Apple Celebrates 50 Years with Alicia Keys Concert and Global Events
Apple has launched its 50th-anniversary celebrations with a surprise concert by Alicia Keys at its Grand Central Terminal store in New York City on March 13, 2026. The event marks the beginning of a month-long series of celebrations planned worldwide, recognizing the company’s legacy of innovation and creativity.
Alicia Keys Kicks Off Anniversary Festivities
The impromptu Alicia Keys concert was kept largely under wraps, with select YouTubers and media representatives, including MacRumors, receiving invitations without knowing the performer beforehand [MacRumors]. Preparations began the day prior, transforming the store into a concert venue complete with a stage, audio equipment, and Keys’ signature pink piano.
Keys performed a roughly 45-minute set featuring hits like “Fallin’,” “Girl on Fire,” and “Empire State of Mind” [TechRadar]. She engaged with the audience, thanking both Grand Central and Apple for their support before inviting Apple CEO Tim Cook onstage.
Key Apple executives, including Tim Cook, marketing chief Greg Joswiak, retail head Deirdre O’Brien, and hardware engineering boss John Ternus, were in attendance [MacRumors]. The performance was also open to members of the public in the area.
A History of Collaboration
Alicia Keys has a longstanding relationship with Apple, having previously performed at Apple events such as the Apple Music Festival 10 in London (2016) and the NYC Holiday Masquerade Ball (2022) [MacRumors]. She was also an early adopter of Apple’s immersive technologies, featuring in the 3D Alicia Keys: Rehearsal Room experience on Apple Vision Pro.
Looking Ahead: A Month of Celebrations
Apple CEO Tim Cook announced earlier this week that the company would be celebrating its 50th anniversary over several weeks, highlighting the “creativity, innovation, and impact” made possible by Apple technology [MacRumors]. The Alicia Keys concert is the first in a series of global events planned to commemorate the milestone.
Apple was founded on April 1, 1976, and the 50th-anniversary celebrations will continue through April 1, 2026 [MacRumors]. Future events will focus on showcasing human creativity and the impact of Apple products [Mirage News].
The iPhone 17 Pro was utilized to capture the energy and intimacy of the event [Mirage News].