Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook flatly denied rumors of his retirement and reaffirmed his intention to serve long term. With concerns mounting over weakening artificial intelligence (AI) competitiveness and controversy over the departure of key executives, he moved to directly shut down uncertainty about his leadership.
On the 17th, Cook appeared on ABC's "Good Morning America" and, regarding speculation that he is preparing to retire, said, "I have never said that, and it's not true," adding, "I truly love this work, and I can't imagine life without Apple." He also said that after joining Apple 28 years ago, he is "enjoying every day" even now.
The remarks are seen as a response mindful of concerns raised inside and outside Apple recently. Around the end of last year, within a single week, Apple saw the departure of AI chief John Giannandrea as well as its top legal officer and its chief of core design. With even the possibility of the departure of Johny Srouji, who oversees semiconductor design, being discussed, questions about management stability have grown.
In the market, debate continues over whether Cook's operations-centric leadership fits the AI transition period. Apple failed to roll out the promised major overhaul of Siri on time and faced criticism for increasing external dependence by deciding to adopt Google's Generative AI model Gemini for iPhone AI features.
Still, Cook drew a line against any immediate changes. While calling AI a "very important technology," he said he would maintain the existing strategy that prioritizes privacy. Apple, which marks its 50th anniversary next month, is expected to unveil new products such as a foldable iPhone and AI glasses, but with the delayed Siri overhaul and tariff burdens overlapping, some say this year will be a proving ground for the Cook era.