Tim Cook reportedly said “F— you” to Elon Musk who wanted to become new Apple CEO
Apple CEO Tim Cook had a heated exchange with Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk back in 2016 following a conversation regarding Apple acquiring Tesla, with Wall Street Journal reporter Tim Higgins claiming in his new tell-all book that Cook allegedly said “F— you” to Musk before hanging up their call.
As reported by 9to5Mac, the new Tim Higgins story claims Cook and Musk were discussing the soon-to-be-launched Tesla Model 3, with Cook proposing that Apple acquire cash strapped Tesla.
The book Power Play: Tesla, Elon Musk and the Bet of the Century, which goes on sale next month, claims Musk was onboard with the idea of Tesla being taken over by Apple with one condition, he would be CEO of Apple.
Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook and Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk are talking on the phone. The 2016 unveiling of the make-it-or-break-it Model 3 is coming soon, but Tesla is in serious financial trouble. Cook has an idea: Apple buys Tesla. – Musk is interested, but one condition: “I’m CEO.” – Sure, says Cook. When Apple bought Beats in 2014, it kept on the founders, Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre. – No, Musk says. Apple. Apple CEO. – “F— you” Cook says, and hangs up.”
The insight follows after Elon Musk claimed earlier this year he considered selling his company to Apple during its “darkest days”, but Tim Cook allegedly refused to take the meeting.
Well, this is a different perspective on Apple not buying Tesla https://t.co/Fn6yvfrxlP pic.twitter.com/T1xcIHCQCp
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) July 30, 2021
Apple is now rumored to be working on its own self-driving electric vehicle, which will be a direct competitor to Tesla.