Apple Inc. marked its 50th anniversary with a celebration at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, on March 11, 2026. The event, titled “Apple@50,” served as a platform for the launch of journalist and author David Pogue’s new book, “Apple: The First 50 Years,” while also kicking off a series of festivities honoring the tech giant’s legacy.
Among the notable figures in attendance was Ronald Wayne, a co-founder who famously departed the company just 12 days after its inception on April 1, 1976. Wayne, now 91, reminisced about his brief yet impactful role in Apple’s early days, where he was granted a 10 percent stake in return for his guidance. He humorously noted that he received an $800 check from Steve Jobs for his shares but has never gone hungry since.
The celebration featured a lively atmosphere with panel discussions, interviews, and a pop-up exhibit showcasing historic Apple products. Pogue, who spent two years compiling the 600-page book, highlighted the collaborative effort behind its creation. He conducted 150 interviews with former Apple employees and benefitted from access to resources at the Computer History Museum, guided by Curator Hansen Hsu, a former Apple employee himself.
Celebrating the Legacy of Apple’s Innovators
The event brought together several key figures from Apple’s history, including John Sculley, who served as the company’s CEO during a pivotal time. Sculley recounted the moment Jobs persuaded him to join Apple in 1983, asking, “Do you want to sell sugar water the rest of your life, or do you want to come with me and change the world?” This question encapsulated the bold vision that Jobs had for Apple, which has indeed transformed the technology landscape.
While Steve Wozniak could not attend, other pioneers like Bill Fernandez, the first employee at Apple, and Chris Espinosa, who started with the company at age 14, shared their insights and experiences from the early days. The panels, moderated by Pogue, were filled with laughter and nostalgia, reflecting the shared journey of those who contributed to Apple’s rise.
The “Apple@50” exhibit, which runs through September 7, 2026, features prototypes of iconic products such as the Apple II, Macintosh, iPod, and iPhone. Museum CEO Marc Etkind emphasized that the collection of over 6,000 rare Apple artifacts provides a unique perspective on the company’s innovations and aims to inspire future generations of engineers and entrepreneurs.
Ongoing Celebrations and Future Events
The Computer History Museum has planned an extended celebration throughout the summer, including the Apple@50 TechFest on March 28, 2026. This all-day event will offer hands-on activities and workshops featuring vintage Apple computers, allowing attendees to experience the technology that shaped a generation.
Additionally, visitors can explore “Mactivations,” an oversized replica of a classic Macintosh computer dubbed the Big Mac, which simulates the original operating system. Demos will occur from 14:00 to 16:00 on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, starting March 14.
The festivities not only commemorate Apple’s past but also highlight its ongoing influence in the tech industry. As the company continues to innovate, the legacy of its founders and early employees remains a crucial part of its story, one that resonates with millions around the world.
For more information on the exhibit and upcoming events, visit the Computer History Museum’s website at www.computerhistory.org/apple-at-50.
