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.
On this week's special episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss Apple's bombshell announcement that Tim Cook will step down as CEO on September 1, 2026, with hardware engineering chief John Ternus set to succeed him.
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Cook will transition to executive chairman, where he will "assist with certain aspects of the company, including...
Apple CEO Tim Cook is stepping down as Apple's chief executive officer, and hardware engineering chief John Ternus is set to take over, Apple announced today.
Cook will continue on as Apple CEO through the summer, with Ternus set to join Apple's Board of Directors and take over as CEO on September 1, 2026. Cook is going to transition to executive chairman, and he will "assist with certain...
Current Apple CEO Tim Cook is set to leave his role on September 1, 2026, and as he prepares to step down as CEO, he has written a letter addressed to the Apple community.
Cook said that he starts his day reading notes from Apple users all over the world, which fills him with an indescribable gratitude. According to Cook, Ternus is the perfect person to take over as Apple's CEO.
To the...
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 ??
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?
