Reports that Tim Cook may step down as Chief Executive Officer of Apple have intensified, with the veteran leader reportedly seeking to scale back his workload and move into a less demanding role within the company.
According to reports cited by The New York Times, Cook, who turned 65 in November 2025, has told senior executives that he feels increasingly overburdened and is considering relinquishing day-to-day operational responsibilities. Apple’s succession planning is said to have formally gathered momentum in late 2025.
Cook may remain as chairman
If Cook steps aside as CEO, he is expected to continue as chairman of Apple’s board, ensuring continuity at one of the world’s most valuable and closely watched companies. Such a move would mark the end of an era for the leader who succeeded Steve Jobs and became one of the longest-serving CEOs in global technology.
Under Cook’s leadership, Apple expanded far beyond hardware, building a vast services ecosystem while achieving record valuations and profits.
Internal contenders in focus
Apple is reportedly prioritising internal candidates over an external hire. Senior executives said to be under consideration include Craig Federighi, Eddy Cue, Greg Joswiak, and Deirdre O’Brien. All have played key roles in Apple’s growth during its most profitable years.
John Ternus emerges as frontrunner
However, reports increasingly point to John Ternus, senior vice president of hardware engineering, as the leading successor. Ternus joined Apple in 2001 and has overseen engineering for flagship products such as the iPhone, iPad and AirPods.
He is widely credited with steering Apple’s transition to Apple silicon for Macs and shaping the premium strategy behind iPhone Pro models — moves seen as central to Apple’s long-term competitiveness.
What it means for Apple
A leadership change would be one of Apple’s most significant transitions in decades. Analysts say a Cook-to-chairman shift combined with an insider appointment could offer stability while signalling a new phase of innovation.
Apple has not officially commented, and no timeline has been announced, but the succession blueprint suggests careful preparation for life after Tim Cook.