Apple turns 50: Tim Cook calls Apple "unique"

Apple has been one of the world's most influential technology companies for decades. On April 1, 2026, the company will reach a special milestone: Apple will turn 50. Shortly before this anniversary, Apple CEO Tim Cook spoke in an interview about the company's history, its future, and the role of Steve Jobs.

The interview was conducted for the CBS program "Sunday Morning." Cook was interviewed by technology journalist David Pogue, author of the new book "Apple: The First 50 Years." In the interview, Cook describes why, in his view, Apple is a company that cannot be copied and which principles continue to shape the company today.

Founded in 1976, Apple has since grown from a small computer company into a global technology corporation. Its 50th anniversary is therefore not only a symbolic moment, but also an opportunity to reflect on the values and ideas that have shaped Apple over the decades.

In the interview, Tim Cook makes it clear that this anniversary doesn't mean Apple rests on its laurels. Instead, it's about continuing to innovate and develop new capabilities. At the same time, Steve Jobs' principles continue to play a vital role in the company culture.

According to Tim Cook, Apple needs to "build new muscles"

Looking ahead to its 50th anniversary, Tim Cook explains that Apple as a company must continue to grow and evolve. To properly commemorate this milestone, Apple needs to "build new muscle."

This refers to the ability to implement new ideas, drive innovation, and adapt to changes in the technology industry. For Apple, progress means not only developing new products but also continuously improving existing technologies.

The focus is on the next thing

In the interview, Tim Cook also describes Apple's fundamental mindset. Instead of focusing heavily on past successes, the company directs its attention to what comes next.

Apple focuses on improving something that already exists or developing something new that people haven't anticipated. Cook explains that Apple tries to "think outside the box." The goal is to create products or features that people didn't previously know they needed.

According to Cook, this approach sets Apple apart from many other companies. Innovation arises not only from technological possibilities, but from the question of how technology can improve people's lives.

The importance of Steve Jobs to Apple

A central part of the interview deals with Steve Jobs. The co-founder of Apple died in 2011, but his ideas continue to shape the company.

Tim Cook says that the principles Steve Jobs established for Apple still apply today. Above all, this includes the ambition to develop products that enrich people's lives. Another important principle is to constantly rethink and improve things.

Cook describes these principles as Apple's DNA. Even 50 years after the company's founding, they are still palpable. At the same time, Cook expresses his hope that these values will continue to endure in the future.

In his view, Steve Jobs' principles could still be a central part of Apple in 100 or even 200 years because they are so strong and fundamental to the company.

An important piece of advice from Steve Jobs

In the interview, Tim Cook also talks about personal advice he received from Steve Jobs. Jobs had recommended that he not constantly burden the company with the question of what Steve Jobs himself would have done after his death.

This advice was intended to prevent Apple from finding itself in a similar situation to Disney after Walt Disney's death. After Walt Disney's passing, the company faced the challenge of continuing without its founder for a long time.

Cook describes this advice as a great gift. It helped Apple evolve without constantly looking to the past for answers.

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According to Tim Cook, Apple cannot be copied

Looking ahead to 2026, Tim Cook makes a clear statement about Apple's position in the technology industry. In his view, Apple is a company that cannot be copied.

Cook explains that he knows many different companies, but Apple occupies a special place. In his opinion, Apple is "in a class of its own."

He justifies this assessment with the unique combination of corporate culture, innovation, and long-term focus. It is precisely this mix that makes Apple a unique place.

David Pogue offers insights into "Apple: The First 50 Years"

Why Apple remains unique even after 50 years

The upcoming 50th anniversary marks a significant moment in Apple's history. At the same time, the interview with Tim Cook demonstrates that the company remains strongly focused on the future.

Apple focuses on developing new ideas, improving existing technologies, and creating products that enrich people's lives. The principles of Steve Jobs remain a central part of the company culture.

According to Tim Cook, this combination is precisely why Apple is still considered a unique company after half a century. You can find more book recommendations about Apple here! (Image: Shutterstock / DELBO ANDREA)