库克时代即将落幕，苹果罕见裁员

Core Viewpoint - Apple, once considered a stable tech giant, has announced layoffs, signaling potential shifts in its employee-centric culture and financial strategies [4][10]. Group 1: Layoffs and Cultural Shift - Apple confirmed a "small-scale" layoff primarily affecting the sales team, marking a significant departure from its previous stance of job security [7][8]. - Internal reports indicated that over 200 employees were laid off in a single morning, suggesting that the layoffs may be more extensive than officially stated [9]. - The layoffs have sparked concerns about the erosion of Apple's long-standing "employee-first" culture and its financial robustness [10]. Group 2: Leadership Transition - Reports indicate that CEO Tim Cook may step down in 2026, marking a significant leadership change after over 14 years at the helm [14][15]. - Cook's tenure has seen Apple's market value soar from over $300 billion to an unprecedented $3 trillion, but criticisms regarding innovation and reliance on past successes persist [15][16]. - The simultaneous announcement of layoffs and leadership change suggests a strategic shift within Apple, potentially indicating a deeper transformation is underway [16]. Group 3: Potential Successor - John Ternus, Apple's Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, is being considered as Cook's likely successor, with a strong reputation for product knowledge and innovation [18][21]. - Ternus has played a crucial role in Apple's transition to self-developed M-series chips, which is seen as a pivotal technological shift for the company [21]. - His increasing visibility in company events and internal support from Cook and COO Jeff Williams suggest he is being groomed for leadership [23]. Group 4: Future Outlook - Under Ternus's potential leadership, Apple may focus on hardware innovation and operational efficiency, possibly leading to a more pragmatic approach to product development [28]. - Challenges such as the AI wave, the uncertain future of Vision Pro, and a saturated smartphone market will confront the new CEO [30]. - The transition from Cook's operational mastery to Ternus's technical leadership could redefine Apple's corporate identity and its impact on the tech landscape [30].