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

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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."

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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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Top Rated Comments

D
D-a-a-n
8 months ago

I wonder how the market will react when he eventually steps down? And how Macrumors will react :D:D ??
As always, the people on Macrumors will react calmly and in a nuanced way, in touch with reality.
Score: 40 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sniffies Avatar
sniffies
8 months ago
Any chance the new CEO could fix auto-syncing of iCloud Mail notification badges between iOS and macOS?
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
N
Nyx1
8 months ago
The next CEO will be SIRI
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mvdrl Avatar
mvdrl
8 months ago
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:D ??
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
navaira Avatar
navaira
8 months ago

But beyond that, where’s the next iPhone-level product? The next paradigm shift?
I’d argue Apple Silicon is a massive paradigm shift.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
H.E. Pennypacker Avatar
H.E. Pennypacker
8 months ago

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:D ??
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?
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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