Apple CEO Tim Cook Addresses Succession, AI, and 50th Anniversary Plans

Cook discusses immigration, potential successors, and new AI product categories ahead of Apple's 50th anniversary.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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In an internal all-hands meeting, Apple CEO Tim Cook covered a range of topics including the company's stance on recent immigration crackdowns, potential successors like John Ternus, and the future of AI-enabled products as Apple approaches its 50th anniversary. Cook expressed strong support for the DACA program and promised to continue advocating for immigrant employees, while also hinting at new AI-powered product categories on the horizon.

Why it matters

Apple's stance on immigration and its leadership transition plans are closely watched, as the company navigates a politically charged environment and prepares for the eventual departure of its long-serving CEO. The company's AI ambitions also signal where it sees major opportunities for innovation in the years ahead.

The details

During the meeting, Cook reiterated his 'heartbreak' over recent immigration issues, saying 'no one should feel this way' about being afraid to leave their homes. He vowed to continue lobbying lawmakers on the issue and expressed strong support for the DACA program. On succession planning, Cook acknowledged the inevitability of his own retirement, noting he spends a lot of time thinking about Apple's leadership in the years to come. Many believe John Ternus, the company's senior VP of hardware engineering, is being groomed as Cook's successor. Cook also teased 'new categories' of AI-powered products, hinting at rumored projects like smart glasses and a home hub.

  • The all-hands meeting took place on February 5, 2026.
  • Apple is approaching its 50th anniversary on April 1, 2026.

The players

Tim Cook

The CEO of Apple Inc., who has led the company since 2011.

John Ternus

Apple's senior VP of hardware engineering, who is seen as a potential successor to Tim Cook as CEO.

Jeff Williams

Apple's former chief operating officer, who is planning to retire.

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What they’re saying

“Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, no matter where they come from.”

— Tim Cook, CEO (Bloomberg)

“I love you if you're on DACA. I will personally advocate for you. I am a huge believer in the program.”

— Tim Cook, CEO (Bloomberg)

“I spend a lot of time thinking about who's in the room five years from now, 10 years from now. I am obsessed with this — who's in the room 15 years from now.”

— Tim Cook, CEO (Bloomberg)

What’s next

Apple is expected to celebrate its 50th anniversary on April 1, 2026, though the company has not yet announced any specific plans for public-facing events or product launches to mark the milestone.

The takeaway

Tim Cook's comments at the internal all-hands meeting underscore Apple's commitment to supporting its immigrant employees, its focus on long-term leadership succession planning, and its ambitious plans for AI-powered products as the company approaches its 50th year in business.