When Will Tim Cook Step Down? 'I’ll Do It When It’s Time', Says Apple CEO

Apple CEO Tim Cook upon being asked when will he step down said, “I get asked that question now more than I used to, as I age, as my hair turns gray."

Tim Cook, who took over as Apple’s CEO in August 2011, has been steering the tech giant for over 13 years. Under his leadership, the company has undergone significant transformations, including the departure of some key executives. Despite these changes, Cook remains committed to his role. In a recent interview, he was asked about his future with the company. While he didn’t specify when he might step down, Cook described his tenure as “a privilege of a lifetime” and expressed his intent to continue until he feels it’s the right time to transition.

Speaking with Wired, Cook reflected on how deeply intertwined Apple is with his life, having joined the company in 1998. He admitted that it’s difficult for him to imagine life without it. The Apple CEO said, “I get asked that question now more than I used to, as I age, as my hair turns gray. I love this place, I love it and I love the people I work with. It’s the privilege of a lifetime to be here and I’ll do it until the voice in my head says, ‘It’s time,’ and then I’ll go and focus on what the next chapter looks like. My life has been wrapped up in this company since 1998."

Before taking on the role of Apple’s CEO in 2011, Tim Cook served as the company’s chief operating officer, overseeing global operations, sales, and supply chain management. He also managed sales and customer support in various international markets. Prior to joining Apple in 1998, Cook held the position of vice president of Corporate Materials at Compaq. He was recruited to Apple by Steve Jobs himself. During Jobs’ medical leaves, Cook stepped in as interim CEO, successfully steering the company until Jobs resumed his leadership role.

What Troubles Tim Cook

Under the leadership of Cook, Apple has unveiled a number of popular products including Apple Watch and Vision Pro. Despite such innovations, what troubles Tim Cook is the impact of excessive screen time. He said, “I worry about people endlessly scrolling."

He also emphasised the significance of tools like notification limits and parental controls to encourage healthier habits. He further added, “If you’re looking at your phone more than you’re looking in somebody’s eyes, that’s a problem."