Apple CEO Tim Cook may retire next year:Joined the company at 28, he could exit after launching foldable iPhone as his last major product

Apple is reportedly preparing to launch its first foldable iPhone in 2026, and industry speculation suggests it could be the final major product overseen by CEO Tim Cook. Cook joined Apple in 1998—when the company was struggling—leaving a secure role as inventory chief at another firm. Though his decision was widely criticised then, Cook, backed by Steve Jobs’ trust, went on to help transform Apple into a tech giant valued at ₹357 lakh crore. Here’s a look at the remarkable journey of the tech billionaire: 1. Early Inspiration: A Father Who Taught the Value of Hard Work Cook’s drive to earn began early. By age 12, he was delivering newspapers, waking up at 3 a.m. before school. He often says his father taught him the “value of hard work,” a lesson that shaped his life. At 16, unable to afford a typewriter, he handwrote an entire essay for a competition—and won. 2. Skills Leadership: Helping Steve Jobs Rebuild Apple In 1998, Cook joined Apple as Senior Vice President at Steve Jobs’ request. At the time, Apple was valued at just $3.02 billion (about ₹27,000 crore) and was in deep trouble.
Cook quickly took charge of operations and the global supply chain. By 2005, he was COO, helping Jobs launch landmark products like the iPhone and iPad.
Following Jobs’ passing, Cook became CEO in 2011. Under his leadership, Apple became the world’s first $3 trillion company—today worth around $4 trillion. 3. Impact: Added ₹6,273 Crore in Market Value Every Day In Cook’s 14-year tenure as CEO: This translates to adding nearly ₹6,273 crore in market value daily. Only NVIDIA’s Jensen Huang surpasses Cook in generating wealth for shareholders. According to The Economist, no global CEO matches Cook’s contribution of $1 trillion (around ₹89 lakh crore) in total company revenue. 4. Life Philosophy: A ₹23,000-Crore Net Worth, but No Luxury Lifestyle Born on November 1, 1960, in Alabama, Cook is the son of a shipyard worker and a mother employed in pharmaceuticals. He was the first in his family to attend college. Cook never married and publicly came out as gay in 2014. In 2009, he even volunteered to donate part of his liver to Steve Jobs during his cancer treatment. Despite having a personal wealth of about ₹23,000 crore and an annual compensation of ₹643 crore, Cook lives modestly—no flashy cars, no lavish homes. His focus is work. His daily routine includes waking up at 5 a.m., reviewing hundreds of emails, and heading to the gym before starting his workday. ​