Apple to Host 50th Anniversary Celebrations Worldwide

Tech giant plans events throughout March to mark 50 years since founding

Mar. 14, 2026 at 4:33am

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Apple announced it will host gatherings "around the world" throughout March to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary, which officially falls on April 1, 2026. The events will highlight "human creativity and ingenuity in action" and showcase what people can create with Apple products. Grammy-winning artist Alicia Keys kicked off the celebrations with a surprise performance at Apple's Grand Central store in New York, attended by Apple executives including CEO Tim Cook.

Why it matters

Apple's 50th anniversary is a major milestone for the iconic tech company, which has transformed consumer electronics and digital experiences over the past five decades. The worldwide celebrations reflect Apple's global reach and influence, as well as the company's ongoing efforts to position itself as a platform for creativity and innovation.

The details

Apple said the 50th anniversary gatherings will take place "around the world" throughout March, ahead of the company's official founding date of April 1, 1976. The kick-off event featured a surprise performance by 17-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys at Apple's Grand Central store in New York City. The event was open to the public and also attended by Apple's top executives, including CEO Tim Cook, hardware engineering chief John Ternus, marketing chief Greg Joswiak, and retail chief Deirdre O'Brien.

  • Apple's 50th anniversary is on April 1, 2026.
  • The worldwide celebrations will take place throughout March 2026.

The players

Apple

A multinational technology company that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services.

Alicia Keys

A 17-time Grammy Award-winning music artist and producer who performed a surprise concert at Apple's Grand Central store in New York to kick off the 50th anniversary celebrations.

Tim Cook

The CEO of Apple.

John Ternus

Apple's hardware engineering chief.

Greg Joswiak

Apple's marketing chief.

Deirdre O'Brien

Apple's retail chief.

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What’s next

Apple plans to host additional 50th anniversary celebrations and events around the world throughout March 2026, leading up to the company's official founding date of April 1.

The takeaway

Apple's 50th anniversary celebrations reflect the company's global reach and enduring influence on consumer technology, creativity, and innovation over the past five decades. The events showcase Apple's ongoing efforts to position itself as a platform that empowers people to unleash their full creative potential.