Top Leaders React to Apple Announcing Tim Cook Will Step Down as CEO - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Top Leaders React to Apple Announcing Tim Cook Will Step Down as CEO

Apple on Monday announced that Tim Cook will be stepping down as CEO, and some top leaders around the world have publicly commented on the news.

Tim Cook Apple Logo
Effective September 1, Apple's hardware engineering chief John Ternus will become the company's next CEO, while Cook will become executive chairman of Apple's board of directors. In his new role, Apple said Cook will assist with "certain aspects" of the company, including "engaging with policymakers around the world."

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella:

Wishing you all the best in this next chapter, Tim Cook. You've always led with clarity and purpose, and your impact on Apple and across our industry will be felt for years to come.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai:

Congrats on an incredible run Tim Cook, always respected your deep commitment to Apple's mission and best wishes in your new role!

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman:

Tim Cook is a legend.

I am very thankful for everything he has done and I am very thankful for Apple.

U.S. President Donald Trump:

I have always been a big fan of Tim Cook, and likewise, Steve Jobs, but if Steve was not taken from the Planet Earth so young, and ran the company instead of Tim, the company would have done well, but nowhere near as well as it has under Tim.

More from Trump:

I was very impressed with myself to have the head of Apple calling to "kiss my ass."

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey:

Here in Alabama, we will always be proud of Tim Cook! He is an Alabamian through and through — born in Mobile and a graduate of Auburn University. I wish Tim Cook continued success and am grateful for all he has done and will continue to do for our state.

Berkshire Hathaway chairman Warren Buffett:

Apple would not be the Apple of today without Tim Cook.

More from Buffett:

Covering the world and getting along with countries with all kinds of histories and doing right by the customer, people who worked for him, certainly the shareholders, which we were lucky enough to be one of… he's one of a kind.

Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon:

Congratulations to Tim Cook on his nearly 15 years of leadership at Apple, and to John Ternus on becoming CEO.

Apple's former iPod chief Tony Fadell:

Congratulations Tim Cook on one of the most consequential leadership runs in tech.

This year marks 50 years of Apple, and Tim has led Apple through a defining stretch of that history.

Oculus VR founder Palmer Luckey:

RIP Tim Apple

We will update this story with any additional quotes throughout the day.

Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Popular Stories

Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple Says CarPlay Ultra is Coming to These Vehicle Brands

Thursday May 21, 2026 11:53 am PDT by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly a year later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. CarPlay Ultra...
iphone 18 pro blue%402x

iPhone 18 Pro: Dark Cherry, Light Blue, and Dark Gray Chassis Leaked [Update]

Thursday June 4, 2026 5:18 am PDT by
Update: Since publication, new information has come to light suggesting the images have been AI-manipulated and are not in fact iPhone 18 Pro chassis parts. The original article follows. The color options Apple is reportedly planning for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max have appeared online today in the form of images of chassis parts of unknown authenticity....
iOS 27 All the New App Features

iOS 27: All the Rumored App Features

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:48 pm PDT by
Siri is getting a major overhaul in iOS 27, but Apple also has some big updates planned for apps like Camera, Photos, and Wallet. There are multiple new AI features in the works, plus some non-AI upgrades. Camera Apple is moving Visual Intelligence from the Camera Control button to the Camera app in iOS 27, according to Bloomberg. There will be a Siri mode that will be available alongside...

Top Rated Comments

jarman92 Avatar
7 weeks ago

U.S. President Donald Trump ('https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116442276577696798'):

I have always been a big fan of Tim Cook, and likewise, Steve Jobs, but if Steve was not taken from the Planet Earth so young, and ran the company instead of Tim, the company would have done well, but nowhere near as well as it has under Tim.
Wow, what an unusually normal statement fro—


More from Trump:


I was very impressed with myself to have the head of Apple calling to "kiss my ass."
Never mind.
Score: 126 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MacFan782040 Avatar
7 weeks ago
A new CEO has been chosen :apple:

Attachment Image
Score: 125 Votes (Like | Disagree)
7 weeks ago
What a tasteless comment from the egomaniac president....but shouldn't be a suprise at this stage.
Score: 109 Votes (Like | Disagree)
raindogg Avatar
7 weeks ago
Trump is an idiot.
Score: 65 Votes (Like | Disagree)
7 weeks ago

Trump is an idiot.
You’re being generous
Score: 49 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dannys1 Avatar
7 weeks ago
It’s amazing to me that there are people in America who don’t think Trump is an embarrassing tit.

I mean politics aside, no matter if you agree or disagree are right or left, you have to admit there’s something wrong with him, surely?? This is not how normal people behave.
Score: 46 Votes (Like | Disagree)