Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, is currently 65 years old, which means that he is close to the age of retirement. This is why there have been reports suggesting that his tenure at Apple could be coming to an end, as soon as this year, in fact. However, during an appearance at Good Morning America, Tim Cook shut those rumors down, saying he is staying at Apple.
Tim Cook says he’s staying
When he was asked about the reports that he was planning to step aside, Tim Cook denied those and said he’s staying. He also said he “can’t imagine life without Apple.” Cook was quoted as saying, “No, I didn’t say that. I haven’t said that. I love what I do deeply. Twenty-eight years ago, I walked into Apple, and I’ve loved every day of it since.”
However, not everyone thinks this is a good thing. According to LightShed Partners analyst Walter Piecyk, he said it was time for a change in leadership at Apple. He suggested that the company might need new blood if it wants to be able to navigate this new future where AI is in everything. He also warns that Apple might end up ceding its place in AI to the likes of Google.
Piecyk also stated that 2026 was the perfect time for Cook to step down. Apple’s shares are at an all-time high and there’s a favorable upgrade cycle taking shape. This would allow Cook to leave on a high note. But based on Cook’s comments, it seems like he has no plans to leave anytime soon. This seems to contradict previous reports that the CEO would be stepping down mid-2026.
Who’s next after Tim Cook?
That being said, Apple does need to plan its future. While Cook wants to stick around longer, the company needs to start planning who will be its next CEO. So far, multiple reports suggest that John Ternus is the current favorite. Ternus is currently Apple’s hardware engineering chief.
Prior to this, Jeff Williams was considered to be the favorite. However, in 2025, Williams announced he would be retiring. Apple’s C-suite also experienced a bit of shakeup in 2025. This included the departure of Vice President for Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, Lisa Jackson, and Kate Adams, Apple’s general counsel.
There were also rumors that Apple chip leader Johny Srouji was planning to leave. However, those rumors were squashed in a memo Srouji wrote to staff, saying he has no plans of leaving the company.
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