Apple CEO Tim Cook, celebrating the company's 50th anniversary, has released a letter of gratitude to those who have contributed to Apple's success.

Apple will celebrate its 50th anniversary on April 1, 2026. To commemorate the 50th anniversary, CEO Tim Cook released a letter reflecting on Apple's history and values, and honoring the people who have shaped Apple over the past 50 years.

Apple: 50 Years of Embracing 'Think Different' - Apple (Japan)

April 1st marks 50 years of Apple. Thank you to everyone who's been a part of our journey. https://t.co/ZeB68ok859 #Apple50 pic.twitter.com/7cXA0rnM9X

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 12, 2026

Since its founding on April 1, 1976, Apple has been driven by the belief that progress comes from 'people who question the norms and imagine what can be done.' By thinking differently, Apple has transformed entire industries and created products and services that enrich the lives of people around the world.

From groundbreaking products like the Apple II, Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro, to services users rely on every day like the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV, Apple has consistently combined powerful technology with intuitive design to enable people to achieve great things.

Apple is a forward-thinking company, but the 50th anniversary milestone is the perfect time to reflect on the journey it has taken so far and pay tribute to the people and communities who have stuck to their unique way of thinking alongside Apple. CEO Tim Cook has released a letter of gratitude addressed to those who have supported Apple over the past 50 years.

Fifty years ago, in a small garage, a big idea was hatched. And with a simple, yet revolutionary, belief that technology should be personal, Apple was born — and would eventually change everything.

This April 1st, Apple will celebrate its 50th anniversary. From the first Apple computer to the Mac. From the iPod to the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and AirPods. And further to the services we use every day, such as the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV. For half a century, we have challenged conventional wisdom and delivered powerful tools to countless people. One step at a time. Guided by the belief that it is those who defy conventional thinking who move the world forward.

Whether they are inventors or scientists, students or writers, progress is always driven by those who envision better ways, new ideas, and paths where none existed before. Apple has lived by this spirit since its founding day. But it's not something we can achieve alone.

Because every invention we bring to the world is only the beginning. The most important stories are told by the people who work, learn, dream, and discover with Apple technology. Those who experience breakthroughs and start businesses. Those who comfort a loved one in the hospital or capture a baby's first steps. Those who complete marathons, write books, or rekindle old friendships. Those who pursue curiosity, discover their new favorite song, or share stories that connect people.

The Apple tools in your hands can improve someone's life, and sometimes even save lives. That's the inspiration that drives us. It's not about what technology can do, but what you do with it. That's all there is to it.

At Apple, we value looking to the future more than the past. But on this special day, we also want to express our gratitude to the countless people who make Apple what it is today: our incredible colleagues around the world, our developer community, and the users who travel with us. Your ideas inspire us. Your trust drives us to make better products. And your stories remind us that we can go far when we think outside the box.

Those who truly believe they can change the world are the ones who actually do change it. You all taught me that.

There are some crazy people out there.

Outcasts,

Rebel,

Those who are called troublemakers.

Like driving a round stake into a square hole.

People who see things in a completely different way.

Thank you to everyone.

In the coming weeks, Apple will celebrate its 50th anniversary by recognizing the creativity, innovation, and profound impact that Apple technology has enabled people around the world.