Tim Cook has opened up about life after stepping down as Apple CEO, saying he is deliberately giving new chief executive John Ternus room to lead the company and insisting that he is “not meddling.”
Speaking to The Independent in his first interview since leaving the CEO role, Cook described the leadership handover as an “interesting transition” that Apple had been preparing for years.
Cook stepped down as Apple CEO on September 1 after 15 years in charge, with Ternus taking over and Cook becoming executive chairman. The Apple Post reported at the time that Cook would remain involved with Apple, particularly around engagement with policymakers and governments.
Cook said the goal was to create a smooth leadership transition that could serve as an example for others, adding that the process had gone as he envisioned.
He also revealed that the timing of his departure was deliberate. Rather than remaining CEO for the launch of the iPhone Duo, Apple’s first foldable iPhone, Cook said he wanted Ternus to begin his tenure with momentum behind him as a major new product cycle got underway.
Cook described the iPhone Duo as “amazing,” with the device due to go on sale on October 23.
Discussing how he now works alongside Ternus, Cook said the pair have a strong level of trust and communicate frequently, but stressed that his own focus is now largely on worldwide policy and Apple’s relationships with governments.
Cook said he will help Ternus whenever the new CEO asks, before adding: “I’m not meddling. I’m not a meddler.”
He has also advised Ternus not to try to copy his leadership style, echoing advice Cook himself received from Steve Jobs. Cook said Ternus should make the CEO role his own and focus his time on the areas where he can bring the most value.
The interview took place at the newly opened Apple Music Hall at Battersea Power Station in London, where Cook was attending the launch of the Apple x King’s Trust Creative Labs initiative. Apple says the program will give young people access to creative workshops, Apple technology, industry expertise and mentorship over the coming year.
Cook was joined during the event by King Charles, while Elton John and Skye Newman also met and performed for participants at Apple Music Hall.
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