Apple has disclosed the compensation of its top management for 2025 in its latest annual report. The focus is once again on the income of CEO Tim Cook. The figures show how his compensation has developed compared to the previous year and how Apple's overall compensation structure is composed.
Apple's executive compensation has followed a clear pattern for years. A fixed base salary forms the foundation, while the majority of compensation is tied to the company's performance. Stock-based bonuses and performance-related incentives are designed to ensure that management's interests align with Apple's long-term success. The 2025 annual report provides detailed and transparent information on this.
Tim Cook's income in 2025
Apple CEO Tim Cook earned a total of $74.3 million in 2025. This is slightly less than his 2024 figure of $74.6 million. The difference is small, but it shows that compensation doesn't automatically increase every year.
Composition of remuneration
Tim Cook's income in 2025 consisted of several clearly defined components:
- The base salary remained at 3 million US dollars, as in previous years. This amount has remained unchanged since 2016 and represents only a small portion of the total compensation.
- The largest portion consisted of stock bonuses totaling $57.5 million. This stock-based compensation is designed for the long term and is tied to Apple's performance.
- In addition, there were performance-based cash bonuses of $12 million. These bonuses are paid out when Apple achieves certain financial and operational targets.
- In addition, Cook received $1.76 million in other compensation. This included contributions to retirement savings plans such as 401(k), life insurance premiums, payouts for unused vacation time, and personal security and travel expenses.
For reasons of efficiency and safety, Tim Cook is required to use private jets for both business and personal travel. Apple covers all associated costs.
Target compensation and actual earnings
Apple had set a target compensation of $59 million for Tim Cook in 2025, exactly the same as in 2024. However, due to additional bonuses for strong company performance, his actual income was significantly higher. Apple's compensation system thus primarily rewards strong operational and financial results.
Compensation for other Apple executives
In addition to Tim Cook, Apple has also released the 2025 compensation figures for other top executives. Several managers received total compensation packages of approximately $27 million each.
These include outgoing General Counsel Kate Adams, Chief Operating Officer Sabih Khan, and Retail and People Chief Deirdre O'Brien.
There was a change in the finance department in 2025. Former CFO Luca Maestri received compensation of US$15.5 million in 2025. His successor, Kevan Parekh, earned US$22.5 million in the same year.
This is how Apple's top-level compensation structure works
The figures from the annual report clearly show how Apple compensates its top management. Tim Cook will continue to earn the majority of his income in 2025 through stock options and performance-based bonuses, while his fixed base salary remains comparatively low. Despite a slight decrease compared to the previous year, his total compensation remains at a very high level. At the same time, it is evident that other Apple executives also benefit significantly from the company's financial success, and that the compensation structure is consistently geared towards performance and long-term development. (Image: HTSyndication / DepositPhotos.com)
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