On March 11, 2026, the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, hosted the “Apple@50” event, celebrating half a century since the establishment of Apple Inc. Founded on April 1, 1976, by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, the company has transformed the technology landscape with innovations such as the Apple II, Macintosh, iMac, and iPhone.
At 91 years old, Wayne, who was originally granted a 10 percent stake in the company but left after just 12 days, attended the event and reflected on his brief involvement. He humorously noted that he received an $800 check for his shares, stating, “I have never starved.”
The evening also marked the launch of journalist and author David Pogue’s book, “Apple: The First 50 Years.” Pogue, who spent two years researching the 600-page work, mentioned that Apple had no editorial control over the content but assisted by providing access to current employees. His research involved 150 interviews with former Apple employees, many of whom attended the event.
Among the notable attendees were Chris Espinosa, who joined Apple as a 14-year-old in 1976 and still works there, and John Sculley, former CEO of Apple. Sculley recounted how Jobs persuaded him to join the company in 1983, famously saying, “Do you want to sell sugar water the rest of your life, or do you want to come with me and change the world?”
The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Pogue, with insights from key figures in Apple’s history, including Avie Tevanian, former chief software technology officer, and Robert Brunner, the company’s groundbreaking industrial designer. Although Wozniak could not attend, his absence did not diminish the event’s significance, as the audience was filled with Apple veterans sharing their stories and experiences.
The Computer History Museum plans to extend the celebration throughout the summer, featuring several events, including the Apple@50 TechFest on March 28, 2026. This event will offer hands-on workshops with vintage Apple computers and special activities included with museum admission. Visitors can also explore “Mactivations,” a large replica of a classic Mac called the Big Mac, which simulates the original operating system.
The highlight of the celebration is the Apple@50 exhibit, showcasing prototypes of iconic products such as the Apple IIc, Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, and even the Newton. The exhibit runs until September 7, 2026, and aims to provide unique insights into the design and engineering of Apple’s groundbreaking devices.
Marc Etkind, the CEO of the Computer History Museum, emphasized the importance of the exhibit, which features 6,000 rare pieces of Apple history. He stated, “It’s an exhibit that would give you a unique insight into how these machines were designed, how they were engineered, how they were created, and we also hope they inspire the next generation to become engineers, innovators, and entrepreneurs.”
As the “Apple@50” celebration continues, the legacy of Apple Inc. remains a testament to innovation and its profound impact on technology and culture over the past five decades.
