Apple Analysts Call for New Leadership: Is a Change at the Helm Imminent?
In a noteworthy development last week, two research analysts from LightShed Partners, a New York-based technology, media, and telecommunications research firm, called for the replacement of Tim Cook as CEO of Apple Inc., the world’s most valuable company. The analysts raised concerns about Apple’s perceived lag in artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, a technology that is rapidly transforming various sectors of society.
Walter Piecyk and Joe Galone contend that Apple now requires a product-focused CEO, as opposed to one with a focus on logistics, to address the growing AI challenge and maintain the company’s competitive edge. The call for change comes amidst industry-wide slowdown in smartphone sales, a significant revenue driver for Apple.
However, replacing Cook would be a strategic decision that could potentially divert attention from Apple’s core business operations. Cook enjoys strong support within the board and has demonstrated staying power on par with other prominent industry leaders like Bob Iger of Disney and Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase. Under his leadership, Apple’s share price has surged, and he has overseen the launch of lucrative products such as smartwatches, earbuds, and digital services beyond the iPhone.
Despite the call for change, it is unclear whether Cook will step down anytime soon. The discussion about Apple’s AI capabilities represents more than just a standard product delay, as some analysts question Apple’s ability to innovate in this critical area. Notably, Ted Mortonson, managing director and technology sector strategist at Baird, remarked that Apple needs a tech visionary rather than a supply chain expert.
Apple faces numerous challenges in 2025, including trade tensions with the United States under President Donald Trump, restrictions from the European Union on its App Store operations, and an ongoing antitrust lawsuit alleging monopolization of the smartphone market. However, concerns about Apple’s progress in AI have been particularly pronounced.
For instance, the company has delayed the release of a long-awaited update to Siri that would improve its ability to handle complex questions and tasks. This delay has raised concerns about Apple’s broader AI efforts, as the company appears to be falling behind competitors in this critical area. Apple’s response to these challenges could involve acquisitions, deeper partnerships with industry leaders like OpenAI, or increased investment in top talent, according to analysts.
Under Cook’s tenure, several high-profile projects have fallen short of expectations, such as the Vision Pro headset and Project Titan, Apple’s reported electric car project. However, Cook has also overseen significant successes, including the introduction of the Apple Watch and the expansion of Apple’s market leadership in wearable technology.
Cook has been CEO for nearly 14 years and is widely respected for his operational acumen. He stepped out of Steve Jobs’ shadow to build a global supply chain and ecosystem of products and services that have maintained Apple’s position as one of the world’s most valuable companies. Despite calls for change, it remains unclear whether Apple will consider replacing Cook, given his substantial contributions and the potential disruption such a move could cause.
