Tim Cook just shut down retirement rumors as Apple’s chief

By Rachit Agarwal Published March 18, 2026

Apple is facing its biggest executive transitions since Tim Cook took over as its CEO. Many prominent people in key positions at Apple have left or retired from the company. There was also a rumor that Tim Cook would be retiring soon, but the veteran CEO has categorically denied these talks. 

The Apple CEO appeared on Good Morning America to personally shut down retirement speculation. Asked about reports that he was preparing to step aside, Cook told ABC, “No, I didn’t say that. I haven’t said that. I love what I do deeply. Twenty-eight years ago, I walked into Apple, and I’ve loved every day of it since.”

He added that he simply can’t imagine life without Apple. So yeah, he’s staying.

The retirement talk didn’t come out of nowhere. Apple had a rough end to 2024, losing its AI chief John Giannandrea, General Counsel Katherine Adams, and chief designer Alan Dye (although that might benefit Apple more than it would hurt) all within a few weeks. 

Probably the biggest rumor centered on Johny Srouji, who leads Apple’s silicon development, with reports suggesting he might be on the way out. However, he confirmed in a company memo that he will remain at Apple. If he had left Apple, that would have been a serious blow to the company.

But for now, I think Apple is in good hands. If Apple is failing in one department, it is artificial intelligence. Apple has repeatedly failed to deliver its promised Siri overhaul. It has since partnered with Google to power AI features on the iPhone, which is something Apple rarely does.

Cook’s appearance comes at an important moment. Apple turns 50 on April 1st and has a packed year ahead, including its rumored foldable iPhone, AI glasses, and redesigned M6 MacBook Pros. The market is also very volatile right now owing to tariffs, increasing RAM prices, the AI avalanche, and the war in the Middle East. 

Even if Tim Cook was considering retiring from Apple, he may have either reconsidered due to adverse market conditions or chosen to keep his plans under wraps to avoid causing concern among investors.