Apple Market Value Drops $630B Amid Analyst Calls for CEO Change, AI Strategy Revamp

Apple is facing significant pressure as its market value has dropped over $630 billion this year amid growing concerns about its lagging artificial intelligence initiatives. Analysts from LightShed Partners, including Walter Piecyk and Joe Galone, have called for a leadership change, suggesting that Apple needs a product-focused CEO rather than one centered on logistics, and have questioned whether Tim Cook remains the right leader to guide the company through the AI-driven future. These calls come alongside key executive changes, such as the departure of COO Jeff Williams and the promotion of Sabih Khan, yet analysts argue that more disruptive change is needed to regain innovation momentum. Critics highlight Apple's slow AI progress compared to competitors like Meta, Microsoft, and Google, urging the company to consider acquisitions of AI startups like Perplexity AI to boost capabilities, despite Apple’s historic reluctance to make large-scale acquisitions. While Tim Cook has overseen tremendous growth in Apple’s core products, including the iPhone and wearables, the company’s delayed AI features and missed opportunities have raised doubts about its ability to compete in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Overall, investors and analysts are pushing Apple to revamp its AI strategy aggressively to avoid falling behind in a market increasingly dominated by AI innovation.