Apple CEO Tim Cook may be preparing to step down from his role after leading the company for more than a decade. Reports suggest that Tim Cook has told senior executives that he plans to reduce his responsibilities and could step down as CEO sometime this year. However, he is expected to remain connected to Apple, possibly as the chairman of the board, even after leaving the top executive position.
This possible change comes ahead of Apple’s annual shareholders’ meeting in February 2026. Under Tim Cook’s leadership since 2011, Apple has grown massively. The company’s value has increased from around $350 billion to over $4 trillion, making it one of the most valuable companies in the world. Tim Cook has overseen the success of products like the iPhone, Apple Watch, and services such as Apple Music and iCloud.
Who Could Be Apple’s Next CEO?
With Tim Cook possibly stepping down, attention has shifted to who might replace him. Apple has not officially named a successor yet, but a few internal leaders are seen as strong contenders.
One of the most talked-about names is John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering. He leads teams responsible for key products like the iPhone, Mac, and iPad. Many industry experts believe John Ternus could be a good choice because he understands Apple’s products deeply and represents continuity in leadership.
While no final decision has been announced, Apple is believed to have a succession plan in place to ensure a smooth transition whenever Cook steps aside.
How Much Does Tim Cook Earn?
At the same time, Apple has revealed Tim Cook’s salary for 2025, which has drawn a lot of attention. According to company filings, Tim Cook earned more than $74 million during the year, even though the amount was slightly lower than the previous year.
His pay package includes a base salary of $3 million, a cash bonus of around $12 million, and stock awards worth about $57.5 million. He also received additional benefits such as security and travel expenses.
Most of Tim Cook’s earnings are linked to Apple’s long-term performance. This means his pay depends largely on how well the company performs over time, rather than short-term results.
