Apple Inc. marked its 50th anniversary with a celebratory event at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, on March 11, 2026. The gathering highlighted the company’s significant impact on technology and culture, featuring discussions with key figures who played vital roles in Apple’s history.
One of the notable attendees was Ronald Wayne, who briefly co-founded Apple alongside Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in 1976. Wayne, now 91, famously sold his shares for $800 just twelve days after the company’s inception. During the event, he shared stories of his early days with Apple and expressed gratitude for his experiences, stating he has “never starved.”
The evening served as the launch for journalist and author David Pogue’s book, “Apple: The First 50 Years,” which chronicles the company’s evolution. Pogue, a correspondent for CBS News “Sunday Morning,” conducted over 150 interviews with Apple veterans and relied on the expertise of curator Hansen Hsu, a former Apple employee. He noted that Apple had no editorial control over the book but assisted in granting access to current staff.
The audience included prominent figures such as John Sculley, former CEO of Apple, who recounted his recruitment by Jobs in 1983. Sculley recalled Jobs 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 pivotal moment underscored Apple’s transformative journey from the introduction of the Apple II to the revolutionary iPhone launched in 2007.
Exhibit and TechFest Highlight Apple’s Legacy
The event also featured the opening of the Apple@50 exhibit, which showcases prototypes of iconic products such as the Lisa, Apple IIc, and Macintosh. Visitors can explore the history of Apple through these significant designs, providing insight into the company’s innovative approach to technology. The exhibit will run until September 7, 2026, and aims to inspire future generations of engineers and entrepreneurs.
In addition to the exhibit, the Computer History Museum will host the Apple@50 TechFest on March 28, featuring hands-on workshops with vintage Apple products and interactive activities included with museum admission. Starting in March, visitors can experience “Mactivations,” a large-scale replica of a classic Macintosh computer, allowing them to interact with the original operating system from the 1980s.
Reflections on Apple’s Impact and Future
The event was attended by several early Apple employees, including Chris Espinosa, who started working at Apple as a teenager in 1976 and remains with the company today. Espinosa expressed his pride in being part of Apple’s storied history, emphasizing the company’s commitment to innovation.
During discussions, Sculley, Espinosa, and other panelists reflected on how Apple has changed the world through its products and vision. The evening concluded with a performance by Pogue, who entertained guests with a song, adding a celebratory touch to the occasion.
As the festivities continue throughout the summer, the Computer History Museum aims to honor Apple’s legacy while inviting visitors to engage with the technology that has shaped modern life. For more information about the ongoing celebrations and exhibits, visit the museum’s official website.
