Tim Cook breaks Steve Jobs’ this record at Apple, what it says about Apple’s evolution

Tim Cook

has officially become the longest-serving CEO in Apple’s history, surpassing the legendary Steve Jobs. As of August 1, 2025,

Cook

has led the tech giant for 5,091 days—one day longer than Jobs’ combined tenure as CEO. This milestone marks not just a shift in leadership duration but reflects Apple’s evolution from a design-centric innovator under Jobs to a global services and hardware powerhouse under Cook. The transition tells a larger story about how Apple has matured, diversified, and continued to thrive even in a post-Jobs era.

Tim Cook surpasses Jobs’ CEO tenure: a historic leadership milestone

Steve Jobs served as Apple’s CEO in two phases: first as interim CEO (1997–2000) and then officially until his resignation in 2011, totaling 5,090 days. Tim Cook, who took over immediately after Jobs stepped down, has now served for 5,091 days and counting. Though Jobs is credited with Apple’s dramatic resurgence and visionary product launches, Cook’s long-lasting leadership has brought financial stability, record-breaking market caps, and expansive global growth.Steve Jobs was known for his intense, hands-on, visionary leadership style. He spearheaded revolutionary products like the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad. Tim Cook, in contrast, is a calm and strategic operator who optimized Apple’s supply chains, expanded into services, and championed sustainability and accessibility. Cook’s approach relies more on empowering teams and long-term planning, reflecting a matured corporate culture.

Apple's evolution under Tim Cook: Beyond the iPhone

While Jobs reshaped consumer tech with breakthrough devices, Cook diversified Apple’s ecosystem. Under his leadership, the company launched the Apple Watch, AirPods, HomePod, AirTag, Vision Pro, and its own Apple silicon chips. On the software and services front, he led the growth of Apple Pay, Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, News+, and Fitness+, turning Apple into a recurring revenue machine beyond just hardware sales.

Financial transformation: From billions to trillions

In Jobs’ final year (2011), Apple earned around $108 billion in revenue. Under Cook, Apple crossed a staggering $394 billion in annual revenue by 2022. More impressively, Apple became the world’s first $3 trillion company in market capitalization, reinforcing Cook’s reputation as a financial powerhouse who brought unprecedented shareholder value and stability.

The legacy debate: innovation vs. sustainability

While Jobs’ era is remembered for disruptive innovation and iconic product moments, Cook’s tenure is defined by sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term growth. Cook built on Jobs' foundation, but his success sparks debate: has Apple lost its spark of innovation, or has it simply evolved into a mature, diversified tech empire? Either way, Cook’s milestone highlights the company’s transformation from a volatile innovator into a global economic titan.

What lies ahead for Tim Cook and Apple?

As Apple continues to explore AI, spatial computing, and health tech, Cook remains at the helm with no official successor in sight. Speculation is growing that he may also assume the role of chairman, consolidating his leadership. Whether or not Cook eventually steps aside, his tenure has redefined what it means to lead Apple—and shaped the company’s trajectory for the next generation.