citing three key reasons that made the timing right for a leadership transition.Speaking at an all-hands meeting at the Steve Jobs Theater, Cook said the company’s business performance, product pipeline, and leadership readiness had all aligned. “These three things all intersected and they intersect now,” he said, according to a report by Mark Gurman.Cook highlighted Apple’s strongest-ever holiday quarter as evidence that the business is “firing.” He also described the company’s upcoming lineup—including a foldable iPhone, AI-driven wearables, and smart home devices—as “incredible.”The third factor, he said, was the readiness of successor John Ternus, Apple’s hardware chief, who will take over as CEO on September 1. Cook noted that Ternus had been prepared over years through extensive discussions about leadership.Cook, 65, dismissed speculation about his health, stating he remains “healthy” with high energy, and will continue as executive chairman.Ternus, 50, expressed optimism about Apple’s future, calling it “the most exciting time” in his career and emphasizing artificial intelligence as a major growth area.Cook said he will now focus on global government and geopolitical relations while supporting Ternus during the transition.
