As Tim Cook steps down as CEO of Apple, Patrick McGee examines a legacy defined by extraordinary financial success—and deeper geopolitical consequences. Under Cook, Apple became one of the most valuable companies in history, driven by operational excellence, global scale, and a highly profitable shift toward services.
But McGee argues that this success came with long-term tradeoffs. By consolidating Apple’s manufacturing in China, Cook helped lower costs and scale production, while also contributing to China’s rapid economic and technological rise. In doing so, Apple became deeply dependent on a country that is now one of the United States’ greatest strategic rivals.
McGee highlights how Apple’s presence in China extended beyond manufacturing—training millions of workers, investing heavily in infrastructure, and adapting to government demands—all of which accelerated China’s industrial capabilities. At the same time, Apple largely avoided publicly challenging the country’s political actions, raising questions about the balance between business interests and global responsibility.
Looking ahead, McGee suggests that Cook’s legacy will ultimately depend on how U.S.-China relations evolve. While his strategy delivered immense returns for investors, it also exposed Apple—and the broader American economy—to significant geopolitical risk that the company’s next leader will need to navigate.
Visit The New York Times to read the full article.
Patrick McGee brings rare insight to audiences seeking to understand the future of global business and technology. A longtime journalist with the Financial Times and former reporter for The Wall Street Journal, he has spent more than a decade covering Apple, electric vehicles, and emerging technologies around the world. His reporting and bestselling book Apple in China draw on hundreds of interviews with executives and engineers to reveal how modern supply chains shape economic power. McGee’s engaging storytelling and deep research make complex topics accessible, giving audiences a clearer understanding of how technology, geopolitics, and global markets are evolving. To host him, contact us.
Anderson Cooper 360º: American spacecraft has landed on the moon for the first time in 50+ years
The lunar lander Odysseus, created by Houston-based company Intuitive Machines, successfully landed on the moon’s surface at 6:24p ET Thursday and has sent back its…
One reason so many are quitting: We want control over our lives again
The pandemic, and the challenges of balancing life and work during it, have stripped us of agency. Resigning is one way of regaining a sense…
Thought Leader: Amy Cuddy
Scott Gottlieb: How well can AI chatbots mimic doctors in a treatment setting?
This is an Op-ed by WWSG exclusive thought leader, Dr. Scott Gottlieb. Many consumers and medical providers are turning to chatbots, powered by large language…
Thought Leader: Scott Gottlieb
