Apple Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tim Cook indirectly suggested that he is preparing to retire in the long term.
On the 5th (local time), Bloomberg reported that at an all-hands meeting, Cook addressed the succession issue, saying, "I spend a long time thinking about who will be sitting in 'that room' in five or 10 years," and "I even think, almost obsessively, about who will be sitting there in 15 years."
With much talk about changes in Apple's succession lineup, he hinted that he is preparing to retire. However, given that Cook mentioned a medium- to long-term timeline, it appears he will not step back from the front lines of management immediately.
He said that the retirement plans released just a few months apart by Apple Chief Operating Officer (COO) Jeff Williams, environmental chief Lisa Jackson, and general counsel Kate Adams were "carefully planned and not surprising." However, Cook did not mention John Giannandrea, who recently resigned as head of artificial intelligence (AI), or Alan Dye, the design chief who recently moved to Meta.
Cook said, "It is natural for people to retire when they reach a certain age, and that is entirely to be expected," adding, "Thinking about these things in advance and making plans is an important part of leadership."
Cook expressed strong confidence in the AI strategy. He said, "AI is one of the most significant opportunities of our generation," and "I am convinced that no company other than Apple can support customers in using AI in a deep and meaningful way."
Regarding concerns that competitors will launch new types of AI devices, Cook said, "New categories of products and services will emerge through AI," and "We are very excited about the opportunities AI will open up for Apple." He suggested that Apple is preparing AI devices in a new form, not existing smart devices such as smartphones.
On U.S. immigration policy, Cook said, "I've heard that some employees are anxious even about stepping outside their homes, and no one should feel that way." He added, "We have been able to become a more innovative corporations because we have attracted the best and brightest talent from around the world," and "We will continue making our case to lawmakers on this issue."
Cook also said that the company will prepare a commemorative event for its upcoming 50th anniversary in April.