A recent report suggested that Apple might be preparing for CEO Tim Cook to step down as early as next year. It claimed that an announcement in early 2026 could support a smooth transition ahead of major company events, including WWDC and the fall iPhone launch.
However, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman pushed back against that idea. He said he would be “shocked” if Cook stepped down before the middle of next year. He also described the original report as premature and inaccurate.
Gurman Points to Stability Inside Apple
Gurman explained that he has seen “few signs internally” that Apple is preparing for a leadership hand-off. He added that nothing he has learned suggests Cook is nearing the end of his tenure. As a result, he expects Cook to continue leading Apple well into 2026.
Cook has been Apple’s CEO since August 2011. He also turned 65 this year, a milestone that has fueled questions about long-term succession planning. Still, his leadership remains closely tied to Apple’s growth in wearables, services, and its expanding device ecosystem.
Possible Successor Already in View
Although Cook is not expected to depart soon, one name continues to surface as a likely future leader. John Ternus, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, is viewed internally as a strong candidate to take the role when the time comes.
For now, Gurman suggests that Apple is not in transition mode. Instead, the company appears focused on upcoming product cycles and software updates, including its next major operating system releases. As the industry continues to watch closely, Cook’s leadership remains firmly in place.
