Apple CEO Tim Cook may step down as early as next year.

According to the Financial Times, Tim Cook may step down as CEO of Apple in 2026, and John Ternus, the current Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, is seen as the most likely successor. The report states that Apple is accelerating its leadership transition plan in preparation for Cook's potential resignation as CEO as early as next year. After over 14 years at the helm of this $4 trillion company, the board and senior management have recently intensified their preparations for the handover plan. John Ternus is currently seen as the frontrunner for the position, but a final decision has not yet been made. Sources emphasize that this long-planned senior management change is unrelated to the company's current performance. The report also mentioned that the likelihood of Apple announcing a new CEO before the end of January next year is low.