Apple(US:AAPL) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-11-16 23:38Core Viewpoint - Apple CEO Tim Cook is likely to step down as early as next year, with current Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, John Ternus, being viewed as the most probable successor [1][3][5]. Group 1: Leadership Transition - Tim Cook, aged 65, has served as Apple's CEO since 2011, marking 14 years in the role [5]. - John Ternus, aged 50, joined Apple in 2001 and currently leads all hardware engineering teams, making him a strong candidate for succession [5]. - Reports indicate that Apple’s board and executives are preparing for the transition, with Cook expected to remain until at least the end of January before the next quarterly earnings report [3][7]. Group 2: Organizational Changes - The leadership transition is expected to be the most significant in over a decade, with other high-level executives, including COO Jeff Williams, also set to depart [7]. - Apple is considering external candidates to enhance its AI capabilities, indicating a strategic shift in leadership focus [7]. - Changes in the hardware department are anticipated, with senior vice president Johny Srouji evaluating his future, having led the development of Apple's first in-house cellular modem [7]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - Analysts suggest that the restructuring signals a desire to strengthen board oversight over management, reduce reliance on a single leader, and prepare for regulatory challenges [7]. - The next CEO will face significant challenges that will impact Apple's strategic decisions for the next decade and beyond [8].