
The Vergecast "After Steve" author Tripp Mickle / Fortnite’s back on iOS / Sonos’s voice assistant
May 6, 2022
Tripp Mickle, a New York Times reporter and author of "After Steve," provides a fascinating look into Apple's leadership dynamics post-Steve Jobs. He reveals the tensions between Tim Cook and Jony Ive while discussing how Apple shifted from innovative design to operational efficiency. They also dive into Apple's geopolitical challenges, including its ties with China. Additionally, enjoy insights on Starlink's new portability feature, Fortnite's return to mobile via Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Sonos's upcoming voice assistant and soundbar.
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Tim Cook's Political Acumen
- Tim Cook became adept at navigating political situations, including his relationship with Donald Trump.
- This political skill became essential for Apple due to its size and global presence.
Cook's Political Tightrope
- Tim Cook's ability to manage political relationships is both his greatest success and a potential point of criticism.
- His inscrutability is an asset but also obscures his stance on complex issues like Apple's dealings with China.
The Next CEO's Challenge
- The next CEO of Apple will likely need to be a skilled politician and operator given the company's scale.
- This is a shift from the product-focused leadership under Steve Jobs.




