Will Apple CEO Tim Cook leave the company in 2026? This is what we know

Apple CEO Tim Cook

• Tim Cook expected to remain Apple CEO beyond early 2026
• John Ternus seen as leading internal candidate for future CEO
• Apple succession planning is accelerating but no imminent leadership change

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Speculation around Tim Cook’s future as Apple CEO has intensified in recent months, but the latest reporting suggests that a leadership change is not as close as some earlier reports implied. While Apple is clearly preparing for the eventual transition, current indications point to Cook remaining firmly in charge well beyond early 2026.

The renewed debate began when the Financial Times reported that Apple was preparing for Cook to step down as soon as early next year. That timeline has now been questioned. In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said such a rapid exit “seems unlikely,” tempering expectations of an imminent announcement.

Gurman has previously stated that he would be surprised if Cook stepped down before the middle of 2026. At the very least, this would mean Cook continuing as CEO through Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June, a key event that often sets the tone for the company’s software and platform strategy. Given Cook’s central role in Apple’s long-term planning, an exit before that point would be highly uncharacteristic.

There has also been ongoing speculation that Cook could move into the role of chairman of Apple’s board after stepping down as CEO. However, that transition does not appear to be imminent either. Apple’s current chairman, Arthur D. Levinson, is up for re-election at the company’s annual shareholders meeting on February 24. Apple’s governance guidelines generally discourage directors from standing for re-election after the age of 75, but shareholders have been asked to approve an exemption for Levinson, citing his experience and institutional knowledge.

This move suggests continuity rather than disruption at the top. If Apple were planning an immediate reshuffle at both the executive and board levels, it is unlikely the company would be seeking an exception to retain its current chairman. Instead, it points to a more gradual and carefully managed transition.

That said, succession planning at Apple is clearly accelerating. John Ternus, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, is widely viewed as Cook’s most likely successor. Earlier this week, Gurman reported that Cook transferred oversight of Apple’s design teams to Ternus at the end of last year. According to Gurman, this shift makes it “crystal clear” that Ternus is the leading internal candidate to eventually take over as CEO.

Design has historically been one of the most influential functions within Apple, shaping not just products but the company’s broader identity. Giving Ternus control over both hardware engineering and design significantly expands his influence and aligns closely with the responsibilities traditionally held by Apple’s top executive.

Cook has served as Apple’s CEO since August 2011 and turned 65 last year, an age that often coincides with retirement discussions at large corporations. Under his leadership, Apple has transformed from a company heavily reliant on the iPhone into one with a massive services business, custom silicon across its Mac lineup, and an expanding ecosystem of devices. That legacy gives Apple ample incentive to ensure a smooth and deliberate handover.

While it is increasingly clear that Cook’s tenure is moving into its final phase, the prevailing view among close observers is that Apple is not rushing the process. If Gurman’s assessment holds true, the passing of the baton is still many months away, with Cook remaining at the helm long enough to guide Apple through another full product and software cycle before stepping aside.