Tim Cook Stepping Down Next Year? Rumors Firmly Dismissed by Mark Gurman

Tim Cook Stepping Down Next Year? Rumors Firmly Dismissed by Mark Gurman, 24 November 2025, reports that Apple CEO Tim Cook could step down as early as next year have been firmly dismissed. According to The Financial Times, succession planning had accelerated and a transition could begin as soon as next spring, prompting much speculation about the future.

Gurman, writing in his Power On newsletter for Bloomberg, called the claim “simply false” and said there was almost no indication within Apple that Cook is preparing to hand over the reins. He cited internal sources and noted that since taking over in 2011 Cook had increased Apple’s market value from $350 billion to over $4 trillion, reinforcing his argument that Cook is unlikely to be ousted.

While John Ternus is seen by some as the most likely heir, the article suggests Cook could remain as chairman of the board after any potential departure, continuing to influence Apple’s direction.