Tim Cook Tells Apple CEO John Ternus 'Don't Mimic Me'

Tim Cook says he is giving Apple CEO John Ternus room to lead, with the same advice he received from Steve Jobs: make the job his own.

In an interview with The Independent at Apple Music Hall in London, Cook said Ternus should spend his time where he can add the most value to the company.

And that means don't mimic me. Just like I didn't mimic Steve. We all have different strengths.

Cook, now Apple's executive chair, described a relationship built on mutual trust and frequent, substantive communication. His own focus is worldwide policy and working with governments, while helping Ternus when asked. "I'm not meddling," Cook said.

That approach is consistent with what Cook told Apple employees when the transition was announced in April: he would spend more time on international relationships and serve as a resource for the new CEO.

Ternus took over on September 1. Cook said preparations began years earlier and the handover has gone as planned. He also chose the timing to give his successor momentum from a strong product cycle, pointing to the upcoming iPhone Duo as one reason for his enthusiasm.

The interview took place during the launch of Apple and The King's Trust's Creative Labs program. Cook and King Charles III met participants in the initiative, which offers workshops and mentorship for young creators in the UK. More cohorts are planned over the next year.