Apple 50th birthday parties rock around the world [Photos]

From New York City to Seoul, Apple enjoys spending its milestone 50th anniversary month in the company of the artists and fans who have made the last five decades extraordinary, the company said Wednesday of its birthday parties around the world.

The festivities began on March 13 when Grammy Award-winning artist Alicia Keys took to the iconic steps of Apple Grand Central in New York City. Celebrations also rolled in China and South Korea.

See photos of Apple 50th anniversary celebrations worldwide

Throughout March, Apple marks its 50th year with gatherings at stores and venues around the globe — including in China, New York City and Seoul, South Korea. The iPhone giant said it designed each event to spotlight human creativity and ingenuity. And to show what becomes possible when people have the right tools in their hands.

An icon of Chinese pop culture takes the stage

Few artists in Chinese pop culture command the same breadth of influence as Chris Lee (aka Li Yuchun), Apple noted. A singer, songwriter and actor with more than 260 music awards to her name, Lee has spent two decades forging a sound that blends pop, electronic and alternative influences. And she’s always accompanied by ambitious visual projects and stage concepts that push the boundaries of what a live show can be.

Lee has long cited Apple’s iconic “Think Different” campaign as creative inspiration. That influence ripples through her pioneering musical expression. And that includes her dynamic presence on stage and the forward-looking aesthetic that makes her a touchstone across music, fashion and the arts. Apple Taikoo Li Chengdu welcomed Lee and fans for a celebration befitting her 20 years at the forefront of Chinese pop.

Alicia Keys brings Apple’s anniversary to life in New York

Keys delivered a sweeping set of her most beloved songs, with iPhone 17 Pro capturing every moment of the energy and intimacy on display. As an artist, she transcends genre and era — a performer, producer and storyteller with a career defined by a refusal to stand still. With decades in the industry behind her, Keys has consistently looked for new ways to connect with her audience, with Apple serving as a consistent partner.

Keys became one of the first artists to release her catalog in Spatial Audio on Apple Music, and headlined an Apple Music Live performance to widespread acclaim.

In 2024, Alicia Keys: Rehearsal Room became one of the first Apple Immersive experiences for Vision Pro. It gave fans an intimate look at her creative process during a private rehearsal session. Her March 13 performance on the steps of Apple Grand Central was a fitting centerpiece for Apple’s anniversary month.

K-pop’s newest sensation surprises fans in Seoul

CORTIS made their debut only just last summer. But the K-pop group has already carved out a remarkable place in the cultural conversation. Their 2025 debut EP, Color Outside the Lines, laid out the group’s artistic mission clearly: redefine what artistry looks like and champion self-expression at every turn.

The group joined fans at Apple Myeongdong for a candid conversation about their journey as artists before surprising the crowd with a live performance of three songs, including “YOUNGCREATORCREW” from their forthcoming album. Early in their career, CORTIS appeared on The Zane Lowe Show on Apple Music Radio — an early moment that helped them build a devoted global fanbase. More recently, the group released an Apple Immersive music experience for Vision Pro. That gives fans an unparalleled look inside the rehearsal room as they work through the choreography for their track “GO!”

David Snow

David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV shows and movies.

With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.

Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.

Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.