Apple turns 50 on April 1, Tim Cook shares glimpses of global celebrations

Apple is set to complete 50 years on April 1, marking a milestone that reflects its evolution from a garage startup to one of the world’s most influential technology companies.

To commemorate the occasion, CEO Tim Cook has been sharing glimpses of celebrations across global cities, while also expressing gratitude to users, creators, and communities who have contributed to the company’s journey.

The Letter That Started It

Before the events began, CEO Tim Cook shared a letter titled “50 Years of Thinking Different,” reflecting on the company’s history and the principle that has guided it throughout saying, that the world is moved forward by people who challenge convention.

Fifty years ago in a small garage, a big idea was born. Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne founded Apple on April 1, 1976, on the simple notion that technology should be personal. Cook in the letter reflected on this journey and also expressed gratitude by writing, "At Apple, we're more focused on building tomorrow than remembering yesterday. But we couldn't let this milestone pass without thanking the millions of people who make Apple what it is today." 

April 1st marks 50 years of Apple. Thank you to everyone who’s been a part of our journey. https://t.co/ZeB68ok859#Apple50 pic.twitter.com/7cXA0rnM9X

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 12, 2026

Celebrations across global cities

These celebrations, shared under the #Apple50 tag, are designed to spotlight not just the company’s products, but the people who use them.

New York

Celebrations began in New York, where a live performance by 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist Alicia Keys at Apple’s Grand Central store kicked off the milestone events. Keys became one of the first artists to release her catalogue in Spatial Audio on Apple Music and headlined an Apple Music Live performance. An absolutely unforgettable afternoon in New York at Apple Grand Central!

Huge thank you to @AliciaKeys for helping us kick off the #Apple50 celebrations. What a way to mark 50 years, and we're just getting started! pic.twitter.com/h67pdhBZP7

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 14, 2026

Paris, Bangkok, Sydney and Beyond

In Paris, Cook shared a post in which he is on a facetime call with DJs Pedro and Julian listening to their songs. He wrote, “Thank you for celebrating 50 years of thinking differently with us at Apple Champs-Élysées, Pedro and Julian! Please send me that track!” 

Thank you for celebrating 50 years of thinking differently with us at Apple Champs-Élysées, Pedro and Julian! Please send me that track! #Apple50 pic.twitter.com/hzix1Wr1Hh

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 28, 2026

In Bangkok, artist Molly Yllom, the creator behind the widely recognised Crybaby universe, led a special Today at Apple session at Apple Iconsiam, drawing together a community of local creators for the occasion. 

Great to meet you over FaceTime, Molly! Thank you for the Crybaby, and thank you for celebrating creativity with us for #Apple50 at Apple Iconsiam! pic.twitter.com/AZYQeMOIcQ

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 24, 2026

Apple collaborated with the Sydney Opera House, illuminating its eastern sails with artwork created in the Procreate app on iPad by a group of ten emerging Australian artists. Selected works from public submissions were also projected onto the sails across three nights.

https://x.com/tim_cook/status/2036653018129875347?s=20

In Mexico City, Apple brought together some of the country's most celebrated filmmakers, actors, and creators at Apple Antara for a conversation about creativity and storytelling, including people behind the Apple TV+ productions.

Beyond these cities, celebrations have also extended to other regions including London, Toronto, Seoul, and Shanghai, with stores and community spaces hosting events that bring together users, developers, and artists. Each of these locations has followed a similar approach, spotlighting how Apple’s ecosystem is used in real-world creative and professional contexts.

The celebrations are expected to conclude with an elaborate private event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California on April 1.

A thank-you to users and creators

Across all these cities, the underlying theme remains consistent: the anniversary is being positioned not just as a corporate milestone, but as a global celebration of the people who use Apple’s technology.

From building businesses to creating art and staying connected, users have played a central role in shaping the company’s legacy and it also reflects Apple’s long-standing positioning as a platform for creativity, whether through music, design, or app development.