Tim Cook Says He's in Good Health and Will Remain at Apple as Executive Chairman for the Long Term
According to Bloomberg, former Apple CEO Tim Cook told an all-hands meeting that he plans to "stay at Apple for a long time" after transitioning to the role of Executive Chairman, emphasizing that he is currently in good health and full of energy.
It is reported that Cook held this internal meeting for all employees, during which he stated: "I am very healthy and full of energy, and I plan to stay in this position for a long time." Cook said that after current hardware engineering head John Ternus takes over as CEO, he will provide support in various ways and continue to offer his experience and insights when needed by the company. He emphasized that Apple will still be his "top priority" and said: "Apple has become the most core part of me, and I can't imagine anything else."
Apple recently officially announced its management succession plan, with Cook stepping down as CEO and Ternus taking over, while Cook himself will serve as Executive Chairman of the company. According to the company's disclosed arrangements, in this new position, Cook will continue to assist with some of the company's affairs, including communication and interaction with policymakers in countries around the world.
During the meeting, Cook told employees that he believes he can play a role in strengthening Apple's global relationships. When asked why he chose to hand over the reins at this time, Cook said that now is a "good time" because Apple is currently in "overall good shape," its product line is "very strong," and Ternus is also "fully prepared for the role." He concluded that these three points "converged at this moment, so now is the time for the handover."
According to Apple's previously announced timeline, Cook will continue to serve as CEO until September 1, 2026. Before then, he will lead the company through this year's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). By that time, when the next-generation flagship model iPhone 18 Pro and the foldable model iPhone Fold are launched, Apple will already be formally under the leadership of Ternus.