Apple's chief executive Tim Cook will leave his post in September, ending a 12‑year tenure that saw the iPhone transform the company's revenue stream and cement its supply chain across Asia. Under his watch the firm grew market capitalisation to over $2 trillion, rewarding shareholders with consistent double‑digit returns. His leadership also steered the launch of wearables and subscription ecosystems, diversifying revenue beyond hardware.

Critics say Cook’s reliance on low‑cost Asian factories lifted millions from poverty but increased U.S. exposure to China. A New York Times op‑ed lauded his performance for shareholders while warning Apple inadvertently strengthened Xi Jinping’s global clout. The argument fits a wider political push that treats globalization as a liability, reinforced by recent tariff measures.

Investors will zero in on the succession plan, noting Apple’s $200 billion cash reserve and growing services revenue. Such depth shields the firm from immediate tariff fallout and sustains its dividend trajectory. Cook’s exit closes a chapter; the coming months will test the new CEO’s ability to sustain momentum.