Apple CEO Tim Cook Writes Letter on “50 Years of Thinking Differently” Ahead of Memorial Day

Apple CEO Tim Cook shared a public message as the company prepares to mark its 50th anniversary on April 1, 2026. In the book, Cook charts Apple’s journey from small garage beginnings to one of the world’s most influential technology companies.

Apple confirmed the letter today as part of the company’s lead up to the anniversary. The message highlights Apple’s history of building products that put powerful tools in people’s hands and inspire creativity, learning, and new ideas.

Cook posted a message thanking customers, engineers, and employees who helped shape the company over five decades.

A message from Tim Cook

Fifty years ago in a small garage, a great idea was born. Apple was founded on the simple idea that technology should be personal, and that belief – strong at the time – changed everything.

April 1st marks Apple’s 50th anniversary. From the first Apple computer to the Mac, from the iPod to the iPhone, the iPad to the Apple Watch and AirPods, and the services we use every day — the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV — we’ve spent five decades reimagining what’s possible and putting powerful tools in people’s hands. With every success, one vision guides us – that the world is driven forward by people who think differently.

That’s because progress always starts with someone – an inventor or a scientist, a student or a storyteller – who thinks of a better way, a new idea, a different way. That spirit has guided Apple from the beginning. But it was never ours alone.

Every invention we bring to the world is just the beginning of the story. The most important chapters are written by all of you — the people who use our technology to work, learn, dream, and discover. He has achieved success and launched businesses. You entertained your loved ones at the hospital and photographed your baby’s first steps. You’ve run marathons, written books, and renewed friendships. Pursue your curiosity, discover your new favorite song, and share the stories that connect us all.

In your hands, the tools we make improve lives, and sometimes even save them. And that’s what inspires us – not what technology can do on its own, but what you can do with it.

At Apple, we’re more focused on building tomorrow than remembering yesterday. But we couldn’t let this milestone pass without thanking the millions of people who make Apple what it is today — our amazing teams around the world, our developer community, and all the customers who have joined us on this journey. Your ideas inspire our work. Your trust motivates us to do better. Your stories remind us of all we can achieve if we think differently.

If you’ve taught us anything, it’s that people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do it.

Here’s to the crazy ones.

Which is wrong.
Rebels.
They don’t abuse.
Round pegs in square holes.
They see things differently.

Here’s to you.

TIM COOK