Tim Cook Stepping Down Next Year? Rumors Firmly Dismissed by Mark Gurman

Reports by the Financial Times suggesting that Apple CEO Tim Cook could step down as early as next year (early 2026) have been firmly dismissed. In his latest Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman poured cold water on the claim, calling the report “simply false” and emphasizing that there is “almost no indication” within Apple that Cook is preparing to hand over the reins.

The Financial Times recently stated that Apple’s CEO succession planning had “accelerated,” even hinting that a transition could begin as soon as next spring. The article drew unusual attention, not least because it was co-authored by four reporters—prompting speculation that it might be a deliberate trial balloon orchestrated by Apple.

Gurman, however, was openly dismissive. Citing internal sources, he insisted the report was inaccurate and that Apple had not leaked any information to gauge market reaction. He stressed that since taking over as CEO in 2011, Cook has increased Apple’s market value from $350 billion to over $4 trillion, earning “the right to decide his own future.”

In other words, barring extraordinary circumstances, Tim Cook will not be forced out.

Another argument for Cook’s continued tenure is rooted in the broader political landscape.

According to analysis by Apple Insider, Cook has just turned 65—retirement age for many, yet he appears in excellent health. More importantly, observers believe he may prefer to remain in office until the end of U.S. President Donald Trump’s current term in January 2029.

As Apple’s essential liaison with governments, Cook may want to personally manage the fraught political dynamics of the Trump era, shielding his successor from facing intense political pressure on day one. If this is his plan, Cook would step down closer to the age of 70—a not uncommon scenario among leaders of major corporations. (Warren Buffett, at 95, remains at the helm.)

While the precise timing of Cook’s departure remains uncertain, the question of who might succeed him appears far clearer. Multiple sources point to John Ternus, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, as the most likely heir.

Unlike Cook, whose background lies in supply chain mastery, Ternus is considered more of a technologist—fueling speculation about how Apple’s product strategy might evolve under his leadership.

In summary, although succession planning is underway and Ternus seems poised for the role, the Cook era is far from its final act. Even after stepping down as CEO someday, he is widely expected to remain as chairman of the board, continuing to exert significant influence over Apple’s future.

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