Apple needs a new CEO? Analyst says Tim Cook not the right boss in AI age
As reported by Bloomberg, analyst Walter Piecyk from LightShed Partners has voiced that a change could be for the better. The analysts made this statement just days after Apple announced that its Chief Financial Officer would be replaced to make way for Indian-origin executive Sabih Khan.
This major shift seems to have sparked the debate all over again: does Apple need a new CEO? And where is Apple currently lacking?
MOBILE FINDER: iPhone 16 LATEST Price
Apple Needs A Product-Focused CEO, Analyst Says
Walter Piecyk told Bloomberg in a video interview that while Tim Cook was an incredible CEO for the iPhone era for Apple, the company now needs someone who's 'product-focused.'
'This is to say nothing of Tim Cook being an incredible CEO for what they needed during this iPhone era with logistics. But now, you clearly need someone that can move forward on a lot of the product development,' Piecyk said.
Apple Needs To Step Up With AI
The analyst also didn't sugar-coat their words when it came to their interpretation of the state of AI at Apple. He said that Apple has missed product cycles, with the big one being AI.
'It's one thing to pull the string on things like Apple TV, which were predicted for years and never happened, or 'Project Titan' which was a much bigger one, which was an autonomous car.'
'Huge opportunity, I think missed, by stopping that program,' Walter Piecyk said.
'AI, in general, not only is a missed revenue opportunity, but if you're not a major player there, and you're one of these large companies like Apple, Google, or whoever, you know, that in itself can disrupt you, " he added.
He added that Apple is clearly far behind in the AI race, and that the iPhone maker 'over promised' a year ago and that's being kind to call that over promising.
The analyst also called Siri 'not a good service', and labelled it as a 'real risk to the company.'
Tim Cook May Not Go Anywhere, Anytime Soon
So, while analysts have voiced that Tim Cook needs to go in favour of a product-focused CEO, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has reported a contrasting view, saying that Tim Cook is not going anywhere, but an Apple shake-up certainly is in line.
He says there are currently no signs to suggest that Apple CEO Tim Cook could leave the helm, and he says that the board is not asking him to either. This is despite the fact that Cook's COO, Jeff Williams, is going to retire from his position.
The report also adds that most of Cook's direct reports are not that young, and are in their 60s. This is why Apple seems to be overhauling its leadership, with people like Sabih Khan coming into the picture.
Having said that, considering many have said that Apple needs a product-focused CEO, people like John Ternus have been thrown into the limelight again to potentially succeed as Apple's next CEO.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
24 minutes ago
- Time of India
Apple pours $500 million into MP Materials in rare earths power move — Pentagon-backed deal sends MP stock soaring 11% to $53.85
Apple has announced a $500 million investment in MP Materials, the only U.S.-based rare earth mine. The deal includes building two new U.S. facilities — one in Mountain Pass, California, for recycling rare earths, and another in Fort Worth, Texas, to produce magnets for Apple products. This move aligns with President Trump's push to reduce U.S. reliance on China for critical minerals and strengthen national security. Just days earlier, the Department of Defense also invested $400 million in MP Materials, calling it a major step in creating a domestic rare earth supply chain. The deal comes as tensions with China continue to loom over global technology supply chains, especially when it comes to rare earths—materials that power everything from iPhones to electric vehicles. This bold step isn't just about business—it's about national security, tech independence, and a cleaner future. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Un simple sorbo antes de acostarse purifica el hígado y derrite la grasa del vientre Lulutox Undo According to Reuters, this deal marks one of Apple's biggest efforts to invest directly in U.S. production infrastructure. MP Materials, the company behind the only operating rare-earth mine in the country, will play a key role in making magnets from 100% U.S.-sourced and recycled materials. Why is Apple investing $500 million in MP Materials? Apple's $500 million investment in MP Materials isn't just another supply deal—it's a full-on strategic play to protect its future. Live Events Right now, China dominates over 90% of the global rare earth magnet production, a critical part in devices like iPhones, AirPods, and Macs. These magnets power the haptics, speakers, and other essential components. Any disruption in China's exports can cause serious ripple effects across the industry. With this investment, Apple is backing the expansion of MP's domestic magnet factory in Fort Worth, Texas, as well as a new recycling line at the Mountain Pass facility in California. These magnets are made from neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr), one of the most valuable rare earth elements. According to BusinessWire, MP will start shipping these magnets to Apple by 2027—and they're expected to go into hundreds of millions of Apple devices. How does this deal benefit MP Materials? For MP Materials, this isn't just a cash boost—it's validation and long-term business security. The company has already been scaling up with government support. Earlier this year, the Department of Defense awarded MP a $400 million contract to expand rare earth processing capacity. Add in Apple's funding, and the company now has a strong mix of public and private backing. MP plans to produce 10,000 metric tons of rare-earth magnets a year by 2028, up from the current output of 1,000 tons. That's a tenfold increase, and it could make MP the largest non-China producer in the world. This investment comes with real jobs too—MP's expansion in Fort Worth and Mountain Pass is expected to create over 500 new direct jobs and more than 1,000 indirect jobs in the next few years. What's happening with MP Materials stock after Apple's investment? Investors loved the Apple deal. MP Materials' stock, trading under the ticker MP, shot up as much as 12% in pre-market trading on the day of the announcement. As of midday Tuesday, shares were trading at $48.52, up around 3.4% on the day. The rally isn't just about Apple. MP stock has had a wild ride in 2025, surging over 217% in the past year, according to Barron's. The company has gained ground as global investors search for non-China rare earth sources. Analyst ratings are also rising. Canaccord Genuity raised its price target from $27 to $55 . Baird sees a fair value at $52 . Yet, MarketBeat still shows a cautious average target of $31 , reflecting the uncertainty around execution. Still, this momentum—backed by both Apple and the Pentagon—is hard to ignore. MP now has both defense and tech demand locked in , which could reduce its reliance on short-term market cycles. MP Materials stock reaction MP stock surged 11% after Apple's investment was reported, hitting around $53.85. It had already jumped over 50% following the Pentagon's announcement. Year-to-date, MP shares are up 90–110%, with analysts raising price targets up to $55. What about Apple stock? Apple stock moved slightly higher (~0.2%), trading near $208–209. Investors see it as a smart long-term supply-chain strategy, though the market reaction was mild. Why is this rare-earth magnet deal so important for the U.S.? This deal is about more than magnets. It's about controlling the future of clean energy, defense, and consumer tech. Rare-earth magnets power electric vehicles , wind turbines , drones , and fighter jets . By bringing this supply chain home, Apple and MP are reducing reliance on China while helping the U.S. gain control over a critical technology sector. The U.S. government has been pushing for this kind of investment for years. Now with Apple stepping in, private industry is finally matching that urgency. It's also a win for sustainability—MP's recycling plans mean less mining and less waste. With Apple now in the game, expect more tech companies to follow. This could be the start of a major reshaping of how rare-earth supply chains work—and who controls them. Is this a turning point for U.S. tech supply chains? The story of Apple investing $500 million in MP Materials is more than just business—it's a signal that big tech is ready to bring critical manufacturing home. With rare-earth magnets at the center of modern devices, this deal could shape the next decade of innovation. MP now has momentum, government support, and a flagship customer. Apple gets security, sustainability, and control. The market is watching closely—and so are competitors. If all goes as planned, the U.S. could finally break its rare-earth dependency and set the tone for tech production going forward. FAQs: What is Apple's $500 million MP Materials deal about? Apple is investing $500M in MP Materials to boost U.S. rare earth production and reduce China reliance. What does MP Materials do? MP Materials is a U.S.-based company that owns and operates the only rare earth mine in America. MP Materials mines and processes rare earth elements used in magnets for electronics, defense systems, and electric vehicles.
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
Centre rolls out ₹1,000 crore ADEETIE scheme for MSMEs to adopt energy-efficient technologies
New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Power on Tuesday launched the ₹1,000 crore Assistance in Deploying Energy Efficient Technologies in Industries & Establishments (ADEETIE) scheme to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises ( MSMEs ) in adopting cleaner and energy-efficient technologies . The scheme was officially launched by Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal at Arya (P.G.) College in Panipat, Haryana. The ADEETIE scheme , implemented by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), aims to provide financial and technical assistance to MSMEs through interest subvention on loans, investment grade energy audits, preparation of detailed project reports (DPRs), and post-implementation monitoring and verification. Interest subvention and budgetary allocation The scheme offers interest subvention of 5% for Micro and Small Enterprises and 3% for Medium Enterprises seeking loans for energy efficiency projects. Of the total outlay, ₹875 crore is earmarked for interest subvention, ₹50 crore for energy audits, and ₹75 crore for implementation support. According to BEE, the scheme is expected to mobilise ₹9,000 crore in investments, including ₹6,750 crore in prospective lending by MSMEs. Portal launched to streamline financing At the launch event, the Minister also unveiled the scheme brochure and inaugurated the dedicated portal ( ) to streamline the financing process for eligible beneficiaries. 'ADEETIE is a transformative movement to empower Indian industries, especially MSMEs, to become globally competitive through sustainability. With the right mix of incentives and support mechanisms, we are catalyzing investments in cleaner, more efficient technologies,' said Union Minister Manohar Lal. He added that various technologies featured under the scheme could help reduce MSMEs' energy consumption by 30–50%, improve the power-to-product ratio, and contribute to the development of green energy corridors. Focus on 60 MSME clusters, 14 sectors Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, said that BEE will play a central role in scaling up energy efficiency across 14 energy-intensive sectors and 60 identified MSME clusters in the first phase. He called for an enabling policy and financing environment to support MSMEs as contributors to India's climate goals. A.K. Singh, Additional Chief Secretary (Energy), Government of Haryana, urged MSMEs to join the initiative to move away from fossil fuels and adopt sustainable practices. Support for MSME-led clean transition Akash Tripathi, Additional Secretary and Director General, BEE, said, 'The scheme will offer both technical and financial handholding to MSMEs. As India focuses on export-oriented industries, energy efficiency must be central to that growth — both to enhance productivity and reduce emissions.' The event also included the distribution of appreciation certificates to MSME units that participated in the pilot phase, and signing of MoUs with industrial associations. Two MSME representatives also shared early success stories from their participation in energy audits and technology upgrades. The ADEETIE scheme is aimed at accelerating India's shift to a low-carbon economy by equipping MSMEs with the tools needed to reduce energy intensity and enhance competitiveness.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
27 minutes ago
- Business Standard
iPhone maker Apple invests $500 mn in rare earth producer MP Materials
Apple said on Tuesday it would invest $500 million into rare earths mine operator MP Materials, as the iPhone maker seeks to localize its mineral supply chain. The investment is part of a broader push to bring the production of its coveted iPhones to the United States and boost U.S. manufacturing amid a push from the Trump administration to cut reliance on China. Rare earths are a group of 17 metals used to make magnets that turn power into motion. China halted rare earths exports in March following a trade spat with U.S. President Donald Trump that showed some signs of easing late last month, even as broader tensions underscored demand for non-Chinese supply. Shares of Las Vegas-based MP Materials jumped 10 per cent to $52.37 in premarket trading. Apple said the MP investment is part of its $500 billion commitment to the United States. The agreement includes plans for Apple to purchase US-made rare earth magnets from MP Materials' Texas facility. It would be the first supply deal for MP's magnets since the financial backstop agreement with Washington. MP already produces mined and processed rare earths and has said it expects to start commercial magnet production in Texas facility by the end of this year. The two companies would build another factory in Texas to produce magnets and a new recycling facility in Mountain Pass, California, near the company's existing mine.
