Apple has reached another historic moment: Tim Cook has now served as Apple's CEO longer than Steve Jobs ever did—even including his time as interim CEO. This milestone marks more than just a number on the calendar. It sheds light on two very different leadership styles, two very different eras—and a company that has undergone radical transformation in both.
Since Apple's founding in 1976, the company has been shaped by various personalities. Steve Jobs is in the spotlight as a co-founder, but he wasn't CEO for many years. Only during the crisis of the late 1990s did he return as interim CEO before assuming the official role. His successor, Tim Cook, initially Chief Operating Officer, took over as CEO in 2011 – immediately after Jobs's resignation. Today, August 1, 2025, Cook has officially served as CEO longer than Jobs ever did.
Two terms of office – a comparison in numbers
Steve Jobs served as Apple's CEO in two phases. He first served as interim CEO from September 16, 1997, to January 5, 2000—a total of 841 days. He then officially led Apple as CEO from January 5, 2000, until his resignation on August 24, 2011—a total of 4,249 days. This totals to 5,090 days. Tim Cook became CEO on August 24, 2011—the same day Jobs resigned. As of August 1, 2025, his tenure will reach exactly 5,091 days. This surpasses Jobs by one day—a symbolic moment in the company's history.
Steve Jobs before becoming CEO
Between 1976 and 1985, Steve Jobs did not have an official role as CEO. Although he co-founded the company and made key decisions, then-investor Mike Markkula insisted on appointing experienced managers. Michael Scott became the first CEO, followed by Markkula himself and later John Sculley—whom Jobs had personally poached from Pepsi. After an internal power struggle, Jobs left Apple in 1985.
Product developments under Jobs
Jobs' return in 1997 ushered in an era of groundbreaking products. Key developments include the iMac, iPod, iPhone, iPad, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Apple TV. On the software side, under his leadership, Apple launched iTunes, Mac OS X, Safari, iOS, the App Store, FaceTime, and iCloud. He led the company out of crisis, secured a $150 million investment from Microsoft, established its retail operations, and initiated the construction of Apple Park.
Cook's era: stability, scaling, services
Tim Cook led Apple in a different direction. He wasn't a charismatic visionary like Jobs, but rather an analytical strategist. Under his leadership, products like the Apple Watch, AirPods, HomePod, AirTag, Apple Silicon, and the Vision Pro were launched. The hardware remained innovative, but the focus shifted more toward platforms and services. In the software area, Cook was responsible for the launch of Swift, Apple Pay, and Apple Intelligence—Apple's new AI platform. At the same time, the services business was significantly expanded: Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+, and Apple Fitness+ are now integral parts of the ecosystem.
Economic development under Cook
Apple also experienced unprecedented economic development under Cook. In 2022, the company became the first company in the world to be valued at over $3 trillion. Cook oversaw major acquisitions such as Beats and Shazam, optimized supply chains, invested in sustainability, and further expanded the company globally. While Jobs paved the way for Apple's comeback, Cook led the company into a new phase: economic stability, diversification, and expansion.
Succession unclear – future open
So far, there's no official indication of Cook's imminent resignation. A clearly named successor is also missing. Observers assume Cook will stay for a few more years. It's even conceivable that he'll also take on the role of CEO.
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A milestone for Apple – and the next chapter begins
Tim Cook has led Apple into a new era – longer and more economically successful than Steve Jobs. While Jobs drove the technological revolution, Cook built a solid foundation and systematically expanded the Apple brand. Two very different leadership styles, both with enormous influence on the company. With Cook's new milestone, a new phase in Apple's history begins – and the focus is already on what comes next. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Wulandari Wulandari)
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