Apple disclosed in its annual proxy statement released on January 8, 2026, that CEO Tim Cook’s total compensation for fiscal 2025 amounted to approximately $74.3 million, a minor decrease from $74.6 million in 2024.
The package breakdown includes:
• $3 million base salary (unchanged since 2016)
• $57.5 million in stock awards
• $12 million in performance-based cash incentives
• $1.76 million in other compensation, covering items such as 401(k) contributions, life insurance premiums, vacation cash-out, security costs, and personal air travel
Apple requires Cook to use private aircraft for all business and personal travel, citing efficiency and security reasons.
While the company targeted $59 million in compensation for Cook — the same as in 2024 — strong company performance drove higher incentive payouts, pushing his actual earnings above the target. This structure ties a significant portion of executive pay to Apple’s results and long-term shareholder value.
MacDailyNews Take: Can’t see what’s coming except – for fat checks and endless stock awards.
Yes, executive compensation is out of whack. Tim Cook is vastly overpaid for what he does. This is because he holds a rare skillset and it benefits the shareholders to have continuity in the CEO position. Basically, Apple overpays Tim Cook in order to have a long-term CEO which provides confidence to the market. A succession of different CEOs jumping from company to company every other year seeking higher salaries would be a negative and justifies Cook’s overpayment. Cook is paid to stay more than for what he actually does. This is why he has vesting targets set years into the future. If he stays, providing continuity, he benefits and so does the company’s stock price. — MacDailyNews, February 18, 2022
See also: Apple CEO Tim Cook among the most overpaid CEOs, study finds – February 17, 2023
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