- Tim Cook surpasses Steve Jobs in days as Apple CEO.
- Both have marked different milestones: innovation versus expansion and stability.
- Cook's leadership has led to product diversification and record valuations.
- Cook's future at Apple remains without a clear successor and faces new challenges such as AI.
Tim Cook has reached a new milestone in Apple's history: He is now the CEO who has led the company for the longest time, even surpassing Steve Jobs, the brand's charismatic co-founder and most iconic face. This achievement underlines the transformation experienced by the company since Cook took over in 2011, maintaining a legacy that, although different in its approach, has preserved Apple's leadership position in the technology sector.
From the August 1th, 2025, Cook has accumulated 5.091 days as CEO from Apple, one more than the 5.090 days that Jobs added in totalWhile Jobs revolutionized consumer technology and business creativity, Cook has established Apple as a global leader in stability, growth, and diversification..
Steve Jobs and Tim Cook's careers at Apple
Steve Jobs led Apple in two distinct phases. First, as Interim CEO from 1997 to 2000, and subsequently as full CEO until 2011. Altogether, that period adds up to just over 14 years, during which Jobs radically changed the course of the company, launching products that have defined the technology of the last decades: iMac, iPod, iPhone, iPad and MacBook Air. In addition, he laid the foundation for modern Apple software with iTunes, Mac OS X, Safari, iOS, and the App Store.
For its part, Tim Cook took over in 2011 after Jobs retired for health reasons. Since then, he has Apple's focus on economic growth, globalization, and product diversificationUnder his leadership, new categories have arrived such as Apple Watch, AirPods, the Apple Silicon chip, AirTag, and Vision Pro glasses, in addition to services such as Apple Music, TV+, Arcade, News+ and Fitness+.
Cook has also led strategic acquisitions from companies like Beats or Shazam and has boosted stock market valuation of the company, which reached over 3 billion dollars. And to all this we add Cook's new intentions for take over some of the biggest companies in the world of artificial intelligence, which, if they were to materialize, could be among the company's most important acquisitions to date.
Style Comparison: Innovation vs. Expansion
While Jobs will be remembered for his innovative vision and its ability to reinvent personal technology, Cook has been the architect of a stronger and more efficient Apple, betting on a diversified and global business model. Cook's focus on service expansion, in-house component production, and financial strength has allowed Apple to better withstand market fluctuations. Learn how to optimize your Mac's performance to make the most of Apple devices in this expansion process.
Although some critics consider that Cook has had less capacity to innovate radically Compared to the launches promoted by Jobs, his management is characterized by consolidating products and services that are already part of the daily lives of millions of people.
Apple's current challenges and future under Cook
Currently, one of the company's biggest challenges is artificial intelligence and augmented realityAlthough Apple has been a pioneer in many areas, Competition in AI is fierce and rivals such as Microsoft and Google are setting the pace in this field. Cook remains determined to lead for several years to come, and strategies are already being considered to strengthen Apple's position., including potential acquisitions of companies specializing in artificial intelligence.
The market is also closely monitoring the future of products such as VisionPro, in which Cook has shown interest, although the initial reception has been lukewarm. Its commitment to a wider range of devices and services places Apple before new opportunities and risks, in a highly competitive environment.
The legacy of both executives reflects different approaches: Jobs' disruptive innovation and creativity against Cook's expansion and consolidationThe absence of a clear successor adds uncertainty to the generational change, although Cook continues to decisively consolidate his leadership.
With more than a decade in office, Tim Cook has managed to keep Apple going, adapting to challenges without losing his innovative spirit.His leadership, which has become a fundamental part of the company's history, continues to be the subject of analysis and debate among followers and industry experts.
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