Apple Turns 50 And Gave Employees 'This', Internet Is Cracking Up

A $3 trillion company, a private McCartney concert, and an enamel pin for staff. Apple's 50th birthday gifts have the internet in stitches.

By : Annie Sharma | Updated at : 01 Apr 2026 10:45 AM (IST)

apple 50th anniversary employee gifts tim cook internet reactions viral Apple Turns 50 And Gave Employees 'This', Internet Is Cracking Up

Apple was founded on April 1, 1976 by Steve Jobs.

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Apple is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary on April 1, and the company has already kicked things into gear with a private Paul McCartney concert for employees at Apple Park. Ahead of the event, Apple has been handing out exclusive merchandise to its staff. The gifts, which include a T-shirt, a limited-edition poster, and an enamel pin, carry the tagline "50 Years of Thinking Different" - the same phrase Tim Cook used in his open letter marking the milestone.

Photos of the packages have started circulating on X, shared by accounts Mr. Macintosh and L0vetodream.

What Does The Apple Employee Gift Set Include?

Each gift set comes with three items: a commemorative T-shirt, a limited-edition poster, and an enamel pin.

First spotted by @L0vetodream and has a nicer picture!https://t.co/d2KENckRtk
— Mr. Macintosh (@ClassicII_MrMac) March 31, 2026

The designs draw from Apple's heritage rainbow colors, and the message included with the package reads:

"1976-2026. 50 Years of Apple. Inspired by our heritage rainbow colors and crafted by hand - a commemorative T-shirt, limited-edition poster, and enamel pin are here for you."

The merch is employee-exclusive and features Apple's 50th anniversary logo alongside the "50 Years of Thinking Different" tagline. The post, obviously, attracted many users to comment on the 'gifts' Apple gave to its employees, and they were not happy. Check these tweets below:

A Trillion dollar company, thanks its staff by giving them a T-shirt. Meanwhile Tim Cook will cash in more of his stock later this year for hundreds of millions, not a bad gig if you can get it eh.
— Paul (@PaulWBhoy) March 31, 2026

Multi trillion dollar company btw.
— Faisal Aldosari (@Fai5alAld0sar1) April 1, 2026

Limited edition, apple has about 200 thousand employees.
— Marcohard (@personwithansia) March 31, 2026

Kids, repeat after me: LESS T-SHIRTS, MORE STOCKS. 🎁
— #Quimi 🏴‍☠️🧪 (@GoldenTriumph) April 1, 2026

How Has Apple Been Celebrating Its 50th Anniversary?

The Paul McCartney concert at Apple Park is not the first event Apple has organised for the occasion.

The company held a concert at Grand Central in New York City last month, featuring Alicia Keys, as part of a series of anniversary celebrations held across the world.

Apple's official 50th anniversary falls on April 1, 2026. The company is also marking the day with a special Apple Music playlist put together by Parker Ortolani, with more posts planned in the days ahead.

The anniversary traces back to April 1, 1976, when Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne founded the company that would go on to become one of the most recognised names in technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What items are included in the Apple employee gift set for the 50th anniversary?

The gift set includes a commemorative T-shirt, a limited-edition poster, and an enamel pin. These items feature the '50 Years of Thinking Different' tagline and draw from Apple's heritage rainbow colors.

How is Apple celebrating its 50th anniversary?

Apple is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a private Paul McCartney concert for employees at Apple Park. They have also held a concert in New York City featuring Alicia Keys and are releasing a special Apple Music playlist.

When was Apple founded?

Apple was founded on April 1, 1976, by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. The company's 50th anniversary falls on April 1, 2026.

What is the tagline on the Apple 50th anniversary merchandise?

The tagline on the merchandise is '50 Years of Thinking Different'. This phrase was also used by Tim Cook in an open letter marking the milestone.

About the author Annie Sharma

Annie Sharma is a technology journalist at ABP Live English, focused on breaking down complex tech stories into clear, reader-friendly narratives. Gaining hands-on experience in digital storytelling and news writing with leading publications, Annie believes technology should feel accessible rather than overwhelming, and follows a clear, reader-first approach in her work.

For tips and queries, you can reach out to her at annies@abpnetwork.com.