February 3, 2026, 8:44 AM EST. Macworld's satirical columnist The Macalope questions Tim Cook's leadership in a piece that mixes humor with controversy. The column riffs on Cook's personal conduct, ties to high-profile figures, and the idea that Apple faces reputational angst even as it posts record cash and broad product momentum. It skewers iOS features, comments on how the company handles controversy, and suggests Apple's App Store remains a battleground for content issues. It also notes ongoing scrutiny of Cook's stewardship after years of stable growth, even as Apple ships popular devices such as the Apple Watch and AirPods, and faces criticism of its handling of partnerships and platform policies. The piece is clearly satire, not a straight news report, and is part of Macworld's broader commentary on Apple's public image and strategy.
