Why writing off Apple’s Tim Cook could be a classic CEO succession mistake

As pressure mounts on Apple over its perceived lag in AI development and breakthrough products, a new narrative is gaining traction: Perhaps it’s time for CEO Tim Cook to step down. After all, the argument goes, Apple needs a product visionary, not an operational maestro, to navigate this next era of disruption.

Yet for fast-rising executives watching closely, a cautionary tale is unfolding—one that underscores how easy it is to undervalue a proven leader, especially during moments of upheaval.