Reports suggest that Tim Cook may step down as Apple’s chief executive as early as next year, prompting the company’s board to accelerate its search for his successor. According to the Financial Times, John Ternus, senior vice president of hardware engineering, is currently viewed as the leading candidate.
Cook, who recently turned 65, has served as CEO for 14 years. His leadership has been marked by both major commercial success and periods of controversy. He is widely credited for Apple’s move towards outsourced manufacturing, a shift that has allowed the company to scale its operations far beyond its earlier capabilities.
Rumours surrounding Cook’s possible departure follow the recent retirement of Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Williams. His last day at the company was 15 November, and his exit has led to notable changes within Apple’s top ranks, with several senior executives taking on expanded responsibilities.
Longtime Apple COO Jeff Williams’s last day at Apple was today. The retirement was announced in July. More in Power On this Sunday. Here’s how his giant role is being split up — https://t.co/bUCa3iPWPK
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) November 14, 2025
Leadership shifts inside Apple
Apple’s latest organisational changes have placed more responsibility on long-serving leaders. Services chief Eddy Cue has taken on a broader scope of work, while Craig Federighi, who oversees software engineering, has also seen his role widened. John Ternus, who is believed to be the primary candidate to succeed Cook, now holds a more prominent position as hardware engineering lead.
These internal adjustments are viewed as part of the company’s broader preparations for a leadership transition. While the board has not formally confirmed Cook’s departure timeline, the Financial Times reports that succession planning is now being handled with heightened seriousness.
John Ternus emerges as the frontrunner
Among the potential successors, John Ternus stands out due to his long track record within Apple’s hardware teams. His work has been central to several significant product developments in recent years, including device redesigns and the company’s move to its own silicon chips.
Industry observers note that Apple has typically favoured leaders who understand its internal culture and product philosophy. Ternus, who has spent many years working closely with other senior executives, fits this profile more closely than any external candidate.
Apple’s preference for internal leadership
Tim Cook has previously stated that Apple places strong value on promoting leaders from within the organisation. He has said the company maintains “very detailed succession plans,” reflecting a long-standing approach to leadership continuity. With this emphasis on internal talent, analysts believe the next CEO is almost certain to be chosen from Apple’s current executive team.
While no official announcement has been made, the combination of Cook’s age, the board’s intensified planning, and Jeff Williams’s recent exit has fuelled speculation that a leadership change may come sooner rather than later. For now, Apple continues to operate under Cook’s direction, even as the company quietly prepares for its next chapter.
