Apple CEO Succession 2026: Tim Cook’s Possible Exit, John Ternus’ Rise – and How Much Money Is on the Line
Published: November 17, 2025 Apple is quietly edging toward the most consequential leadership change since Steve Jobs handed the reins to Tim Cook in 2011. Over the past three days, a wave of reports citing the Financial Times and The Information say Apple’s board has accelerated CEO succession planning, with hardware chief John Ternus emerging as the clear internal favorite to take over – possibly as soon as 2026. Business Standard+2MacRumors+2 At the same time, fresh coverage has shone a spotlight on how much stock and cash Cook could walk away with, and what a Ternus-led Apple might look like