Apple will hold its 2026 annual shareholders meeting on Tuesday, February 24, at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time. The company will host the event online. Shareholders on record as of January 2, 2026, can attend, vote, and submit questions through Apple’s virtual meeting website.
To join, eligible shareholders must log in about 15 minutes before the meeting begins and use the control number provided in their proxy materials. Apple will conduct all voting during the session.
Shareholders Will Vote ‘On’
At the meeting, shareholders will decide on several key items. These include re-electing Apple’s board of directors, approving executive compensation, and confirming Ernst & Young LLP as the company’s independent accounting firm. Apple is also asking for approval of its non-employee director stock plan.
In addition, shareholders will vote on a set of shareholder proposals. One of them calls for a “China Entanglement Audit.” Apple has urged investors to reject it, arguing that the request is unnecessary and too restrictive for normal business operations.
Apple Waives Its 75-Year Board Rule
Two current board members stand out in this year’s election. Board chairman Art Levinson, 75, and audit committee chair Ron Sugar, 77, are both up for re-election. Apple’s own guidelines generally state that directors should not stand for re-election after turning 75. This year, the company has chosen to waive that rule.
In its proxy statement, Apple explained the decision in detail:
“Over the past four years, the Board has added three new members, representing over one-third of its membership, and two other long-serving members retired. In the context of this year’s Annual Meeting nominations, the Board determined that it would be in the best interests of Apple and its shareholders to ask Art Levinson, the Chair of the Board, and Ron Sugar, the Chair of the Audit Committee, to stand for re-election, and to waive for each of them its guideline under which directors generally may not stand for re-election after attaining age 75.”
Apple added that the board considered their “significant experience and expertise,” their “deep insight into the Company’s business and operations,” and “the benefits of continuity among the Board’s leadership positions.”
Levinson’s Role
Levinson’s re-nomination as chairman has drawn attention because of ongoing discussion about a future leadership transition. Industry observers have speculated that when Tim Cook eventually steps down as CEO, he could move into the chairman role. Keeping Levinson in place may allow Apple to maintain stability until that change happens.
For now, Apple is asking shareholders to support its full slate of directors and its main proposals. The company will also provide its complete proxy materials through the online meeting portal for anyone who wants to review the details before voting.
