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Cupertino Today
By the People, for the People
Tim Cook Reflects on iPhone Launch as Favorite Apple Moment
Apple CEO shares insights on company's 50-year history in exclusive Wall Street Journal interview
Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:21pm
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In a 50th anniversary interview with The Wall Street Journal, Apple CEO Tim Cook looked back on the company's history, sharing that the launch of the original iPhone was his personal favorite moment at Apple. Cook also discussed rare archival materials from Apple's early days that were on display, as well as the ethos that has driven the company for the past five decades.
Why it matters
As Apple celebrates its 50th year, Cook's reflections provide a unique insider's perspective on the company's most iconic product launch and the values that have guided its success over the past half-century. The interview offers insights into Apple's past and hints at the company's future ambitions.
The details
During the interview at Apple Park, Cook and Wall Street Journal reporter Ben Cohen examined rare archival materials from Apple's early days, including the first patent filed for the Apple II, original iPod prototypes, and the Apple Watch Cook wore when announcing the device. Cook said he had seen many of these items for the first time while preparing for Apple's 50th anniversary celebrations.
- Apple celebrated its 50th anniversary with a Paul McCartney concert for employees on April 1, 2026.
- Tim Cook's interview with The Wall Street Journal took place on April 1, 2026, the official 50th anniversary of Apple's founding.
The players
Tim Cook
The CEO of Apple, who has led the company since 2011 and oversaw the launch of iconic products like the iPhone.
Ben Cohen
A reporter for The Wall Street Journal who interviewed Tim Cook for Apple's 50th anniversary.
What they’re saying
“We were using that generation's smart phone, and it was such an awful experience. And I love the fact that all of a sudden you had this touch interface, and it worked like your mind worked.”
— Tim Cook, CEO, Apple
“My answer to that is when the day comes, I'll know it.”
— Tim Cook, CEO, Apple
The takeaway
Tim Cook's reflections on the iPhone launch as his personal favorite Apple moment underscores the device's transformative impact and the company's ability to deliver groundbreaking innovations that have defined the tech industry for the past 50 years. As Apple looks to the future, Cook's comments suggest the company will continue pursuing the 'intersection of hardware, software, and services' that has been central to its success.
