Apple Holds Farewell Party for Tim Cook, Who Mentions Partner Mike

Tim Cook, Apple's CEO for over a decade since 2011, will officially step down from his executive role on September 1, 2024, transitioning to Executive Chairman. Ahead of this change, Apple hosted a farewell party for Cook at Apple Park in Cupertino, California.

The event was partially held at Caffè Macs, the employee cafeteria located in Apple Park's iconic donut-shaped headquarters building, with live performances by the band OneRepublic in the central circular courtyard.

A photo circulating on X (formerly Twitter) showed Cook holding a guitar and posing with band members. Approximately 200 people attended the party, nearly all of whom were Apple employees.

During his speech, Cook publicly mentioned his partner, using his name 'Mike.' According to insiders, this was highly unusual. Cook has rarely discussed his personal life in public or semi-public settings—his only prior exception being his 2014 announcement that he is gay.

The farewell party featured speeches from several key Apple figures. Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, attended and delivered remarks. Former COO Jeff Williams, who retired last year, also spoke.

Additionally, Eddy Cue, who oversees Apple's services and health businesses, and John Ternus, the current head of hardware engineering and incoming CEO, both gave speeches at the event.