Tim Cook Unlikely to Step Down Next Year, Report of Imminent Exit 'False' [Gurman]

Tim Cook is unlikely to step down as Apple's chief executive in the first half of next year, contrary to recent speculation regarding an imminent leadership transition. In his latest newsletter to subscribers, Mark Gurman disputes the timeline of a potential handover while reaffirming who is most likely to take the reins when the time comes.

Gurman addresses a recent Financial Times report that claimed Apple was intensifying its succession planning with an expectation that Cook could depart as early as January. He states that such a near-term departure is highly unlikely and calls the report false. While Cook turned 65 this month, Gurman suggests the CEO still enjoys his role and has earned the right to decide his own timeline. Even upon retiring as CEO, Cook is expected to remain with the company as chairman.

The newsletter does confirm that John Ternus, Apple's senior vice president of hardware engineering, remains the frontrunner for the top job. Ternus is the youngest member of the executive team and offers the longest potential tenure for the company's future. That tracks with previous reporting that pegged the hardware chief as the top pick, especially with Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams set to retire.


Even if the CEO isn't going anywhere yet, the rest of the executive team could still see some shakeups. Gurman reiterates that Johny Srouji, the head of Apple's custom silicon division, is evaluating his future at the company. Apple is also reportedly continuing its search for a new leader to oversee its artificial intelligence efforts.

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