A new report about the potential successors to Apple CEO Tim Cook throws Tony Fadell's name into the ring, in case you needed reminding how incredibly wild the news cycle is getting on the subject.
The iPod touch was discontinued in 2022 after 15 years on the market and 12 years after Tony Fadell, former Apple iPod VP, left the company. So, it may surprise anyone to hear that a report, from a publication charging hundreds for the privilege of reading, suggested that Tony Fadell is a potential Cook successor.
According to a report from The Information seen by 9to5Mac, Fadell has personally tossed his name into the ring of potential choices. Of course, the report immediately dismisses the idea, suggesting that "people close to Apple" don't see Fadell as a likely candidate.
Fadell's inclusion in the list, which includes the usual John Ternus and other obvious choices, feels like a wild card for shock factor. Incredibly, it attempts to recover credibility with the mention by suggesting unnamed "former Apple executives" support Fadell taking over as CEO as a shake-up method.
I'm not sure why it needs to be said, but no, Tony Fadell will not be Apple's next CEO.
A hyperbolic news cycle
There is nothing more tantalizing in tech journalism today than speculating about who might replace Tim Cook as CEO of the world's most successful consumer electronics company. Every whisper of a potential option is treated seriously in the hopes of appearing prophetic if the long shot bet pulls through.
Apple's CEO succession predictions is an irresistible topic
It appears that these unnamed former Apple executives hope for a "dark-horse candidate" from outside of Apple. Considering how Apple works, and how it has always worked since Jobs' return in 1997, there is almost a guarantee the CEO will be someone from inside the company.
We're not prophets here, so we won't say it is impossible, just highly improbable that Apple would turn to an outside person for the job.
Recent reports have suggested that Cook will step down in 2026, which has amplified these succession discussions. However, it is very unlikely that Cook will leave anytime soon.
AppleInsider believes Cook will remain at least until 2029, which would ensure the successor would be fully removed from the current, controversial administration. There is a stain that won't be easy to wash off in dealing with the Trump administration, and it seems Cook is intent on keeping that isolated to him.
Multiple departures were revealed recently, but most are due to Apple's leadership page having so many closing in on retirement. Don't forget, Apple is a giant made up of many brilliant minds, and a handful of departures will likely have little effect on the whole.
