Apple has started pushing harder on its plan for life after Tim Cook. The company has held several internal discussions about who should lead the organisation when Cook steps down. People familiar with the talks say the board wants a smooth shift and enough time to prepare the next leader.
The focus inside Apple has turned to John Ternus. He heads hardware engineering and remains the strongest internal contender.
The Financial Times, which reported the development, says Apple has not reached a final decision yet. It also notes that people close to the company believe the transition is long planned and not tied to Apple’s current performance. One source told the publication that the company expects a “blockbuster” end-of-year for iPhone sales.
Leadership shifts across the company
The timing of the announcement is still fluid. The Financial Times says Apple is unlikely to name a new CEO before its next earnings report in late January. And yes, that period covers the crucial holiday quarter. If Apple announces the change early next year, the new leadership team has time to settle in before major events like the developer conference in June and the iPhone launch in September.
This succession story arrives soon after major leadership changes. Former Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams spent his final day at Apple this week. He had already handed most of his duties to Sabih Khan earlier in the year. Apple also completed a CFO transition, with Luca Maestri stepping down and Kevan Parekh taking over after leading financial planning and analysis.
Cook turned 65 this month. He once said Apple has “very detailed succession plans” and that he loves working at the company. Apple’s market valuation climbed from about $350 billion in 2011 to around $4 trillion today under his leadership. The board now wants to ensure the next chapter begins without disruption.
