Tim Cook will not leave Apple anytime soon: Gurman denies departure rumors for 2026
Contrary to a recent report from the Financial Times, Tim Cook does not plan to step down as CEO of Apple by mid-2026. In his Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman, who is generally well-informed about Apple’s internal plans, categorically dismissed this timeline.
Gurman: « I would be shocked if Cook left by mid-2026»
According to Gurman, there are no internal indications of an imminent transition. Apple has not initiated any visible succession process in the short term, and Cook — who just turned 65 — remains fully engaged in product strategy, including the extensive rollout of Apple Intelligence.
The journalist noted that the Financial Times report did not originate from sources directly involved in internal decisions and does not represent any strategic communication from Apple.
He also denied that it was a “trial balloon” meant to gauge public reaction.
John Ternus remains the chosen successor… but not right away
Apple is indeed preparing for life after Tim Cook, but not urgently. The most serious internal candidate is still John Ternus, Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering. He oversees the iPhone, Mac, and Vision Pro teams, and his scope has recently expanded.
However, Gurman stresses that there is no indication that Cook is set to hand over the reins in the next two years.
When Cook eventually does step down as CEO, he is expected to continue playing a significant role. Gurman reminds us that it is likely Cook will remain as chairman of the board, allowing him to keep an eye on Apple’s strategy.
A CEO of historic impact
Since succeeding Steve Jobs in 2011, Tim Cook has overseen Apple’s transformation into the first company to exceed a market capitalization of $3 trillion, launched significant products including the Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple Silicon (M series), and expanded Apple into services such as Apple Music, TV+, Fitness+, and iCloud+.
His stability at the helm is viewed as a major asset, particularly during this transition to generative AI.
