To mark its 50th anniversary, Apple invited Ben Cohen of The Wall Street Journal to Apple Park for a special meeting with CEO Tim Cook.
During his visit to Apple Park, Ben Cohen and Tim Cook explored a collection of rare archival materials from Apple’s early days—some of which even Cook was seeing for the first time while preparing for the company’s 50th anniversary.
The display featured historic items like Apple’s first patent for the Apple II, the original 2001 iPod, early iPhone prototypes and components, and the very Apple Watch Cook wore during its unveiling. Reflecting on Apple’s journey, Cook pointed to the launch of the iPhone as his favorite moment at the company, noting how transformative it felt to move from frustrating early smartphones to a touch interface that “worked like your mind worked.”
While Cook avoided discussing future products in detail, he hinted that Apple’s next breakthrough would come from the intersection of hardware, software, and services—a philosophy that has long defined the company’s biggest successes. He also sidestepped questions about retirement, saying simply that he’ll know when the time comes.
To celebrate the milestone, Apple hosted a special concert for employees featuring Paul McCartney and organized events worldwide. Cook also shared a heartfelt letter with employees, reflecting on the company’s origins in 1976 and its evolution into a global force with over 2.5 billion active devices.
Drawing inspiration from Steve Jobs, Cook emphasized Apple’s enduring belief that the future is something to build, not wait for. He thanked employees for their dedication and innovation, expressing excitement for what lies ahead as Apple looks toward its next fifty years.