Tim Cook: I Trust John Ternus and Will Not Interfere

Tim Cook said he trusts Apple’s new chief executive John Ternus and will not interfere in his work. Cook stepped down last month and handed the role to Ternus, the company’s former head of hardware.

In an interview with The Independent Cook said: "First of all, John and I have extraordinary trust in one another. That relationship must be based on trust and our communication should be continuous and meaningful. But beyond that, my current focus is on international policy."

Cook added: "Engaging with governments around the world matters because we are trying to advance or support changes in various areas. This work involves a significant amount of work and I am active in it, and I will help him in whatever way John deems appropriate. I do not interfere in his work; I am not one to interfere."

Cook said he advised Ternus: "Make this job your own. Spend your time on the parts of the company where you can create the most value. That means do not imitate me; just as I did not imitate Steve Jobs. Each of us has different strengths."

Bloomberg recently reported that Ternus echoed that guidance to staff, saying: "I should spend my time in the areas where I can create the most value for Apple."

Cook said he had prepared the transition for several years and aimed to make it "the best management transition in history," a model others could study. He said almost everything proceeded as expected.

Ternus unveiled a foldable iPhone a few days after taking the role. Cook said he wanted to set conditions so Ternus would begin with "a tailwind behind him", meaning he would have the support and momentum needed to succeed.

Cook said his current focus on international policy represents a substantial workload and that he will support Ternus in whatever manner the new CEO deems appropriate.