According to the Financial Times, Apple CEO Tim Cook may step down as early as next year, prompting the company’s board to actively develop a succession plan. Sources indicate that John Ternus, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, is currently viewed as the leading candidate to assume the role.
Cook, who recently turned 65, has served as Apple’s CEO for 14 years—a tenure marked by extraordinary growth as well as notable controversies. Under his leadership, Apple transitioned toward outsourcing much of its manufacturing, a strategic move that enabled the company to scale operations far beyond its traditional limits.
Speculation about Cook’s departure intensified following the retirement of Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Williams, whose last day was Friday. Williams’ exit triggered a significant reshuffling of responsibilities among Apple’s top executives. Key figures such as Eddy Cue (head of Services), Craig Federighi (head of Software Engineering), and John Ternus have all seen their roles expand in the wake of these changes.
While the identity of Apple’s next CEO remains uncertain, it is widely expected that the successor will come from within the company. Cook himself has previously emphasized Apple’s strong preference for internal candidates and confirmed that the organization maintains “very detailed succession plans.”
