Tim Cook’s last bite? Apple CEO to step down — Meet his likely successor!

Tim Cook, the man who turned Apple into a nearly $4 trillion behemoth(a truly next-level market cap flex), is reportedly getting ready for his graceful exit as CEO. If recent reports and leaks are anything to go by, Apple’s CEO might be looking to retire soon.

Now, the word on the street is that Apple’s board has eyes set on John Ternus, the Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, as his successor. Cook is expected to transition into the Executive Chairman role, basically, the respected senior family member who attends the big meetings but doesn’t have to deal with the daily hassle.

The Demand for an 'Engineer Vibe'

When Cook took the reins in 2011 following the passing of the legendary Steve Jobs, the company's valuation was around a respectable $350–380 billion. Fast forward 14 years, and Cook, the "OG" of supply chain logistics, has created wealth that makes Apple one of top richest companies globally. His career chronology is the stuff of corporate legend: joined in 1998, became COO in 2005, and then CEO in 2011.

But, the important question, as why this switch? There are multiple speculations, but age is a major one. Cook is 64 as of writing this piece, and has led the company for 14 long years.

But, while Cook was a phenomenal leader and logistics wizard, the kind of boss who makes sure every iPhone lands smoothly across the globe, many feel Apple now needs a leader with an engineering bent of mind.

The company is ready to bet big on innovation, and Ternus fits the bill perfectly. He’s has been the mastermind behind some major product strategies, including the groundbreaking shift to Apple Silicon for Macs.

He is deeply familiar with Apple’s DNA, which makes him an ideal internal choice to protect the vibe of design-driven innovation.

End of an Era

No one would disagree that what was started by Steve changed the technological landscape forever. The iPhone is, was and forever will be the turning point in the history of the smartphone industry.

But, under Cook’s tenure, Apple didn’t just grow its value; it fundamentally changed how we use our phones.

It was during his era that the company produced some of its most successful phones: the wildly popular iPhone 6 and 6 Plus (The most sold smartphone ever, with 222.4 Million units sold) that finally embraced larger screens, the revolutionary, button-less iPhone X that introduced Face ID, and the consistent, high-selling modern Pro lineups that are now basically a status symbol worldwide.

This executive shake-up isn’t just a change of bosses; it’s Apple pivoting its leadership from a master of operations to a master of engineering. It’s their way of asking: What is the next big thing, and who better to build it than the one who knows the hardware inside out.

It’s a transition needed to ensure that Apple doesn't just stay a trillion-dollar empire, but innovates too.