Tesla Bull Ross Gerber Demands Tim Cook’s Resignation Over Apple’s AI Failures

Tesla Bull Ross Gerber Demands Tim Cook’s Resignation Over Apple’s AI Failures

In a stunning public rebuke, prominent investor and self-proclaimed “Tesla bull” Ross Gerber has called for the resignation of Apple CEO Tim Cook. His core argument? That under Cook’s leadership, Apple has catastrophically missed the AI boat and is now in a position of weakness, forced to rely on its rival, Google, to stay relevant [[4]]. This explosive critique centers on Apple’s recent deal to integrate Google’s Gemini AI into Siri for its next-generation operating systems, a move Gerber sees not as innovation, but as an admission of strategic failure.

Table of Contents

• Who is Ross Gerber and Why His Opinion Matters
• The Core of the Critique: Apple’s AI Strategy Failure
• Beyond AI: Gerber’s Other Grievances with Tim Cook
• What This Means for Apple’s Future and Investors
• Conclusion: Is a Tim Cook Resignation on the Table?
• Sources

Who is Ross Gerber and Why His Opinion Matters

Ross Gerber isn’t just any market commentator. As the CEO of Gerber Kawasaki, a well-respected wealth management firm, and a long-time, vocal supporter of Elon Musk and Tesla, his views carry significant weight in investment circles [[9]]. He’s known for his direct, often provocative takes on corporate leadership and technology trends. When an investor of his caliber publicly demands a Tim Cook resignation, it signals deep-seated concerns about Apple’s strategic direction that many in the financial world are likely pondering privately.

The Core of the Critique: Apple’s AI Strategy Failure

Gerber’s primary accusation is that Apple, once the undisputed leader in consumer tech innovation, has fallen dangerously behind in the artificial intelligence race. While competitors like Google and Microsoft have been pouring billions into foundational AI models for years, Gerber argues that Apple was complacent [[5]]. The result? A situation where Apple’s own AI efforts were insufficient to power the next generation of its flagship voice assistant, Siri.

The company’s solution—a partnership with Google to use its powerful Gemini AI model—is seen by Gerber as a desperate move that cedes control and strategic advantage to a competitor [[3]]. His now-famous motto, “Kill Siri. Ask Gemini,” perfectly encapsulates his belief that Apple should abandon its in-house efforts entirely and fully embrace Google’s superior technology [[10]]. To Gerber, this dependence proves his point: Apple now “needs Google to survive” in the new AI-driven landscape [[2]].

Why Relying on a Competitor is a Risky Play

This partnership creates several potential vulnerabilities for Apple:

• Loss of Ecosystem Control: Apple’s entire business model is built on a tightly controlled, seamless ecosystem. Outsourcing its core AI brain to Google fundamentally undermines this principle.
• Data Privacy Concerns: Apple markets itself on user privacy. Integrating a Google service raises questions about how user data from Siri interactions will be handled, potentially conflicting with Apple’s brand promise.
• Strategic Leverage for Google: Google gains immense leverage. It can influence the pace of development, feature sets, and even pricing, putting Apple at a disadvantage.

Beyond AI: Gerber’s Other Grievances with Tim Cook

Gerber’s criticism extends beyond just the Apple AI strategy. He has also taken aim at Cook’s political engagements. Specifically, Gerber labeled Cook’s attendance at a White House event as a form of “bribery,” suggesting the CEO is using corporate influence for political favor rather than focusing solely on shareholder value and product innovation [[2]]. This adds a layer of ethical and governance concern to his call for a leadership change, painting a picture of a CEO who is out of touch with the core mission of the company.

What This Means for Apple’s Future and Investors

Gerber’s comments are a stark warning to Apple’s board and its investors. The AI era is not a passing trend; it’s the foundation for the next decade of computing. If Apple cannot establish itself as a leader—or at least an independent player—in this field, its premium brand status and high margins could be at risk. For investors, this raises critical questions about Apple’s long-term growth story. Is the company still an innovator, or has it become a follower? The success or failure of its AI integration, starting with the new Siri, will be a key indicator. To understand more about the competitive pressures in Big Tech, see our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:big-tech-rivalry].

Conclusion: Is a Tim Cook Resignation on the Table?

While a Tim Cook resignation seems highly unlikely in the immediate term given his strong standing with the board and his successful tenure in other areas, Ross Gerber’s very public demand is a significant moment. It crystallizes a growing narrative among some investors and analysts that Apple has lost its innovative edge in the most critical technological shift of our time. Whether Apple can prove its critics wrong with a compelling AI vision of its own, or if it will remain a tenant in Google’s AI house, will define its trajectory for years to come.

Sources

• [[1]] Times of India: Tesla Bull sends ‘Google message’ to Apple CEO Tim Cook: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/tesla-bull-sends-google-message-to-apple-ceo-tim-cook-says-its-time-for-/articleshow/125364531.cms
• [[2]] Times of India: Tesla Bull Ross Gerber wants Apple CEO Tim Cook to resign: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/tesla-bull-ross-gerber-wants-apple-ceo-tim-cook-to-resign-says-one-of-the-reasons-is-that-company-needs-google-to-/articleshow/127697377.cms
• [[3]] SAHM Capital: Investor Urges Apple To Replace Siri With Google Gemini AI: https://www.sahmcapital.com/news/content/ross-gerber-urges-apple-leadership-overhaul-suggests-replacing-siri-with-googles-gemini-ai-for-future-growth-2025-11-16
• [[4]] Benzinga: Tim Cook ‘Needs To Go,’ Says Ross Gerber Because Apple Missed The AI Boat: https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/26/01/50179496/tim-cook-needs-to-go-says-ross-gerber-because-apple-missed-the-ai-boat-he-hasnt-done-a-thing-really-in-years
• [[5]] GuruFocus: Apple Faces Criticism Over AI Strategy, CEO Tim Cook Urged to Resign: https://www.gurufocus.com/news/8556978/apple-faces-criticism-over-ai-strategy-ceo-tim-cook-urged-to-resign
• [[10]] FTT News: Investor Ross Gerber Calls for Apple Leadership Change: https://news.ssbcrack.com/investor-ross-gerber-calls-for-apple-leadership-change-and-partnership-with-googles-ai-model/