Apple Celebrates 50 Years With Global Events

Tech giant marks milestone with discussions on accessibility and creativity

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:07am

A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of Apple's iconic rainbow-colored logo, surrounded by a swirling array of neon-lit circuit boards, fiber optic cables, and other futuristic technological elements, conceptually representing Apple's pioneering role in the tech industry over the past 50 years.Apple's 50th anniversary celebration shines a light on the company's enduring focus on accessibility and creativity in technology.NYC Today

Apple is wrapping up a month-long global celebration of its 50th anniversary, having hosted events in major cities around the world throughout March. The festivities included an impromptu Alicia Keys concert in New York's Grand Central Terminal and panel discussions featuring notable figures like Academy Award winner Troy Kotsur and Gallaudet University President Roberta Cordano.

Why it matters

As one of the most influential technology companies of the modern era, Apple's 50th anniversary is a significant milestone. The events highlight the brand's ongoing focus on accessibility and creativity, two areas that have been central to its success and impact over the past five decades.

The details

Apple's 50th anniversary celebration spanned multiple continents, with events taking place in cities like Tokyo, Mexico City, Shanghai, and Washington D.C. The celebrations featured panel discussions on how accessible technology can foster creativity, with participants including actor Troy Kotsur, the first male deaf performer to win an Academy Award, and Roberta Cordano, the first woman who is deaf to serve as president of Gallaudet University.

  • Apple was founded on April 1, 1976.
  • The company's 50th anniversary will be next week, on April 1, 2026.

The players

Sarah Herrlinger

An Apple executive who participated in the 50th anniversary events.

Roberta Cordano

The first woman who is deaf to be president of Gallaudet University, who spoke at an Apple event.

Troy Kotsur

The first male actor who is deaf to receive an Academy Award, who spoke at an Apple event.

Alicia Keys

The Grammy-winning musician who performed an impromptu concert as part of Apple's 50th anniversary celebrations in New York City.

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What they’re saying

“Accessible technology helps in developing creativity.”

— Sarah Herrlinger, Apple Executive

“I'm honored to be the first woman who is deaf to serve as Gallaudet University's president.”

— Roberta Cordano, President, Gallaudet University

“I'm proud to be the first male actor who is deaf to receive an Academy Award.”

— Troy Kotsur, Academy Award-winning Actor

What’s next

Apple plans to hold one final 50th anniversary event at its Apple BKC store in India before concluding the global celebration.

The takeaway

Apple's 50th anniversary events have showcased the company's longstanding commitment to accessibility and creativity, two core values that have been central to its success and influence over the past five decades.