Tim Cook Could Step Down as Apple CEO Next Year

Succession Planning Accelerates

The Financial Times reports that Apple has intensified preparations for Tim Cook’s eventual exit, with internal discussions picking up in recent weeks.

John Ternus as Leading Candidate

Hardware engineering chief John Ternus is considered the frontrunner, though no final decision has been made.

Not Performance-Related

Sources say the accelerated planning isn’t tied to Apple’s current performance, with a strong holiday quarter still expected.

Timing Still Uncertain

Apple likely won’t announce a new CEO before its late-January earnings call, and the timeline could shift.

Leadership Changes Continue

This comes as former COO Jeff Williams retires and Apple completes its CFO transition from Luca Maestri to Kevan Parekh.