Apple Inc. marked its 50th anniversary with a celebratory event titled “Apple@50” at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, on March 11, 2026. The gathering featured notable figures from Apple’s past, including co-founder Ronald Wayne and former CEO John Sculley, and served as a launch for David Pogue’s new book, “Apple: The First 50 Years.”
Wayne, now 91, was one of the original partners who helped establish Apple Computer on April 1, 1976, alongside Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. While he left the company just 12 days after its founding, having received an $800 check for his shares, Wayne remarked that he had never experienced financial hardship since then. Reflecting on the company’s monumental journey, he participated in a discussion moderated by Pogue, a correspondent for CBS News “Sunday Morning.”
Pogue, who dedicated two years to writing the comprehensive 600-page book, emphasized that Apple had no editorial control over its content but provided valuable access to current employees. His research involved conducting 150 interviews with Apple veterans and insiders, many of whom were present at the event.
Although Wozniak could not attend, the audience included various Apple alumni such as Chris Espinosa, who joined the company as a teenager in 1976 and continues to work there, and Bill Fernandez, who played a pivotal role in introducing Jobs and Wozniak. Other notable attendees included Avie Tevanian, a former chief software technology officer, and Robert Brunner, a former industrial designer at Apple.
During the event, Sculley recounted the memorable moment when Jobs persuaded him to join Apple in 1983. “He gets up close to me, maybe about 18 inches away. He said, ‘Do you want to sell sugar water the rest of your life, or do you want to come with me and change the world?’” Sculley’s recruitment marked a significant turning point for Apple, which has since transformed the tech landscape with products like the Apple II, Macintosh, iMac, iPod, and the groundbreaking iPhone released in 2007.
The Computer History Museum plans to extend the celebration of Apple’s anniversary until the end of summer 2026. Activities include the upcoming Apple@50 TechFest on March 28, featuring hands-on workshops with vintage Apple computers and interactive experiences included with museum admission.
Beginning in March and continuing into September, visitors can enjoy “Mactivations,” which showcases an oversized replica of a classic Macintosh called the Big Mac. This exhibit allows guests to experience the original operating system of the desktop computer from the 1980s.
Another highlight of the celebration is the Apple@50 exhibit, which displays iconic prototypes such as the Lisa, Apple IIc, Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, and even the Newton. One unique item on display is an Apple I case crafted by Charles “Chas” Pfister, which Jobs ultimately rejected.
Marc Etkind, CEO of the Computer History Museum, noted that the museum houses approximately 6,000 rare pieces of Apple history. The selected prototypes aim to provide insight into the design and engineering processes behind Apple’s groundbreaking products. “We hope they inspire the next generation to become engineers, innovators, and entrepreneurs,” Etkind stated.
As the festivities continue, the museum invites the public to explore Apple’s rich history and its impact on technology and innovation. More information about the ongoing celebrations and exhibits can be found at www.computerhistory.org/apple-at-50.
