The CultCast The last three months of CEO Tim Cook? (CultCast #726)
Nov 20, 2025
The show tackles the thrilling prospect of a post-Tim Cook era at Apple, speculating on potential successors like John Ternus. iOS 26.2's exciting update allows Japanese users to replace Siri with third-party voice assistants via the side button. Meanwhile, the uncertainty surrounding the Mac Pro raises eyebrows as Apple pivots to prioritize other products. In a quirky twist, thieves in London are opting to return Android devices while keeping iPhones for their resale value. Plus, a peek into the most extravagant Mac setup showcases a blend of luxury and practicality.
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Board Preps For A Post–Tim Cook Era
- The Financial Times reported Apple is intensifying succession planning and the board may prepare for Tim Cook to hand over the reins in early 2026.
- Griffin Jones and Leander Canney note the story feels like a planted trial balloon tied to board timing rather than a definitive January plan.
John Ternus As The Product-Focused Front-Runner
- John Ternus is repeatedly named as a likely successor and is framed as a product-focused candidate compared with Tim Cook's operational background.
- Hosts debate whether promoting a visible product SVP primes the public for leadership change and continuity or signals a shift in strategy.
Board Age Rules Could Drive Succession Timing
- Arthur Levinson hitting board age limits may force governance changes and could prompt a formal succession timeline.
- The hosts suggest Levinson's board timing might trigger elevating Tim Cook to chairman and accelerating CEO selection.