Apple has initiated a series of global events and musical performances to commemorate its upcoming 50th anniversary. These celebrations, which began in March, have featured concerts in various international locations and are expected to conclude with a dedicated event for employees at Apple Park.
The company's official 50th anniversary will occur on April 1, 2026, marking its founding on April 1, 1976.
Overview of Celebrations
Apple CEO Tim Cook had previously stated that the company would acknowledge its 50th anniversary over several weeks, highlighting global contributions made through Apple technology. The commemorations have included both public-facing events and employee-focused activities, spanning several months in anticipation of the official date.
Alicia Keys Performance in New York City
On March 13 and 14, the Grand Central Terminal Apple Store in New York City was temporarily closed for a special event. The store, situated on the Main Concourse's East Balcony, reopened to the public at 10 a.m. local time on March 14.
Preparations for the event included covering the space with temporary walls, curtains, lighting, and audio equipment. Stanchions for queuing and a "Guest Check In" sign were also observed, indicating a private gathering. The event featured a performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Alicia Keys, who appeared on stage with a distinctive pink piano.
Attendees at the exclusive event included select YouTubers, members of the media, and prominent Apple executives. Among the high-profile guests were CEO Tim Cook, marketing chief Greg Joswiak, retail head Deirdre O'Brien, and hardware engineering boss John Ternus. Public observers in the vicinity were also able to witness the performance. Alicia Keys has a notable history of collaborations with Apple, including previous performances at the Apple Music Festival 10 in 2016 and the NYC Holiday Masquerade Ball in 2022, as well as an immersive video experience for Apple Vision Pro.
Global Anniversary Events and Performances
Anniversary celebrations have been held in numerous countries across the globe. These events have spanned locations including Thailand, the United States, China, South Korea, Mexico, Japan, India, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and France.
The global commemorations have included a variety of engaging events:
- Musical Performances:
- Li Yuchun at the Apple Taikoo Li Store in Chengdu, China.
- Boy band CORTIS at the Myeongdong Store in South Korea.
- Mumford & Sons at Apple Battersea in London.
- A light show with music by Bailey Pickles in Sydney, Australia.
- Other Engagements:
- An event featuring figure skater Elladj Baldé in Vancouver, Canada.
- Special "Today At Apple" sessions hosted in various stores, including those in Canada, Vancouver, and Paris, France.
Concluding Event at Apple Park
The extensive series of anniversary events is anticipated to culminate with a special performance for employees at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. Legendary musician Paul McCartney was observed conducting a soundcheck at Apple's headquarters prior to the scheduled concert. Images shared depicted McCartney and his band on a vibrant rainbow stage, complete with concert lighting and large screens, setting the scene for a memorable show.
Reports indicate that attendance for this concluding event is strictly limited to Apple employees, with no guests permitted. As of the current information, there has been no official announcement regarding plans to record the performance for public release.
Employee Commemorations
In recognition of the 50th anniversary milestone, Apple has provided its employees with exclusive commemorative gifts. These items include a specially designed 50th-anniversary T-shirt, a limited-edition poster, and an enamel pin. All gifts feature a distinctive scribble-style rainbow Apple logo, consistent with the anniversary artwork used across the celebrations. These commemorative products are available for employee pickup through April 30.