Are Tim Cook’s Days at Apple Numbered?
Toggle Dark Mode
Tim Cook has been Apple’s CEO since August 24, 2011. That’s more than 14 years at the helm of one of the world’s most recognizable and valuable companies, surpassing co-founder Steve Jobs’ tenure as CEO. Jobs held the position as interim CEO from 1997 to 2000 and as official CEO from 2000 to August 2011. Cook turns 65 on November 1, fueling speculation that Apple may be preparing for his eventual exit.
Back in 2021, some more obscure corners of the rumor mill floated the idea that Cook might step down in 2026 — and even, in the same breath, that he could eye a presidential run in 2028. The notion was never picked up by mainstream tech or political press, and the original source admitted it was purely speculative. Still, it endures as one of those “what if” whispers in the fringes of Apple fandom: fun to ponder, but far from reliable.
That notion wasn’t entirely whimsical, though. A more grounded 2016 leak suggested Cook had been considered as a possible vice-presidential pick for Hillary Clinton, revealing his name has occasionally been on the political radar. So, while the idea of Cook retiring to make a party-nomination bid remains speculative fantasy, it isn’t completely beyond the realm of possibility.
Cook first joined Apple in 1998 as senior vice president for worldwide operations, a role he served in until his appointment as chief operating officer and one of Steve Jobs’ right-hand people. During his time at Apple’s helm, Apple’s market cap increased by 966%, soaring as high as $3.7 trillion. It’s safe to say that if Cook does step down, it will likely be on his own terms.
If Cook does decide to leave, the question of who’s next for Apple looms large. It’s unlikely the company hasn’t been planning for his eventual exit, but identifying the right successor won’t be easy.
Apple has “a solid bench of successors,” IDC Devices Research VP Bryan Ma recently told CNET. “But the anxiety gets amplified when there isn’t clear visibility for such a valuable and iconic company. Compounding the challenge is the fact that the bar has been set by big rock stars like Steve Jobs and Tim Cook. The next generation of leaders have very big shoes to fill.”
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that John Ternus, who currently serves as Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, is the top internal candidate to replace Cook. He’s been with Apple since 2001 and has recently overseen the design of the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Perhaps more importantly, Ternus is also only 50 years old.
AppleInsider spotlighted some additional internal contenders, including Craig Federighi, senior vice president of software engineering, and Greg Joswiak, senior vice president of worldwide marketing. Joswiak has been with Apple for 30 years, but is already 36; Federighi is 56.
Jeff Williams, Apple’s former COO, was once considered a front-runner, but recently announced his retirement, with operations now overseen by former operations VP Sabih Kahn. Williams retains the title of Senior Vice President of Design, Watch, and Health, but that’s just to smooth the transition as those portfolios are reassigned. Kahn, 59, has been with Apple since 1995, and if he gains enough time in the C-suite before Cook’s departure, he could yet rise to the top.
While Jobs put Apple on the map, Cook has been no slouch. He’s guided the company through fierce competition and global political turbulence, expanding Apple’s ecosystem and service revenues to unprecedented heights. Being CEO of Apple may be one of the most prestigious jobs in business, but it’s also the toughest. Whoever takes the reins next has their work cut out for them and will face enormous expectations.
