Apple CEO Tim Cook is not stepping down, but an overhaul may be on the cards

There has been long-standing talk of a new Apple CEO taking the helm of the company, with many discussing who might be next in line after Tim Cook. Analysts are of the opinion that Apple may, in fact, need a new CEO amid the fast-growing AI race. The iPhone maker has quietly undergone a major restructuring of its management team that has sparked speculation about the future of the world’s third most valuable company, but as of now CEO Tim Cook isn’t likely to step down.

2025 has been a bit tough for Apple. It seems to be losing ground in the AI arms race by the hour as well as its iPhone sales in China are dwindling. There seems to be quite a lot of pressure on its leader-in-chief.

As per the report, despite Apple’s AI stumbles, sluggish innovation, and the erosion of its product-focused culture, the board still is not nudging Cook. According to the report, the board with loyalists like Arthur Levinson and Ronald Sugar, sees no reason to change what they still believe works. After all, under Cook, Apple’s market cap ballooned and its subscription business took off. Even the current 16% stock dip hasn’t shaken that faith.

Cook’s closest lieutenant, COO Jeff Williams, is retiring this year, leaving a gaping hole in Apple’s leadership bench. With no clear successor and no signs of a grooming process underway, Cook’s grip on Apple seems likely to last well into the next decade.

Several key executives are aging out. Half of Cook’s direct reports are in their 60s. CFO Luca Maestri is transitioning out, and Dan Riccio has already exited. Marketing head Greg Joswiak and App Store boss Phil Schiller may not be far behind. Services chief Eddy Cue is sounding alarms internally, warning that without swift change, Apple is taking a big risk.