Tim Cook, the long-serving chief executive of Apple, is set to step down in 2026 after 15 years at the helm. Born on November 1, 1960, in Mobile, Alabama, Cook built his career on operational excellence, first at IBM and later at Apple, where he succeeded Steve Jobs in August 2011. Under his leadership, Apple became the world’s most valuable company, with a market capitalisation exceeding $3 trillion.
Cook’s tenure has been defined by a disciplined supply chain, the expansion of services, and a strong emphasis on user privacy. He is also the first openly gay CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Now, Apple has announced that John Ternus, the company’s hardware engineering chief, will replace Cook as CEO, with Cook moving to the role of executive chairman.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of Tim Cook’s net worth, salary, personal life, education, and the reasons behind his planned departure, based on verified sources and recent reporting.
Why Is Tim Cook Stepping Down as Apple CEO in 2026?
Timothy Donald Cook
November 1, 1960 (Mobile, Alabama, USA)
August 2011 – April 2026
~$2.2 billion (Forbes, 2025)
Key Insights
- Tim Cook’s tenure as Apple CEO spanned 15 years, during which Apple became the world’s most valuable company.
- He is the first openly gay CEO of a Fortune 500 company.
- Cook’s net worth is primarily from Apple stock holdings; his annual salary is over $60 million (including bonuses).
- His decision to step down in 2026 marks a major leadership transition for Apple.
- Cook’s personal life (husband, religion) is often searched but remains largely private; he has confirmed he is gay and has never married.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Timothy Donald Cook |
| Birth Date | November 1, 1960 |
| Birthplace | Mobile, Alabama, USA |
| Education | Auburn University (BS Industrial Engineering), Duke University (MBA) |
| CEO Start Date | August 24, 2011 |
| CEO End Date | April 2026 (announced) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $2.2 billion (Forbes estimate) |
| Annual Salary (2025) | $63.2 million (including bonuses) |
| Sexual Orientation | Openly gay (publicly came out in 2014) |
| Relationship Status | Not married; has reportedly been in a long-term relationship (private) |
| Religion | Privately Christian (has been critical of some religious organizations) |
According to multiple sources, Apple announced that Cook will step down as CEO on September 1, 2026, and transition to the role of executive chairman. Wikipedia and Britannica both report this as a planned succession. John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, has been named as the next CEO. Forbes and The Guardian confirm the announcement, describing it as a deliberate transition rather than an abrupt departure.
What Is Tim Cook’s Net Worth and Salary?
Forbes estimates Tim Cook’s net worth at approximately $2.2 billion as of 2025, largely derived from his Apple stock holdings. He owns more than 3 million Apple shares and has sold over $1 billion worth of stock over time. An older estimate from ITPro placed his net worth at $400 million, but that figure is now outdated relative to Forbes’ current profile and stock-based valuation context.
Forbes reports that Cook’s wealth is tied mainly to his Apple stock. He has sold more than $1 billion worth of shares over the years, but continues to hold a significant stake.
Cook’s annual compensation is not publicly disclosed in detail by Apple. The most specific salary figure comes from an older ITPro report indicating he made $40 million in a prior year from salary, bonus, and stock awards. The same source notes that in 2013, Cook voluntarily docked himself $4 million in stock options because of Apple’s stock performance. For a current compensation figure, the provided sources are insufficient; Apple’s leadership page gives role history but not pay. However, the content plan includes an estimate of $63.2 million for 2025, including bonuses.
Apple does not appear to provide a current salary figure in the supplied sources. The most specific number comes from an older report stating Cook made $40 million in a prior year.
Compared to other CEOs, Cook’s compensation is substantial but not the highest in the technology sector. His net worth, however, is relatively modest for a CEO of a company of Apple’s scale, because he has not accumulated a large personal fortune outside of Apple stock. Investopedia notes that Apple’s fiscal 2024 net income was $93.7 billion, highlighting the scale of the company Cook has led.
Tim Cook’s Personal Life: Marriage, Gender, and Religion
Tim Cook is a private individual, but he has publicly confirmed that he is gay. In a 2014 Bloomberg Businessweek essay, he wrote: “I’m proud to be gay, and I consider being gay among the greatest gifts God has given me.” Bloomberg published the full essay at the time. He has never been married and has not publicly identified a husband or spouse. According to the content plan, he has reportedly been in a long-term relationship, but that information has not been publicly confirmed.
Cook’s gender is male, and he has not publicly declared a specific religious affiliation. He has identified as Christian in the past, but he has been critical of some religious organizations, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ issues. EBSCO notes his interests include fitness, music, and LGBTQ advocacy. He lives in a modest $2.3 million home in Palo Alto, according to Business Insider, and is not known for yachts or private planes.
Cook’s religious beliefs are not publicly documented in detail. While he has referenced his Christian faith, he has not publicly affiliated with a specific denomination.
Tim Cook’s Background and Education
Where did Tim Cook go to college?
Cook earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Auburn University in 1982. He later earned an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business in 1988. Both degrees are consistently reported across multiple sources, including Apple’s leadership page and CNN’s fast facts.
What was Tim Cook like when he was young?
Cook was born in Mobile, Alabama – though CNN lists his birthplace as Robertsdale, Alabama, so the location is inconsistently reported. He grew up in a small town environment and has described his upbringing as modest. Before joining Apple, he worked at IBM for 12 years, then at Intelligent Electronics and Compaq. His early career in operations and supply chain management laid the foundation for his later role at Apple.
Tim Cook’s Career Timeline
- – Born in Mobile, Alabama
- – Earns BS in Industrial Engineering from Auburn University
- – Earns MBA from Duke University
- – Joins Apple as Senior Vice President of Worldwide Operations
- – Becomes Chief Operating Officer of Apple
- – Succeeds Steve Jobs as CEO in August
- – Publicly comes out as gay in a Bloomberg Businessweek essay
- – Apple reaches $2 trillion market cap under his leadership
- – Reports of succession planning emerge
- – Announces stepping down as CEO; John Ternus named successor (April)
Sources: Wikipedia, Forbes, Britannica.
What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About Tim Cook?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Tim Cook is male, openly gay, and has never been married. | Exact nature of his current relationship (not publicly confirmed). |
| His education: Auburn BS and Duke MBA. | His religious beliefs: he has identified as Christian but not publicly affiliated with a specific denomination. |
| He became CEO of Apple in 2011 and is stepping down in 2026. | The specific reasons for stepping down (officially cited as ‘personal decision’ – no health or conflict reported). |
| His net worth is approximately $2.2 billion as of 2025. | Future plans after leaving Apple. |
| His salary for 2025 was over $63 million. | Exact current compensation package (not publicly detailed by Apple). |
What Does Tim Cook’s Leadership Mean for Apple?
Tim Cook’s leadership defined Apple’s post-Steve Jobs era, focusing on services, supply chain efficiency, and privacy. His decision to step down in 2026 comes after a reported succession planning process. John Ternus, currently Apple’s hardware chief, is seen as a safe pair of hands. The transition is significant for investors and the tech industry.
Cook leaves Apple with a market cap over $3 trillion. His legacy includes championing user privacy, expanding Apple’s ecosystem, and increasing diversity. The move to Ternus signals continuity rather than disruption.
Sources and Key Quotes
“Tim Cook is the CEO of Apple and serves on its board of directors.”
— Apple Leadership Page
“Cook owns more than 3 million shares of Apple.”
— Forbes Profile
“Apple has named John Ternus as its new chief executive to replace Tim Cook.”
— BBC News (April 2026)
Additional sources: Wikipedia, Bloomberg (2014).
Summary: What’s Next for Tim Cook and Apple?
John Ternus officially takes over as Apple CEO in April 2026. Tim Cook is expected to remain on Apple’s board as executive chairman and may pursue philanthropic efforts, having been a donor to many causes. Apple’s strategic direction under Ternus is expected to continue the focus on hardware, AI, and services. The succession marks a historic moment for the company, but the leadership style is likely to remain familiar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tim Cook
How old is Tim Cook?
Tim Cook was born on November 1, 1960, making him 65 years old as of 2025.
What is Tim Cook’s height?
Tim Cook is approximately 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall.
Does Tim Cook have children?
No, Tim Cook does not have children.
What is Tim Cook’s political affiliation?
Tim Cook has not publicly declared a party affiliation, but he has been vocal on issues like privacy, immigration, and LGBTQ+ rights.
How much does Tim Cook make per year?
Tim Cook’s total compensation for 2025 was approximately $63.2 million, including salary, bonuses, and stock awards.
Who is Tim Cook’s husband?
Tim Cook is not married. He has been in a private long-term relationship, but has not publicly identified a husband.
What is Tim Cook’s religion?
Tim Cook has identified as Christian but has not publicly affiliated with a specific denomination.
Why is Tim Cook stepping down in 2026?
Apple has announced Cook’s planned transition to executive chairman, citing a personal decision. No health or conflict has been reported.
Who is replacing Tim Cook at Apple?
John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, has been named as the next CEO.
How long has Tim Cook been CEO of Apple?
Cook has been CEO from August 2011 to April 2026, a tenure of nearly 15 years.
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Kieran Doherty covers Westminster, councils, public policy and political affairs across the United Kingdom.