Tim Cook
Apple CEO since 2011; announced his departure on the Q2 FY2026 earnings call.
Last refreshed: 2 May 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Who replaces Tim Cook and what happens to Apple's AI ambitions after his exit?
Timeline for Tim Cook
Announced his departure from Apple on the Q2 FY2026 earnings call
AI: Jobs, Power & Money: Apple R&D up 33% as Tim Cook announces exitWhy is Tim Cook leaving Apple?
When did Tim Cook become CEO of Apple?
How much is Apple spending on AI research and development in 2026?
Background
Tim Cook has served as CEO of Apple since August 2011, succeeding Steve Jobs. On 30 April 2026, Cook announced his departure from the role on the Q2 FY2026 earnings call, the same call on which Apple reported revenue of $111.2 billion (+17% YoY) and R&D spending up 33% year-on-year to $11.4 billion, reflecting a significant AI investment push. The departure was announced without a named successor at the time of reporting.
Cook joined Apple in 1998 as Senior Vice President for Worldwide Operations and was widely credited with building Apple's supply chain into a global competitive advantage. As CEO, he oversaw the launch of Apple Watch, AirPods, the Apple Silicon transition, and the company's expansion into services (App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, Apple TV+). Under his leadership Apple became the first company to reach a $3 trillion market capitalisation.
Cook's departure coincides with a pivotal moment for Apple's AI strategy. The 33% R&D increase signals a major redirection of investment towards AI capabilities, and his exit raises immediate questions about the direction of Apple Intelligence, the company's on-device AI suite, and whether a successor will accelerate or reorient that strategy.