Tim Cook ready to leave in 2026? Total chaos at Apple

Tim Cook may leave Apple sooner than expected, and the details behind this hypothesis are intensifying the speculation.

This is undoubtedly one of the news items causing the most buzz on social media lately. But why such a decision? Who could potentially take his place? And above all, what will become of Apple without Tim Cook, who has steered the ship since 2011? I find myself asking the same questions as everyone else. Clearly, no one has the answers yet. However, I can already wager that this departure will bring about significant changes.

Tim Cook Leaving Apple? A Rumor that Doesn’t Arise by Chance

According to a report from the Financial Times, Tim Cook might leave Apple as soon as next year. The timing is anything but coincidental, as the tech giant is undergoing a strategic shift. AI is becoming a top priority, the iPhone Fold is set to make its debut, and regulatory pressure from Europe continues to mount. In short, it’s certainly not the ideal moment to lose the captain of this ship.

Nevertheless, several sources close to the situation indicate that this departure was “planned long ago.” Additionally, it is entirely independent of the company’s current performance. In fact, Apple is preparing for a record year-end for the iPhone.

This is not a sign of a company in crisis; rather, it suggests a CEO who feels he has successfully fulfilled his mission and is ready to enjoy a well-deserved retirement after fifteen years at the helm.

Is Anyone Capable of Replacing Him?

Rumors never linger long. Names of potential successors for Tim Cook at Apple are already making the rounds. First up is John Ternus, 50, head of hardware engineering. Not the most publicized figure, but a product guy, he oversees the iPhone, Mac, iPad, and everything that keeps Apple’s ecosystem thriving.

His relative youth and strategic positioning clearly work in his favor. Many see him as the ideal profile to reignite a cycle of innovation. While Apple may be sitting on a treasure trove, the transition to the AI era won’t be smooth sailing.

Another name frequently mentioned is Craig Federighi, the software maestro. Charismatic and popular, but older, these factors could weigh heavily in the decision-making process, especially as Apple seeks to define its vision for the decade ahead.

In any case, nothing is finalized. With Apple currently launching its Apple Intelligence suite and on the verge of a revolutionary product like the iPhone Fold, it cannot afford to make an uninformed choice.

Analysts are asserting that Apple will not make any official announcements until January 2026, after the financial results for the holiday season are in. This is to avoid disrupting the atmosphere during the company’s peak sales period of the year.