Tim Cook’s time at Apple could be coming to an end, report says

2026 is going to be the end of an era for Apple – maybe?

According to a new report from financial TimesApple is currently planning to remove Tim Cook as CEO. And it could happen next year.

According to the outlet’s sources, Apple’s plans are not related to performance issues or any kind of negative outlook for the company. In fact, Apple is expected to break sales records this holiday season.

Cook has been Apple’s CEO for nearly a decade and a half and led the company through one of its most difficult times. He took over the position after Apple founder Steve Jobs stepped down as CEO in August 2011 due to medical reasons. Jobs died in October of that year.

John Ternes, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineers, is considered a possible favorite to replace Cook. However, there has been no final decision on Apple’s new CEO. Ternes has been with the company since 2001 and will be the same age at 50 as Cook was when he became CEO 14 years ago.

Turns has been appearing more frequently at Apple keynote events recently, possibly being prepared to eventually step down as CEO. They recently introduced the new iPhone Air at the September Apple event.

In form of financial Times Explaining, Cook previously shared that Apple has “very detailed succession plans.” Apple has lost some key executives this year as Apple Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri and Apple Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams both left the company. Both were considered close to Cook.

bloombergApple insider Mark Gurman previously reported that Turnus was being viewed as Tim Cook’s successor. However, in response to financial Times According to the report, Gurman shared that there is nothing on his radar that points to Cook stepping down any time soon.

But, if Cook were to step down as Apple CEO next year, don’t expect him to do so before an earnings report in January 2026, which will reveal how the company performed during the holiday season. financial TimesHowever, any time after the earnings report appears to be fair game and an early turnaround before Apple’s big keynote events starting with WWDC in June would put the CEO at ease,