Apple is celebrating its 50th birthday today – and CEO Tim Cook is using the anniversary to talk about Steve Jobs, unchanged values and dealing with politics.
Apple was founded on April 1, 1976. Exactly 50 years later, the company is at the pinnacle of its history – as the world's most valuable company with over 2.5 billion active devices worldwide. Just a few weeks ago, Cook reflected on Apple's history and future in an open letter. Now, he has also sat down for an extensive interview with Esquire magazine. The conversation with editor Ryan D'Agostino reveals an unusually thoughtful Apple CEO, reflecting on his predecessor while simultaneously defending Apple's course in politically turbulent times.
Steve Jobs is omnipresent at Apple
Anyone hoping Tim Cook would focus solely on Apple's future for the company's 50th anniversary will be surprised. The CEO dedicates a large portion of the conversation to the man who co-founded the company in a garage in Los Altos: Steve Jobs. According to Cook, Jobs' life story – from his beginnings through his twelve years away from Apple to his triumphant return – still fascinates him today.
Cook describes how the preparations for the anniversary have led him to think about his late mentor even more often than usual. Jobs believed in the power of simplicity—not complexity. And he placed great value on teamwork: A small, well-assembled group can achieve far more together than any single member ever could.
The conversation becomes particularly emotional when Cook reveals that after Jobs' resignation as CEO in August 2011, he firmly believed Jobs would remain on board as Executive Chairman. Looking back, Cook admits that this conviction may have seemed naive given the circumstances at the time – but that's exactly how he felt then. Jobs passed away just a few weeks later, on October 5, 2011.
Perhaps the most remarkable statement of the entire interview: Cook describes Apple as definitely still Steve Jobs' company. This stance demonstrates how deeply the co-founder's influence remains within the company almost 15 years after his death.
Apple's tightrope walk in politics
The Esquire interview isn't just about nostalgia, however. Cook also addresses the relationship between Apple and the current US administration – a topic that has repeatedly sparked discussion in recent months, particularly after Cook's personal donation of one million dollars to President Trump's second inauguration.
Cook describes the Trump administration as particularly approachable. One can present one's point of view and be listened to, even if an agreement isn't always reached in the end. For him, this engagement is essential – not only in the US, but worldwide. Every country has its own laws, customs, and cultural characteristics that can only be truly understood through direct dialogue.
In line with this, Cook refers to a quote by Theodore Roosevelt that hangs in his conference room at Apple Park: "It is not the critic who counts." Shouting from the sidelines about whether something is good or bad accomplishes nothing – the voice is lost in the wind.
Values that do not change
When asked how Apple maintains the trust of its users in the current political climate, Cook gives a clear answer: through consistent values. Data privacy, accessibility, education, environmental protection, and treating every individual with respect – these are not negotiable positions, but rather integral parts of the company's DNA.
When asked directly whether his values had changed since taking office as CEO, Cook answered unequivocally: No. Absolutely not. They are exactly the same as on day one.
Culture as the strongest competitive advantage
The Esquire interview is the latest in a series of media appearances Cook has given around the anniversary – accompanied by worldwide celebrations with concerts and creative events. In a recent interview with David Pogue for CBS Sunday Morning, he emphasized that Apple's most important asset is neither patents nor products, but people and company culture. Intellectual property is important, he said, but it is the employees who create it – and the culture that makes innovation possible in the first place.
A corporate culture like Apple's is virtually impossible to copy, Cook said. It requires the right people, who in turn hire the right people – a process that takes decades and requires constant nurturing.
A CEO caught between heritage and independence
Tim Cook's Esquire interview reveals a CEO acutely aware of his role as steward of an extraordinary legacy. His willingness to still refer to Apple as Steve Jobs' company, even after 50 years, is remarkable—and speaks volumes about the philosophy with which Cook leads the corporation. At the same time, it becomes clear that Cook, who has now served as CEO longer than Steve Jobs himself, has long since established his own leadership style: pragmatic, open to dialogue, and consistently values-driven. The full interview can be found on the Esquire magazine website. (Image: Shutterstock / Anton_Ivanov)
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