Apple Inc. is reportedly taking deliberate steps toward executive succession as the prospect of Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook stepping down becomes increasingly likely.

According to a recent publication by the Financial Times, discussions within Apple’s boardroom and top management circle indicate that a leadership transition could occur as early as next year.

The development is believed to align strategically with the company’s anticipated earnings announcement scheduled for late January.

Should Cook step aside, the timing may allow his successor ample space to establish leadership ahead of Apple’s major annual engagements, including the globally recognized Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) set for June.

Tim Cook, now aged 65, assumed the position of Apple’s CEO in 2011, following the resignation of co-founder Steve Jobs.

His tenure has surpassed Jobs’ in duration, and during his leadership, Apple’s market value soared from approximately $350 billion to an extraordinary $4 trillion.

Despite this monumental financial achievement, the tech giant continues to face mounting pressure over its approach and progress in artificial intelligence innovation.

Although no official decision has been finalized regarding Cook’s exit or the confirmed timeline, internal indicators suggest that Apple may be preparing for a smooth transition. Reports also highlight John Ternus,

Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, as the leading figure likely to succeed Cook due to his influence and experience within the company’s product development hierarchy.

Apple has not yet issued a formal statement addressing the succession reports. The global technology community continues to watch closely as one of the most consequential leadership chapters in modern business history approaches a potential turning point.

Source: Techcrunch