Should Apple Replace Tim Cook as CEO Amid AI Setbacks?

• Analysts suggest Apple replace CEO Tim Cook for innovative leadership.
• Apple’s stock faces a 16% drop while competitors see boosts.
• AI innovation is critical for Apple’s future growth and survival.
• Cook’s leadership has seen a 1,400% rise in Apple stock since 2011.
• Speculation grows about potential successors to Tim Cook.

Analyzing Apple’s Current Leadership and AI Struggles

As Apple faces challenges in the rapidly evolving tech industry, the discussion about whether to replace Tim Cook as CEO is heating up. Analysts from LightShed Partners, specifically Walter Piecyk and Joe Galone, argue that it’s time for a significant change at the top. They suggest that Apple needs a leader who embodies vision and creativity rather than someone focused mainly on logistics and operational excellence. This reassessment comes as Apple appears to lag behind competitors like Microsoft and Meta in the artificial intelligence (AI) race, sparking fears for the company’s future innovations.

The Importance of AI in Apple’s Future Growth

In their notes to clients, which got picked up by Bloomberg, they highlight a troubling trend: Apple’s stock fell 16% in 2025, while Meta and Microsoft saw increases of 25% and 19%, respectively. This raises a pressing question: can Apple afford to miss the AI wave? LightShed partners caution that failing to innovate in AI not only threatens earnings but could also hinder Apple’s growth for years to come. They stress this goes beyond products; it’s about the very technology that the company needs to remain relevant in a fiercely competitive market.

Cook’s Legacy and Speculation About Leadership Changes

Despite these criticisms, many agree that Tim Cook has driven Apple’s success in the long run. Since taking over the CEO role in 2011, Apple shares have skyrocketed over 1,400%, dwarfing the S&P 500’s 430% uptick. Cook’s focus on supply chain efficiency and financial prudence have been significant contributors to this growth. However, the dissenting voices argue that under Cook’s watch, innovation seems to have stalled and the company’s culture appears less oriented toward products, which could threaten its long-term viability. Moreover, Cook’s leadership is now under scrutiny following the exit of COO Jeff Williams, once considered his likely successor. As Sabih Khan steps in to fill that role, eyes are now on John Ternus, who heads hardware engineering, as a potential future contender for the CEO position should the company decide to make a shakeup.

The debate about Tim Cook’s leadership at Apple is far from settled. With significant advancements in AI happening elsewhere, analysts argue that Cook’s traditional management style may not be enough to secure Apple’s future. Yet Cook’s proven track record cannot be ignored, and for the immediate future, a leadership change seems unlikely. As Cook potentially takes on more responsibilities within Apple, the focus remains on how the company will adapt to the evolving tech landscape. The next moves could determine not just the fate of Cook’s tenure but the broader future of Apple in the tech world, where innovation is more crucial than ever.