wi-Fi and EDGE, allowing users to browse the internet, check emails, and access information on the go—something that was still rare for phones at the time.
It wasn’t just a communication device either. The iPhone doubled as an iPod, giving users the ability to carry their music, videos, and photos in the same device they used to make calls and send messages.
Then there was design. With its glass front and aluminium back, the first iPhone looked unlike anything else on the market. While it didn’t have an App Store yet or many of the features we now consider basic, like a front-facing camera or copy-paste, it still stood out for its smooth interface, sleek design, web browsing abilities, and overall user experience.
At the time, the Wall Street Journal touted the phone as “on balance, a beautiful and breakthrough handheld computer.” Whereas Time magazine hailed it as the ‘Invention of the Year’.
Excitement was high. People lined up outside Apple stores to get their hands on it, and within just 74 days, Apple had sold over 1 million units.
This marked the beginning of Apple’s dominance in the smartphone market. Over the years, the iPhone has gone through many updates, and more than 2.3 billion units have been sold globally.
Brazil wins its first FIFA World Cup
On June 29, 1958, Brazil beat host nation Sweden 5–2 to win its first-ever FIFA World Cup title.
The team had entered the tournament as one of the favourites and went on to impress the world with their fast-paced, skillful style of play, often referred to as the “beautiful game.”
One of the standout stars of the tournament was Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele.
Born to a professional footballer named Dondinho, Pele was actually named after the American inventor Thomas Edison. His mother, having seen the financial struggles her husband faced, didn’t want her son to follow the same path. But Pele remained determined.
At age 14, he was discovered by Waldemar de Brito, a former Brazilian international, who recognised his talent and helped him begin a professional career. Pele earned his first call-up to the national team at just 16, and by 17, he was on the world stage, making his mark at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.
In the final match, both Pele and Vava scored two goals each, helping Brazil secure a memorable win and their place in football history.
That tournament marked the beginning of Brazil’s legacy in international football. Since 1958, the country has gone on to win five World Cup titles in total — in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002 — more than any other nation.
The 1958 victory remains a proud and defining moment in Brazilian sports, and it continues to inspire generations of players around the world.
With input from agencies
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