Apple CEO Tim Cook earned about $74.3 million in 2025, with his largely unchanged pay package reflecting board confidence in his leadership even as succession planning and retirement speculation intensify.
Apple CEO Tim Cook was paid approximately $74.3 million in total compensation in 2025.
In a newly-disclosed filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the 65-year-old boss’ compensation remained broadly flat year over year, dipping only marginally from 2024.
As in previous years, the bulk of his pay came in the form of equity, as Cook received a $3 million base salary, alongside $57.5 million in stock awards, with the remainder made up of performance-linked bonuses and other compensation, including security and private jet costs.
Apple’s board framed the package as recognition of Cook’s long-term leadership, which has seen the company navigate a turbulent operating environment marked by geopolitical pressure, supply-chain shifts and uneven growth across the consumer tech sector.
While the iPhone company’s share price lagged behind some AI-fuelled rivals in 2025, the stock still posted a modest gain – supported in part by Cook’s confidence in a record holiday quarter, results for which are due later this month.
The pay disclosure arrives amid renewed speculation about Cook’s future.
At 65, the CEO has reportedly discussed reducing his workload, and it has been suggested Apple may eventually transition him into a chairman role rather than an abrupt exit.
The filing confirmed that the board is actively engaged in succession planning and that Cook already qualifies for enhanced retirement vesting provisions.
The filing read: “Mr. Cook’s outstanding equity awards include a retirement vesting provision approved by the People and Compensation Committee in recognition of the unique impact of his leadership decisions on the long-term growth and success of Apple and to facilitate thoughtful succession planning when appropriate.
“Retirement is defined as a termination of employment after reaching at least 60 years of age and completing at least 10 years of service with Apple. Mr. Cook has met these requirements.”
Attention has increasingly turned to potential successors, with John Ternus, Apple’s head of hardware engineering, widely viewed as a leading internal candidate, though other senior executives are also considered part of the long-term plan.
Apple CEO Tim Cook paid 74.3M USD in 2025
