Rumors are swirling around Apple's leadership, and it all boils down to Tim Cook. Word on the street is that Apple is quietly gearing up for his departure, possibly as soon as next year. That's according to a report that suggests the company's board and top brass are seriously prepping for a handover.

While there's no official word just yet – and, let's be honest, these things are always subject to change – the report hints that an announcement might drop early in the year. The idea? To ensure a smooth transition before Apple's big events like WWDC in June and the iPhone launch in September. Think of it like a carefully orchestrated relay race, where timing is everything.

Of course, Cook, who took the reins back in 2011, hasn't publicly announced any retirement plans. At 65, he's at an age where many in the U.S. consider hanging up their hats, but who knows what he's thinking? It's worth remembering that these are just rumors, and even insiders have different takes on the situation.

The Potential Successor

So, who's the frontrunner to take over? All eyes are on John Ternus, Apple's Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering. He's been with Apple since 2001 and, at 50, he's one of the younger faces among Apple's senior leadership. This could mean he would have a good run as CEO, bringing fresh ideas and energy to the role. It's like choosing someone who's seasoned but still has the stamina to lead the marathon.

Not everyone agrees on the timing. For example, Mark Gurman threw some cold water on the story, saying he doesn't believe anything is imminent. It's a reminder that even well-placed sources can have differing perspectives.

The good news is that this whole succession planning isn't tied to Apple's current performance. The company is doing great, with record revenues and a stock price that's near its peak. So, whatever happens, it seems Apple is in a solid position for the future. It's like they're saying, "We're ready for anything," which, let's face it, is exactly what you'd expect from a tech giant like Apple.