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

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."

Tim Cook MacBook
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

sniffies Avatar
1 hour ago at 08:27 am
Any chance the new CEO could fix auto-syncing of iCloud Mail notification badges between iOS and macOS?
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
citysnaps Avatar
43 minutes ago at 08:48 am

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?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
D-a-a-n Avatar
31 minutes ago at 09:00 am

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: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Nyx1 Avatar
46 minutes ago at 08:45 am
The next CEO will be SIRI
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mvdrl Avatar
34 minutes ago at 08:56 am
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: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)