Gurman: Tim Cook Likely to Remain Apple CEO Until at Least Mid-2026

[MacRumors]

Earlier this month, the Financial Times reported that Apple is preparing for Tim Cook to step down as CEO of the company "as soon as next year."

While the report said that Apple is unlikely to name a new CEO before its next earnings report in late January, it went on to explain that an announcement early in the year would allow for a smooth leadership transition, ahead of Apple's annual developers conference WWDC in June and iPhone event in September.

However, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said he would be "shocked" if Cook steps down between late January and June next year.

"Based on everything I've learned in recent weeks, I don't believe a departure by the middle of next year is likely," said Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today. "In fact, I would be shocked if Cook steps down in the time frame outlined by the FT."

There have been "few signs internally" that Cook is about to step down, he added.

Gurman described the Financial Times report as "premature" and "simply false."

Apple's Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, John Ternus, is widely viewed as Cook's most likely successor whenever the time comes.

Cook, who turned 65 this year, has been Apple's CEO since August 2011.

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Article Link: Gurman: Tim Cook Likely to Remain Apple CEO Until at Least Mid-2026

 

[sniffies]

Any chance the new CEO could fix auto-syncing of iCloud Mail notification badges between iOS and macOS?

 

[1Peace]

Personally think “FT” has better track record than Gurman, but we will see.

 

[Nik]

All they had to do is fix auto correct… I hope the next CEO focuses on things that really matter.

 

[Nyx1]

The next CEO will be SIRI

 

[DocMultimedia]

All they had to do is fix auto correct… I hope the next CEO focuses on things that really matter.

There are currently so many annoying bugs. Cook needs to just focus on an update for that rather than adding bling.

If I were him I'd retire. Retirement feels great imo. 😀

 

[citysnaps]

Any chance the new CEO could fix auto-syncing of iCloud Mail notification badges between iOS and macOS?

Not likely - that's not the CEOs role. Have you written a thoughtful letter to Apple's Craig Federighi describing your issue?

 

[mvdrl]

Apple has thrived under Tim Cook's leadership, an incredible track record of profitability and growth, averaging 18% annual market cap growth since 2011 when he took on the role. First $1 trillion dollar market cap company, first $3 trillion market cap... I wonder how the market will react when he eventually steps down? And how Macrumors will react ??

 

[D-a-a-n]

I wonder how the market will react when he eventually steps down? And how Macrumors will react ??

As always, the people on Macrumors will react calmly and in a nuanced way, in touch with reality.

 

[citysnaps]

Apple has thrived under Tim Cook's leadership, an incredible track record of profitability and growth, averaging 18% annual market cap growth since 2011 when he took on the role. First $1 trillion dollar market cap company, first $3 trillion market cap... I wonder how the market will react when he eventually steps down? And how Macrumors will react ??

It won't make much difference. Many readers will slam the new CEO with childish taunts 24/7.

 

[ThailandToo]

I wonder if the board had enough or this is his actual choice??? I mean I have thought for years the board should terminate his agreement and take on a product person. They need to reinvigorate innovation then capitalize again with profits. As innovation has been put to the back while profits were focused on.

 

[progx]

It won't make much difference. Many readers will slam the new CEO with childish taunts 24/7.

You read my mind. Posters on here used to the same thing to Steve Jobs when he was alive too

 

[AppleEnthusiast1995]

Hopefully they will return to simpler product lineups and less “software bugs”.

 

[citysnaps]

You read my mind. Posters on here used to the same thing to Steve Jobs when he was alive too

Spot-on. I remember that. It's a forum tradition going back 20+ years.

What's interesting is the "Apple doesn't innovate anymore" chant. Apparently many don't know/remember how the original Mac and iPhone came about at Apple.

 

[turbineseaplane]

It won't make much difference. Many readers will slam the new CEO with childish taunts 24/7.

Spot-on. I remember that. It's a forum tradition going back 20+ years.

Can we please talk about the topic and not "other forum members"?

 

[lovehateapple]

When does Cook's current contract expire?

 

[bobtamboo]

They need a CEO who for the next decade can be focused heavily on AI. Cook & co were caught with their pants down.

 

[progx]

Hopefully they will return to simpler product lineups and less “software bugs”.

Exactly how would you simplify the product line?

 

[progx]

They need a CEO who for the next decade can be focused heavily on AI. Cook & co were caught with their pants down.

Yeah, no on AI. The bubble is about to burst. Look what Copilot has done to Microsoft

 

[citysnaps]

Can we please talk about the topic and not "other forum members"?

My comment was an answer in response to a forum member's question. That's what happens in forum discussions. Some people ask questions... other people try and answer their questions.

 

[jz0309]

Can we please talk about the topic and not "other forum members"?

If you think a post is off topic then report it via the report button but please don't pose as the forum police. People are entitled to respond to posts with their viewpoint as you should know.

 

[jz0309]

Whenever Cook steps down as CEO, nothing will change, the roadmap is in place and the new guy will have their direction from the board and will have been guided by Cook.

 

[progx]

When does Cook's current contract expire?

He doesn’t have a contract. It’s a standard at-will employment contract that you likely sign at your job. Since he’s an executive, his likely has more amendments to it, but nothing with an expiration date. Unless your job contract has expiration date?

If he’s planning on stepping down, they need to start the succession planning. It will take months to hand off to the next person.

 

[citysnaps]

Whenever Cook steps down as CEO, nothing will change, the roadmap is in place and the new guy will have their direction from the board and will have been guided by Cook.

Spot-on. The next CEO is going to stay the course to make sure Apple's 1+ Billion active and repeat customers stay thrilled with Apple products.

And in the end... that's what drives Apple's massive valuation and becoming one of the most successful consumer tech companies in the world.

 

[H.E. Pennypacker]

Apple has thrived under Tim Cook's leadership, an incredible track record of profitability and growth, averaging 18% annual market cap growth since 2011 when he took on the role. First $1 trillion dollar market cap company, first $3 trillion market cap... I wonder how the market will react when he eventually steps down? And how Macrumors will react ??

Yeah, Cook’s track record is insane, 18% annual market-cap growth, first $1T company, first $3T company. No question he’s one of the best operators in business history, and when he steps down the market (and MacRumors) will absolutely lose its mind. But the real question is what has Tim Cook actually done for Apple from an innovation standpoint?

Yes, he oversaw AirPods which basically created the entire true-wireless category and became a massive cultural hit. Huge win. But beyond that, where’s the next iPhone-level product? The next paradigm shift?

Financially he’s crushed it. Operationally he’s unmatched, but in terms of meaningful, era-defining innovation, what’s the big one under Cook?