Tim Cook Live Speech Kicks Off Outgoing Apple CEO's Last WWDC Event - CNET

Our gifting experts are obsessively searching for holiday gifts that are unique, thoughtful and suitable for any budget. Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Cook received a minutes-long standing ovation during his live speech ahead of WWDC. It’s Apple CEO Tim Cook’s last WWDC event before retiring in September, and he gave a surprise speech in person ahead of the company’s annual midyear software show. Speaking right before WWDC kicked off at 10 a.m. PT, Cook made a short address to those present at Apple Park, and received a minutes-long standing ovation from the crowd. Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, introduced Cook, calling him “the man, the myth, the living legend.” “I’ve never seen so many iPhones before,” Cook joked, looking around at the crowd of media, developers, creators and Apple staffers. Tim Cook makes a speech before WWDC 2026 kicks off. “I want to take a moment to express how important WWDC is to me personally and how deeply meaningful it has been to meet so many of our wonderful developers,” Cook