Tech giants Apple faces pressure from analysts to shake up its leadership amid concerns over artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. Walter Piecyk and Joe Galone of LightShed Partners, a New York-based research firm, have questioned whether CEO Tim Cook is still the right person to lead the company.
The pair’s note, released on July 9, suggested that Apple needs a product-focused CEO rather than one centered on logistics. Replacing Cook would be a high-stakes move for Apple, but it may be necessary given the company’s struggles with AI. Apple has already faced pressure to innovate, with sales of smartphones slowing across the industry.
Analysts and researchers have been warning about Apple’s AI setbacks, including its delay in updating Siri, which is seen as a key indicator of the company’s ability to innovate. The company has also struggled with other high-profile projects, such as its Vision Pro headset and electric car initiative.
Despite Cook’s successful tenure, some analysts believe that fresh leadership may be needed to address Apple’s AI challenges. “He’s a supply chain guy,” said Ted Mortonson, managing director at Baird. “They need a tech visionary.” Others have suggested that Apple could address its AI woes through acquisition or deeper partnerships with companies like OpenAI.
The question of when it is time for a new CEO remains open, but analysts agree that pressure is mounting on the company to figure out its AI strategy. As William Klepper, academic director at Columbia Business School, noted, “Organizations go up and down… It’s just this nature of what we call the cycle of business.”
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/15/tech/apple-ceo-tim-cook